Dodge’ s new crate engines from Direct Connection
It might go against the ethos of the Engine Rebuilder, but we can’ t help admire Dodge’ s range of already-built high horsepower V8 crate engines, now with two new motors to choose from
n What is better: the massive power and torque figures that Dodge’ s engines create, or the names given to these motors? There’ s the Hellcat, a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8. The 440 Six Pack, 7.2 litres of American V8 fed by three two-barrel down-draught carbs. The Hurricane, a 3-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six. The FirePower series of Hemi V8s. Then there’ s the Elephant, the name given to the 426 cubic inch( 7-litre) Hemi V8.
That’ s before you get into what Direct Connection, Dodge’ s official high-performance and tuning programme, calls its hotted-up crate motors. They love a portmanteau; they sell the Hellcrate Redeye and the Hurricrate.
Dodge has released two new Hemi V8 engines through Direct Connection, both with equally wonderful names: the Hellephant A30 426 and the 354 Supercharged Drag Pak.
The Hellephant, as the name suggests, is a mix of the Hellcat and the Elephant engines. It has a 426 cubic capacity, like the Elephant, but with a redesigned third-generation aluminium block. Like the Hellcat, this V8 also has an IHI twin-screw supercharger. Inside, you’ ll also find a forged crank and rods with ARP bolts. It’ s good for 1000hp and 1288Nm.
The Drag Pak – a 354 cubic inch( 5.8-litre) Hemi V8 – also has an aluminium block, billet crank and rods with ARP fasteners. This smaller engine uses a Whipple twin-screw supercharger and makes 630hp. It gets its name because this engine is approved for use in the NHRA( National Hot Rod Association) Factory Stock Showdown drag racing class.
Despite their custom nature, because these engines come from an official Dodge source, both the Hellephant and the Drag Pak, like all of Direct Connection’ s crate motors, come with a two-year warranty.
Brand new V8 Dodge motors for road and race use
Dodge’ s own Charger concept set the perfect example of how to use its Hellephant crate V8
Winter 2025 The Engine Rebuilder 7