V8s Still Going Strong; Chevy Launches Spicy Small-Block Engine
New Chevrolet L8P V8 crate engine is a 6.6-liter pushrod brute with potent power right out of the package.
The automotive world has been talking about the impending doom of the V8 engine for decades now. However, as time rolls on, technology continues to develop that allows them to be more efficient. Thus, they get to hang around indefinitely. One of the phenomenal advantages of a more efficient engine is that it can also mean you get more power. No V8 is more proof in that regard than the small-block Chevrolet engine. Its compact size and blend of old-school pushrod tech with modern amenities keep it alive and relevant.
The latest example of this phenomenon, as brought to our attention by the lovely folks at MotorTrend, is the new Chevrolet L8P crate engine. Built on traditional small-block Chevrolet architecture and using a cast-iron block, this awesome lump packs over 500 horsepower and a forged rotating assembly. So, it’s perfect to plop into your truck, hotrod, or any other project that needs a V8. In addition, the forged internals and cast-iron construction mean it’s ready to take some boost. Let’s dive into the specs.
What are the L8P Crate engine’s Specs?
We’ll just dive right into the important figures. The L8P makes 523 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 534 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 RPM. That’s plenty of punch straight out of the box! It’s also a pretty substantial jump (122 horsepower and 79 pound-feet of torque) compared to the L8T; its slightly less punchy crate engine brother.
The L8P features direct injection. That’s a great example of blending modern technology with old-school architecture to create what we truly believe to be perfection. As mentioned above, the L8P also has a fully forged rotating assembly. This includes a forged steel crankshaft and forged powdered metal rods. Sitting atop those rods is a set of aluminum pistons. With a compression ratio of 10.8 to 1 and a beefy cast-iron block, the L8P is a killer candidate for a supercharger or a set of turbos.
Because it shares Gen V architecture with the LT1, there’s already a whole host of aftermarket intake manifolds and oil pans that will bolt right to this engine to fit a whole host of swap applications. In addition, Chevrolet has an E-93 ECU kit ready for the L8P to get it up and running in your project as soon as possible. Chevrolet also recommends the 6L80-E automatic transmission behind it, but we sure would love to see some L8P projects with a manual transmission!
Pricing for This New Small-Block V8 Isn’t Here Just Yet
Pro Touring Store has the L8P listed on its website with an estimated price of $12,999. Considering the $8,949 price tag of the less-potent L8T as mentioned above, that doesn’t seem too far off. While it’s certainly not as cheap as stripping down a junker gen-three small block, the level of performance you’re getting for a brand-new engine with a warranty makes that pricing seem pretty attractive.
We certainly look forward to seeing these engines wind up in project cars and restomods everywhere. Regardless of the price point, we’re just happy to see new V8 engines coming to the market.
Photos: MotorTrend
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