1,000 Horsepower Hellephant Hemi V8 Returns With Updates

The Hellephant A30 426 Supercharged Hemi V8 is one of America’s mightiest motors and it just got even stronger.

The Direct Connection crate engine has been upgraded and the newest version is being introduced at the SEMA Show.

The 426-cubic-inch engine features a new aluminum block with six-bolt metal main caps and “CNC torque plated honed cylinders.” It also gets new forged-steel connecting rods and an upgraded 3.0-liter IHI supercharger with a new lightweight Litens belt tensioner.

Its specifications remain the same as the first generation engine at 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft of torque and the price is now $34,995. The engine can be used for racing or in pre-1976 cars for custom builds, which has become a common application for the engine.

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Direct Connection, which is now under Stellantis’ rebooted SRT performance division, has also updated the 354 Supercharged Drag Pak Hemi Engine that is designed for drag racing.

It makes its debut in the Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak car that is being introduced at SEMA and is designed to the standards of the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and NMCA (National Muscle Car Association) Factory Super Car classes.

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The 354-cubic-inch engine also gets a new block, plus a billet crankshaft made from 4330V Timken steel and forged steel H-beam connecting rods.

Per class regulations, its output is rated at 630 hp and it lists for $63,995, but a plug-and-play n ECU Kit and Drag Pak Electrical/Fuel Kit are sold separately.

That price tag is partly responsible for the $234,995 price for the full Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak car, which is being limited to 50 builds.