What it is: GMPP HT 383ci stroker small-block
Some details: It's assembled with all-new components for a 383ci "stroker" small-block, and the specially modified block and 3.80-inch-stroke crankshaft enable its displacement. The block is cast iron with four-bolt main caps, and has cast-aluminum pistons and 9:1 compression ratio.
Oh, and...: The V-8 makes 425 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, producing more than 400 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm.
What it'll cost you: $4,000 to $6,000.
Also: It's ideal for trailer towing. Why? Because of torque.
How to get it: GM Performance Parts can be purchased from any GM dealership or authorized center: 800/GM-USE-US, www.goodwrench.com
What it is: Performance Engine
Some details: It's an upgrade for GM throttle-body fuel-injected 305- and 350ci applications. The engine is outfitted with all-new internals, including hypereutectic pistons, moly rings, a high-volume oil pump, hi-po rod bolts, performance gaskets, a double-roller timing set, and a Class II performance cam.
Oh, and...: It'll make around 300 horses.
What it'll cost you: About $2,549, plus $350 for the computer chip.
Also: It's designed to work with your original wiring harness and throttle-body fuel-injection system with just a computer-chip change.
How to get it: Jasper Performance Products, 800/827-7455, www.jasperengines.com
What it is: 5.7L Hemi crate engine
Some details: You have your choice of MPI and carbureted, and both are built with all-new components and are fully assembled, from throttle body/carb to oil pan. Parts include chrome valve covers, a cast-iron block painted Hemi Orange, and a heavy-duty cast crankshaft.
Oh, and...: Both are worthy of 360 hp at 5,700 rpm and 360 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.
What it'll cost you: $8,795 for the MPI version and $8,395 for the carb.
Also: It's "plug and play," which means there is a wiring harness that fixes the problem of running modern engine technology in older rigs that don't have current engine-management systems.
How to get it: Mopar Performance Parts, www.mopar.com
What it is: HP 290/350 crate engine
Some details: The block has four-bolt main caps, cast-aluminum pistons, cast-iron cylinder heads with 1.94-inch intake, and 1.50-inch exhaust valves with 76cc combustion chamber. The heads have the conventional 90-degree with 12-bolt intake-manifold attaching design used from 1955 to late 1980.
Oh, and...: It puts out 290 hp at 5,100 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm.
What it'll cost you: $1,695.95.
Also: It runs on 87 octane.
How to get it: Pace Truck, 888/522-8131, www.pacetruck.com
What it is: 450 HP LS1
Some details: Power features include a GM Performance "Hot" cam and valvespring kit, ARP rod bolts, and double-roller timing chain with billet gears. Standard features are six-bolt main caps, all-aluminum block and heads, and a complete ignition and fuel system as well as accessories, such as the starter and flexplate.
Oh, and...: The 5.7L V-8 makes 455 lb-ft of torque.
What it'll cost you: $9,900.
Also: Options include a power-steering pump with AN fittings and an A/C compressor-pump kit.
How to get it: Turn Key Engine Supply, 760/941-2741, www.turnkeyengine.com
What it is: Engines on auction
Some details: New and used parts, rare to common...if you haven't wasted half a day screwing around on this site, you don't know what you're missing. It's the fastest-growing area of eBay, with 26 subcategories.
Oh, and...: It's not just your neighbor selling an engine or block-catalog companies. Distributors, recyclers, and manufacturers post stuff too.
What it'll cost you: It depends.
Also: Companies like Pep Boys and J.C. Whitney sell on this site.
How to get it: eBay Motors, www.ebaymotors.com
What it is: 496ci Chevy big-block
Some details: The engine produces a flat torque curve, peaking with 537 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.
Oh, and...: It's especially happy in a towing or off-road environment.
What it'll cost you: $6,814.
Also: It's turnkey and dyno'd.
How to get it: Speed-O-Motive, 626/869-0270, www.speedomotive.com