What’s Your Favorite Engine?

SouthernGuy8503

Everyone’s got a particular powerplant that’s their personal favorite, whether it be for horsepower, torque, durability, versatility or whatever else. I’m not asking for your favorite configuration (V12, V8, V6, Inline 6, 4 cylinder, etc)–I’m asking for a specific engine, manufacturer and displacement.

Personally I’m a V8 person but I can’t pick just one–my three, I have 3 favorites which are all Chevys. My favorite modern powerplant has to be the supercharged 6.2 Liter LS9 out of the Corvette C6 ZR1, though the 7.0 Liter LS7 out of the Corvette C6 Z06 is a close second. My favorite small block V8 would have to be the old standby 350 c.i. because it’s so versatile and there’s so much out there to make it even better especially when it’s turned into a 383 stroker. And my favorite Chevy big block V8 has to be the 572 c.i. crate engine.

So, what’s your favorite engine? And why?

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Posted at 9:28 am in engine

Comments

70d100
Aug 30, 2010 at 7:08 pm

dodge 318 poly it just will not die

FRSGUMP
Aug 26, 2010 at 3:10 pm

It’s the Ford 289, because they are easy to work on. I’ve had a 289 that beat alot of 318′s, 350′s and one 396 (driver error tho). I like the older 289′s without all the extra pollution stuff added on. No fuel injection or electronic crap involved. Just straight, basic and raw engine with no added goodies.

Rob Einaudi
Aug 26, 2010 at 9:35 am

Slant 6 or 426 Hemi!

1sexylexy
Aug 26, 2010 at 9:19 am

2JZ GTE baby!!

MoparRob07
Aug 26, 2010 at 5:22 am

Dream engine, 426 HEMI, aka “the Elephant” !

90xjpunk
Aug 25, 2010 at 8:01 pm

it has GOT to be the 4.0! sure 2JZs and small block chevys can be built tough. but the 4.0 it needed NO modifications to do exactly what it was designed to do, and then some. most of the other engines mentioned at least have respectable replacements in their modern counterparts. but look what chrysler replaced the four liter with. a minivan engine? seriously???? i love good MPGs just as much as the next guy but the death of the 4.0 will go down in history as a tragic end to a time when engines were simple and bulletproof.

muscle_truck_4x4
Aug 25, 2010 at 6:33 pm

LS 402 engine, i forget what company makes it but i know it makes a little under 600hp on pump gas and in general most LS engines made my chevy or an outside company is a favorite of mine

Idefix
Aug 25, 2010 at 6:20 pm

4G63T Small with plenty of potential

TOPlamborghini
Aug 25, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Im suprised noones said the 2JZ yet…

nickk97tml
Aug 25, 2010 at 2:24 pm

460 big block, nuff said

troutster52
Aug 25, 2010 at 2:05 pm

I love the 4.0 Jeep also.

cknarf
Aug 25, 2010 at 1:42 pm

Pontiac V8 455.

Bourkemaster
Aug 25, 2010 at 10:57 am

I have owned a few GM’s so I have more experience with their engines. Of course I love the 350. I had a Caddy with the 4.9 which was absurdly torquey. But for practicality and durability I very much admire the Jeep 4.0L.

troutster52
Aug 25, 2010 at 10:51 am

fortyford, are slant sixes solid enough to be built up? I know there are parts out there for them but I didn’t know what kind of power they can make and how they held up.

troutster52
Aug 25, 2010 at 10:50 am

I tend to be a V8 guy as well, however I have a unique appreciation for the unusual engines.
In the mainstream, I really like the 68-94 traditional pushrod 5.0 302. That make good power, are easy to work on and find parts for, and are very dependable. Found in everything from Explorers to trucks to fox body cobras from the factory, and all kinds of other things by garage building motor heads. There are 150 hp 302s out there as well as 700 hp versions. Also, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for some of the less praised big blocks out there like the 389 Pontiac, the 390 Ford FE and the 440 Mopar. The 389 misses the Poncho praise because of the prevalence of the 455, the Ford FE gets the shaft because of the 429 and 460 and the Mopar of course isn’t remembered because of the overrated Hemi.
In the not so mainstream, I like the 300 CI inline six Ford because they make LOTS of TORQUE and are bulletproof with 7 main bearing caps. Not sure why you don’t see a lot of those modified. Also, I have a sincere appreciation for the boxer engine configuration, found in the Porsche and the Subaru. Also, in terms of power/weight ratio, you can’t beat a Rotary, in NA or boosted form.
Appearance wise, it’s hard to beat the look of an Offenhauser topped Flathead, a finned 409 and anything with triple carbs.

fortyfordsedan
Aug 25, 2010 at 10:47 am

Dodge or plymouth 340 4 barrel, the Chrysler 392 Hemi or venerable 225 slant 6 that filled tons of econo boxes in the 60s-70s and 80s.