How much HP does a Chevy 572 have?
Commonly, the Chevy 572 crate engine is rated at 620 horsepower, with a higher-performance variant delivering around 720 horsepower. The exact figure depends on the specific 572 configuration and tuning.
Understanding the 572 engine family
The designation “572” refers to a 572 cubic-inch (9.38-liter) big-block V8. It’s widely used in GM Performance Parts crate engines and in custom builds for high-performance street and race applications. horsepower numbers vary by the exact setup, induction system, and compression, even though the displacement remains the same.
GM Performance Parts 572 options
GM Performance Parts currently offers two primary 572 options. The following list summarizes the main configurations and their advertised horsepower figures.
- ZZ572/620 crate engine — 620 horsepower
- ZZ572/720R crate engine — 720 horsepower
These engines share the same 572 cubic-inch displacement but differ in induction, tuning, and component selection. The 620 version is typically chosen for broad street use with strong midrange torque, while the 720R is built for higher-RPM performance and peak power.
Other ways to achieve higher horsepower with a 572
Beyond the two GM crate options, enthusiasts and builders can push 572s beyond 700 horsepower through aftermarket parts, custom tuning, and forced induction. Common approaches include the following:
- Supercharging or turbocharging to dramatically increase airflow and fuel delivery
- Upgraded cylinder heads, camshafts, and intake manifolds to improve airflow
- Enhanced exhaust systems and fuel delivery to support higher power levels
- Strategic use of nitrous oxide for short-term horsepower boosts
When increasing horsepower, it is essential to match cooling, lubrication, ignition timing, fuel delivery, and drivetrain components to the new power level to maintain reliability and safety.
What affects horsepower on a 572
Several factors determine the final horsepower of a Chevy 572 build. Key influences include:
- Displacement remains fixed at 572 cu in, but bore/stroke and deck height can affect efficiency
- Compression ratio and camshaft timing
- Cylinder head design and airflow characteristics
- Induction system (carbureted vs. EFI) and intake manifold
- Exhaust system and header quality
- Fuel system capability and octane requirements
- Forced induction or nitrous usage
- RPM range and reliability considerations for the intended application
For street-driven applications, horsepower is typically lower and more driveable, while race-focused builds can push well beyond the crate figures with proper engineering.
Summary
The Chevy 572 offers at least two prominent factory options from GM Performance Parts: the ZZ572/620 at about 620 hp and the ZZ572/720R at about 720 hp. Real-world horsepower varies with configuration, tuning, and whether forced induction or nitrous is used. For enthusiasts, a 572 can range from the 620 hp baseline to well over 700 hp with the right combination of parts and tuning.
How much horsepower does a 572 put out?
between 620 to 750 horsepower
The horsepower output of a 572 Big Block crate motor can vary depending on the specific configuration and modifications made to the engine by the manufacturer offering it. However, generally speaking, a 572 Big Block crate engine can produce between 620 to 750 horsepower and 645 to 710 lb-ft of torque.
What makes a 572 big block engine special?
It features a big-bore 4.5" block and a 4.5" stroke, along with massive aluminum cylinder heads designed to flow huge amounts of air. Rated around 655 horsepower and 710 lb-ft of torque, the Boss 572 is a naturally aspirated powerhouse. It uses a solid roller camshaft, forged internals, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio.
What is the difference between a 572 and 632?
The ZZ632's iron block shares a mold with Chevrolet Performance's ZZ572 crate engines, but the castings are machined to accommodate the massive 632-cubic-inch displacement. The bore grows by 0.040 inch compared to the 572-cubic-inch V-8s, with most of the displacement gain coming from a stroke that's 0.375 inch longer.
How much HP does a 632 Big Block have?
A 632 big block engine can produce from approximately 840 horsepower for a streetable pump gas version to over 1,300 horsepower in a dedicated drag race setup, with a popular naturally aspirated race version from Chevrolet making 1,004 horsepower. The horsepower output varies significantly depending on the specific build, intended use (street vs. race), and the use of forced induction like superchargers or nitrous oxide.
You can watch this video to see a Chevrolet 632 crate engine being fired up: 50sEngine BuilderYouTube · May 2, 2025
- Chevrolet ZZ632/1000: Produces 1,004 horsepower and is Chevrolet's largest and most potent engine to date.
- Smeding Performance BMF: An 840 horsepower, naturally aspirated, street-friendly version that runs on pump gas.
- BluePrint Engines Pro Series: Available in a carbureted version making 1,015 horsepower or a fuel-injected version at 1,000 horsepower.
- Dedicated Drag Race Engines: Custom builds can reach higher horsepower numbers. For example, one engine produces 1,300 horsepower, while another with a two-stage nitrous setup can make close to 2,000 horsepower.
This video shows the power of a 632 cubic inch big block engine on a dyno: 59sThe Horsepower MonsterYouTube · Oct 18, 2025
