Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChevrolet’s classic Small-Block crate-engine lineup does not contain seven distinct models on its current product page. It lists multiple 350- and 383-cubic-inch configurations, with the SP383 EFI Turnkey rated highest at 450 hp and 436 lb-ft. To provide seven useful options without pretending Chevrolet publishes a definitive seven-engine ranking, this guide selects seven models from that classic lineup and orders them by Chevrolet’s published horsepower ratings. These are manufacturer ratings, not independent test results. Chevrolet lists LS and LSX engines separately from its classic Small-Block category, so they are not included in this ranking.
How this seven-engine list is defined
Chevrolet’s current Small-Block Engines page identifies more than seven configurations. This article selects seven distinct models shown there and orders them by their published horsepower ratings. It does not claim these are the only current small-block engines, a historical ranking, or a ranking of every aftermarket crate engine.
Chevrolet’s general crate-engine lineup presents LS and LSX families separately from its classic Small-Block section. Although Chevrolet calls the LSX 454 an “LSX-Series Gen IV Small-Block V-8” on its product page, it is outside the classic Small-Block lineup used for this comparison. Mixing it into the list would require a broader definition and make the scope less consistent.
The figures below are current product-page ratings accessed in 2026. Chevrolet may change specifications or configurations; check the linked product page for the exact engine before making a purchase.
#1 Best Overall
- Block: BluePrint Engines High Strength Cast Iron Block Manufactured and Machined in the USA! 4-Bolt Main 4.000" Bore 1-Piece Rear Main Seal Mech Fuel Pump Provision: Yes Passenger Side Dipstick Drilled and Tapped for Clutch Linkage Rotating Assembly: Cast Crankshaft 3.480" Stroke Forged 5.700" Connecting Rods Hypereutectic Pistons Internally Balanced Front - External Balanced Rear Cylinder Heads: BluePrint Aluminum Cylinder Heads - H8002K 64cc Chamber 2.02" Intake / 1.60" Exhaust Valves 195cc Intake / 75cc Exhaust Runners Cam Specs: Hydraulic Roller .495 Intake / .502 Exhaust Lift 220 Intake / 224 Exhaust Duration @ .050-114 Degree Lobe Separation
- Ignition Timing: 32 Degrees Total at 3500 RPM Also Includes: Holley 670 CFM Brawler Carburetor - BPP67256670 Dual Plane Satin Aluminum Intake - BPP350VINT BluePrint Logo'd Valve Covers - BPP9518 Fuel Pump Block Off Plate - BPP42463 BluePrint Dipstick - BPP9420 HEI Distributor - BPP350RBK Rear Sump Oil Pan Timing Cover Oil Pump Notes: The performance aluminum cylinder heads on this engine feature a .500 raised port vs OEM.
Seven powerful engines in Chevrolet’s classic Small-Block lineup
| Rank by rated horsepower | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | What the rating tells you |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SP383 EFI Turnkey | 450 hp | 436 lb-ft | Highest horsepower rating among the models selected from Chevrolet’s current classic Small-Block page. |
| 2 | SP383 Turnkey | 435 hp | 445 lb-ft | Rated below the EFI model in horsepower but above it in peak torque. |
| 3 | ZZ6 EFI Turnkey | 420 hp | 408 lb-ft | EFI-equipped ZZ6 configuration. |
| 4 | ZZ6 | 405 hp | 406 lb-ft | Standard ZZ6 configuration listed below the EFI Turnkey by rated horsepower. |
| 5 | SP350/385 | 385 hp | 405 lb-ft | 350-based option in the lineup. |
| 6 | SP350/357 | 357 hp | 407 lb-ft | Its listed peak torque exceeds the SP350/385’s despite its lower horsepower rating. |
| 7 | 350 HO | 333 hp | 381 lb-ft | 350-based option with the lowest horsepower rating among these seven selections. |
All ratings in the table are published by Chevrolet Performance on its current product page, accessed in 2026; they are not independent dyno measurements. The table orders engines by horsepower alone, not by suitability for a particular vehicle or build. The current Small-Block page also lists the HT383 and HT383E at 323 hp and 444 lb-ft each; they are not included in this seven-model selection.
What the ratings do—and do not—tell you
Horsepower is only one comparison
Horsepower is a useful way to order these options, but it does not identify which engine will work best in a project. The SP383 Turnkey, for example, has a lower horsepower rating than the SP383 EFI Turnkey but a higher listed peak torque figure. Torque, displacement, fuel and induction setup, recommended rpm, and the vehicle’s intended use all matter when choosing between configurations.
Rank #2
- Horsepower & Torque: 436 HP / 443 FT LBS Cylinder Heads: BluePrint Engines Aluminum Cylinder Heads Compression Ratio: 10:1 Camshaft: Hydraulic Roller Cam - .544 Intake / .555 Exhaust Lift and 230 Intake / 236 Exhaust Duration @ .050 - 110 Degrees LSA Pistons: Hypereutectic Crankshaft: Steel Crank - 3.750" Stroke and 5.700" Rods
Turnkey and EFI labels describe configuration, not a universal fit
The lineup names distinguish configurations, including EFI Turnkey models. Do not assume that a label alone establishes everything included in a particular package or that an engine will fit a specific vehicle. Confirm the current product details, part number, included components, and application requirements with Chevrolet’s documentation and a dealer.
Manufacturer ratings are not a promise of installed performance
The horsepower and torque numbers are Chevrolet’s published product ratings. They are not independent tests of engines installed in a particular vehicle, and they do not establish what a finished build will produce. Vehicle setup and configuration are outside the rating figures shown on the product page.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Horsepower & Torque: 341 HP / 371 FT LBS Cylinder Heads: BluePrint Engines Aluminum Cylinder Heads Compression Ratio: 9.2:1 Camshaft: Hydraulic Roller Cam - .477 Intake / .471 Exhaust Lift and 202 Intake / 212 Exhaust Duration @.050-115 Degrees LSA Pistons: Hypereutectic Crankshaft: Cast Crank - 3.480" Stroke and 5.700" Rods
How to choose among these Chevrolet crate engines
- Set the scope. Decide whether you want a classic Chevrolet Small-Block, as defined by the Small-Block product page, or are also considering the separately categorized LS and LSX families.
- Match the engine to the build. Consider the vehicle, intended use, fuel and induction configuration, and the engine’s torque and rpm information—not just its peak horsepower.
- Check the exact package. Review the product page for the specific model and verify its current specifications, part number, included components, and turnkey details.
- Confirm fitment and availability. Ask a Chevrolet Performance dealer or qualified installer to verify that the chosen configuration suits the vehicle and project. Chevrolet’s Small-Block page provides access to dealer information.
Where the LSX 454 fits in the small-block question
The LSX 454 exposes a terminology wrinkle rather than changing the scope of this list. Chevrolet’s general crate-engine page groups LS/LSX separately from its classic Small-Block offerings, while the LSX 454 product page describes it as an LSX-Series Gen IV Small-Block V-8. Chevrolet rates the LSX 454 at 627 hp at 6,300 rpm and 586 lb-ft at 5,100 rpm. Those figures belong to the LSX 454 product configuration, not to the classic Small-Block comparison above. For details, consult Chevrolet’s LSX 454 specifications and its crate-engine lineup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Horsepower & Torque: 436 HP / 443 FT LBS Cylinder Heads: BluePrint Engines Aluminum Cylinder Heads Compression Ratio: 10:1 Camshaft: Hydraulic Roller Cam - .544 Intake / .555 Exhaust Lift and 230 Intake / 236 Exhaust Duration @ .050 - 110 Degrees LSA Pistons: Hypereutectic Crankshaft: Steel Crank - 3.750" Stroke and 5.700" Rods
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
