9 best automotive performance engine blocks

Automotive performance engine blocks are a crucial component in high-performance and custom-built engines, designed to enhance the power, durability, and efficiency of a vehicle's engine. Here's what you should know about performance engine blocks:

Purpose: Performance engine blocks are engineered to provide a sturdy foundation for high-performance engines. They are designed to handle increased power and stress levels compared to stock engine blocks.
Materials: Performance engine blocks are often made from high-quality materials such as cast iron or aluminum alloys.Aluminum blocks are favored for their lightweight properties, while cast iron blocks offer strength and durability.
Strengthening Features: These engine blocks may incorporate various strengthening features, including thicker walls, reinforced main bearing caps, and additional webbing to withstand higher levels of stress and torque.
Bore and Stroke: Performance engine blocks are designed to accommodate larger bore and stroke combinations, allowing for increased engine displacement. This can result in more power and torque.
Cylinder Sleeving: Some high-performance engine blocks have cylinder sleeves that can be replaced or modified. This allows engine builders to change the bore size or install aftermarket sleeves for added strength and durability.
Engine Cooling: Performance engine blocks often have improved cooling features, such as enlarged coolant passages and additional water jackets, to manage increased heat generated by high-performance engines.
Engine Block Configurations: Performance engine blocks are available in various configurations, including inline, V-shaped, and horizontally opposed designs, depending on the vehicle's application and desired performance characteristics.
Aftermarket Blocks: Many aftermarket companies produce performance engine blocks tailored to specific engine families, allowing enthusiasts to choose blocks that suit their needs. These blocks may come with pre-machined features for performance upgrades.
Customization: Performance engine blocks can be customized to a high degree. Engine builders may modify them for stroker kits, turbocharging, supercharging, and other performance enhancements to achieve specific power goals.
Compatibility: When selecting a performance engine block, compatibility with other engine components, such as cylinder heads, crankshafts, and pistons, is essential to ensure a balanced and reliable setup.
Cost: High-performance engine blocks can be more expensive than stock blocks due to their specialized design and materials. However, they are often a crucial investment for achieving the desired level of performance.
Professional Installation: Building a high-performance engine using a performance engine block typically requires specialized knowledge and skills. It's essential to work with experienced engine builders or automotive shops with expertise in performance modifications.

In summary, automotive performance engine blocks are engineered to handle increased power and stress levels in high-performance and custom-built engines. They are designed with durability, strength, and compatibility in mind, making them a crucial component for enthusiasts looking to boost their vehicle's performance.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best automotive performance engine blocks on the market

GM Parts 19213580 Aluminum Engine Block for Small Block Chevy LS7

GM Performance Parts

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Engine - Bare Block - LS7 - 4.125 in Bore - 9.240 Deck - Standard Main - 6-Bolt Mains - 1 pc Seal - Aluminum - GM LS-Series - Each

Part number: 19213580
Package Weight: 146.0 pounds
Package Dimensions: 23.0 L x 30.0 H x 38.0 W (inches)
Country of origin : United States

Genuine GM Performance 12633906 Front Engine Block Cover Kit

Genuine GM

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Front engine cover for Gen IV Small-Block. Kit includes camshaft sensor and harness, cover gasket, front crankshaft seal and bolts. These Chevrolet Performance timing covers are built to the highest quality standards to ensure an excellent fit and leak free seal. Available for multiple applications to fit your performance needs.

Front engine block cover kit
For gen IV small-block
Built to the highest quality standards
Ensure an excellent fit and leak free seal
Includes camshaft sensor and harness, cover gasket, front crankshaft seal and bolts

A-Team Performance GM LS Smooth Cast Aluminum Valve Covers with Coil Mounts and Covers Compatible with Chevy Small Block SB V8 293 325 376 427 Satin

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A-Team Performance GM LS Smooth Cast Aluminum Valve Covers with Coil Mounts and Covers Compatible with Chevy Small Block SB V8 293 325 376 427, Satin

You can take the time and effort to relocate them or you get a set of A-Team's two-piece valve covers. The base has a tall internal height to allow for added valvetrain clearance and features provisions for mounting two of the most popular LS coil packs - no brackets required. It also features a baffled stock-style ventilation set-up. The coil cover features cut-outs for routing the wiring harness and spark plug wires and comes with a classic, finned top.

Accepts Gen 1 (Delco D580) and Gen 5 (Delco D510C/ 81015) LS style ignition coils.

Specifications:

Mounting Style: Center Bolt

Internal Height: Tall

Overall Height: 4.25"

Baffled: Yes

Cover Material: Cast Aluminum

Gasket Style: Included One-piece O-ring

Valve Cover Hardware: Not Included

Coil Cover Hardware: Included

Quantity: 2

Included: Coil Cover Mounting Hardware, Coil Hardware & Spacers, Low-profile Oil Fill Caps and Valve Cover Gaskets

Compatible With

Chevrolet Small Block V8 Gen. III/IV (LS Based)

4.8 L / 293 Ci

5.3 L / 325 Ci

5.7 L / 346 Ci Commonly Referred to as 350

6.0 L / 364 Ci

6.2 L / 376 Ci

7.0 L / 427 Ci

Notes

- Valve Cover Base Mounts to LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, and LS7 Engines

- Has Provisions for Delco 510c (81015) and D580 Style Ignition Coils

Internal and Overall Height: Tall & 4.25"
Features provisions for mounting two of the most popular LS coil packs - no brackets required.
Baffled Stock-Style Ventilation Set-up
Coil Cover features cut-outs for Routing the Wiring Harness
Accepts Gen 1 (Delco D580) and Gen 5 (Delco D510C/ 81015) LS style ignition coils

A-Team Performance 4L60e Transmission to LS Engine Bell Housing Bolts Small Engine Car Kit Compatible with GM Parts Automatic and Manual Small Block LS LT LS1 LS2 T56 4L60 551652 Silver Set of 8

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Compatible with GM LS / LT (Gen III, IV, V)
Transmission to Engine
M10-1.5 x 1.750 in. UHL
High Quality Steel Grade 10.9 and Clear Zinc Plated
Pack of 8

Spectre Performance 5022 Aluminum Valve Cover for Big Block Chevy

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Spectre offers a wide variety of valve covers designed to easily replace your stock valve covers. Our valve covers are offered in various sizes, heights, and finishes depending on the engine. We offer both standard and tall height valve covers and many of them come with chrome plated, polished aluminum, and even gold iridite finishes, depending on the application. Our valve covers are designed to look great and fit perfectly on your engine with their OEM style sealing edge. Our valve covers are ideal for any custom build or someone just looking to replace the plain looking stock valve covers with something that shines. Either way, Spectre has you covered.

Baffles included
Stock height
Sold in pairs
Hold downs included

Moroso 35570 Engine Block Filler - 1 Gallon, (Pack of 4)

Moroso

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Eng blk filler case 4=1

Eng blk filler case 4=1

Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02"

Edelbrock

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Edelbrock #5025 E-Street cylinder heads are designed for Ford 289-351 W V8 applications. The Edelbrock E-Street cylinder heads offer American made quality and affordable performance. E-Street cylinder heads feature as-cast ports and are designed for entry-level street performance applications operating in the idle-to-5500 rpm range. The modern combustion chamber designs improve the combustion process and larger than stock intake and exhaust ports move more air through your engine for improve efficiency. For use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.

Complete Pair
60cc Combustion Chamber Volume
170cc Intake/60cc Exhaust Runner Volume
2. 02 in. Intake/1. 6 in. Exhaust Valve Diameter
0. 625 in. Deck Thickness

User questions & answers

Question:	Do they come in a pair
Answer:	Yes

Allstar Performance ALL10149 Heavy Duty Engine Cradle for Small Block Ford Modular

Allstar

Based on 113 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Engine Cradles are available in Standard Duty or Heavy Duty, both with provisions for mounting wheels and are made of 1" square tubing with black powder coating. All cradles are for V-8 engines, include Grade 5 fasteners and may be easily disassembled for storage. Standard Duty cradles accept wheel kits with 3/8" studs. Heavy Duty cradles accept wheel kits with 1/2" studs. Wheel kits sold separately.

Hardware included
Package Dimensions: 5.3 H x 24.9 L x 17.1 W (inches)
Package Weight: 14.9 pounds
Country of Origin : United States

User questions & answers

Question:	What are the wheel caster kit model number? Can it be linked to the question ? I would prefer steel caster if available
Answer:
Question:	Are the caster holes threaded on frame or through holes
Answer:
Question:	Which casters fit the heavy duty cradle
Answer:
Question:	What wheel kits are available for the engine stand? It did state that wheels are sold separately. Will this stand fit onto a 400 Pontiac engine
Answer:

A-Team Performance 12-835 Two-Valve Mechanical Fuel Pump 1/4-Inch Inlet Outlet NPT Compatible With GMC Chevrolet BBC Big Block Chevy GMC V8 396 402 454 Engine Chrome

Based on 34 reviews Check latest price

Features — Two-valve mechanical fuel pumps and aluminum housing that provide consistent performance and reliability
Specifications — 80gph Free Flow, 6 PSI Pressure, Female Inlet and Outlet Attachments, and Gasket
Heavy-Duty — A lower body designed to rotate and meet fitment requirements plus, premium chrome finish on its aluminum housing
Measurements and Compatibility — 1/4" NPT Inlet, 1/4" NPT Outlet, and Compatible with Chevrolet Big Block V8 Gen. II (Mark IV) 6.5 L / 396 in3, 6.6 L / 402 in3, 7.0 L / 427 in3 and 7.4 L / 454 in3
Package Inclusions — 1 x A-Team Performance 12-835 Two-Valve Mechanical Fuel Pump Big Block Compatible With Chevy GMC V8 396 402 454