What is the fastest engine Chevy makes?

The fastest production engine Chevrolet currently offers is the LT5 6.2-liter supercharged V8, rated up to 755 horsepower in the Corvette ZR1. This places it at the top of Chevy’s factory-installed powerplants in the modern lineup.

What defines the "fastest" engine?

In automotive terms, speed is most often tied to horsepower—the core measure of an engine's power output. However, real-world performance also depends on factors like vehicle weight, aerodynamics, gearing, and drivetrain efficiency. Chevrolet's top production engines for performance cars center on two big powerplants: the LT5 and the LT6, used in the Corvette family.

Current top production engines by horsepower

Below are Chevrolet's strongest powerplants used in production cars today, listed from highest to lower output.

• LT5 6.2L Supercharged V8 — up to 755 horsepower — Corvette ZR1


• LT6 5.5L Flat-Plane Crank V8 — 670 horsepower — Corvette Z06


• LT2 6.2L V8 — around 490–495 horsepower — Corvette Stingray

The LT5 leads Chevrolet's production horsepower chart, with the LT6 close behind in a lighter, track-focused package.

Beyond factory specs: high-horsepower crate options

For enthusiasts seeking even more extreme power, Chevrolet Performance and various builders offer crate engines and upgrades that can exceed 1,000 horsepower when paired with forced induction or nitrous. These are typically used in specialized builds and may not be street-legal in all markets.

How the power translates to on-road performance

Horsepower is only part of the story. Real-world performance depends on torque, vehicle weight, aerodynamics, traction, and suspension tuning. The LT5's 755 hp helps the Corvette ZR1 accelerate swiftly and deliver high-end speed, while the LT6-powered Z06 offers a high-performance balance with strong track capability and daily drivability.

Summary: Chevrolet's fastest production engine, by horsepower, is the LT5 6.2L supercharged V8 at 755 hp in the Corvette ZR1. The LT6 5.5L in the Corvette Z06 follows with about 670 hp. For power beyond factory specifications, high-horsepower crate options exist, but these are outside standard production models.

What is a 502 Chevy engine?

A 502 Chevy engine is a large displacement, big-block V8 engine from the General Motors Performance Parts line, known for its high horsepower and torque, making it suitable for street or strip use. The 502 cubic inch (8.2L) engine is typically sold as a "crate engine" and features a cast-iron block, forged steel crankshaft, and forged steel connecting rods.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Chevrolet ZZ502/502 Deluxe Crate Engine: 59sChevrolet PerformanceYouTube · Apr 18, 2018

• Displacement: 502 cubic inches (8.28.28.2 liters) 
• Engine Type: Big-block V8 
• Horsepower: Over 500 horsepower, with specific models reaching 508 horsepower or more 
• Torque: Over 580 lb-ft of torque 
• Key Components:
  • Cast-iron block with four-bolt main caps 
  • Forged steel crankshaft 
  • Forged steel, shot-peened connecting rods 
  • Forged aluminum pistons 
  • Hydraulic roller camshaft 
• Use: Designed for performance vehicles, available as a crate engine for street or strip use 

This video discusses the specifications of the Chevrolet ZZ502 big block crate engine: 58sChevrolet PerformanceYouTube · Jun 29, 2012

What is a 8.1 Chevy engine?

The Chevy 8.1 is a Vortec 8100, the last big-block V8 engine produced by General Motors, also known as the L18. Introduced in 2001, it was designed for heavy-duty applications like trucks, SUVs, and vans, and was known for its substantial torque and hauling capability. It was a gas engine alternative to diesel options and was also used in marine applications.
 
This video provides an overview of the 8.1L Vortec engine's specs and history: 1mDust Runners Automotive JournalYouTube · Jun 11, 2018
Key features

• Displacement: 8.18.18.1 liters (496496496 cubic inches). 
• Power: Produced about 340340340 horsepower and 455455455 pound-feet of torque in stock form. 
• Engine type: A V8 with a cast-iron block and heads, which made it a heavy engine. 
• Applications: Commonly found in heavy-duty Chevrolet and GMC pickups, such as the Silverado HD and Sierra HD, as well as Suburbans, Avalanches, and vans. It was also used in medium-duty commercial trucks and marine applications. 

Production and discontinuation

• The Vortec 8100 was produced from 2001 until late 2009.
• Its discontinuation was due to factors like declining fuel economy, increasing emissions regulations, and the rise of more efficient and powerful diesel engines, like GM's own Duramax. 

This video discusses the reasons for the Vortec 8100's discontinuation: 44sPerformance On WheelsYouTube · Dec 21, 2024

What is the fastest Chevy engine?

Chevrolet's 10 Highest Horsepower Engines Ever Built, Ranked

1. Chevrolet Performance ZZ632/1000 (1,004 hp)
2. Chevrolet Z06 LT6 V8 (670 hp)
3. Chevrolet LS9 V8 (638 hp)
4. Chevrolet ZL1 427 Cubic Inch V8 (550 hp)
5. Chevrolet LS7 V8 (505 hp)
6. Chevrolet 6.2L LT1 V8 (460 hp)
7. Chevrolet 454 Big Block V8 (450 hp)

What Chevy has the most HP?

The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the Chevy with the most horsepower at a projected 1,250 hp, though this is a future model. For current production vehicles, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 has the most horsepower at 1,064 hp. Chevrolet's most powerful crate engine is the ZZ632/1000, which produces 1,004 horsepower, but it is not installed in a production vehicle. 
Current production vehicles

• 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: 1,064 hp from a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 engine. 

Future production vehicles

• 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X: A projected 1,250 hp from a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 engine with mild-hybrid technology. 

Crate engines

• ZZ632/1000: Chevrolet's largest and most powerful crate engine, a 10.3-liter (632-cubic-inch) V8 that produces 1,004 hp and 876 lb-ft of torque.