5 Engines More Powerful Than A 6.4L HEMI

When it comes to raw American muscle, the 6.4L HEMI (also known as the 392) has earned its legendary status since its debut in 2011. With 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque in its top-spec production form, this naturally-aspirated powerhouse has powered everything from Dodge Challengers and Chargers to Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram trucks. But what if you want even more power straight from the factory? Let’s explore five engines that leave the 6.4L HEMI in their rearview mirror.

1. Chevrolet LT5 6.2L Supercharged V8 (755 hp, 715 lb-ft)

The LT5 represents Chevrolet’s answer to extreme performance, found exclusively in the C7 Corvette ZR1. This 2019 introduction delivers a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque—approximately 56% more powerful than the 6.4L HEMI.

What makes the LT5 special is its 1.7L supercharger sitting atop a sophisticated aluminum small-block architecture. The engine features dual-fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication, and a high-strength steel crankshaft. With a 6,500 RPM redline, it’s designed for track-focused performance rather than daily driving duties.

The LT5 stands as the last “true” muscle car V8 in the Corvette lineup, as all subsequent C8 engines feature flat-plane cranks that deliver a completely different driving experience.

2. Ford 5.2L Supercharged Predator V8 (760 hp, 625 lb-ft)

Ford’s Predator V8, introduced in the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500, proves that displacement isn’t everything. Despite being smaller at 5.2L compared to the HEMI’s 6.4L, the Predator produces 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque—again, about 56% more power.

The secret lies in its 2.65L Eaton TVS supercharger, cross-plane crank architecture (maintaining that classic muscle car sound), and forged internals designed for extreme reliability. The engine can rev to an impressive 7,500 RPM, making it equally capable of straight-line speed and high-speed cornering.

This engine also found its way into the F-150 Raptor, proving its versatility beyond just sports cars.

3. Dodge 6.2L Supercharged Hellcat V8 (707-797 hp, 650-707 lb-ft)

Sometimes the best answer comes from within the same family. The Hellcat V8 represents Dodge’s evolution beyond the 392 HEMI, offering factory-supercharged performance that ranges from 707 to 797 horsepower.

The Hellcat lineup includes the Challenger Hellcat, Charger Hellcat, Durango SRT Hellcat, and Ram 1500 TRX. The base Hellcat produces 707 horsepower—46% more than the 392—while the Hellcat Redeye pushes 797 horsepower, nearly double the 392’s output.

The Demon 170 variant takes things even further with 1,025 horsepower on E85, making it the most powerful factory Hellcat ever produced. The progression from 392 to Hellcat represents Dodge’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries.

4. Chevrolet 7.0L LS7 V8 (505 hp, 481 lb-ft)

Not all high-performance engines need forced induction. The LS7 V8 demonstrates that exceptional naturally-aspirated performance is still achievable, delivering 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque—about 5% more than the 392 HEMI.

Introduced in 2006 for the C6 Corvette Z06, the LS7 features a dry-sump oiling system, titanium connecting rods, and an aluminum block. It can rev to 7,000 RPM while maintaining exceptional reliability. The engine remained available as a crate motor until 2022, offering 570 horsepower in certain configurations.

Many enthusiasts consider the LS7 one of GM’s greatest engines due to its combination of power, reliability, and accessibility.

5. Dodge 8.4L V10 (645 hp, 600 lb-ft)

For those who believe bigger is always better, Dodge’s 8.4L V10 from the Viper delivers 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque—approximately 33% more than the 392 HEMI. This naturally-aspirated behemoth features a forged steel crankshaft, aluminum block, and high-lift camshafts.

What makes the Viper V10 special is its purpose-built nature. Unlike many high-revving V10s that prioritize stratospheric redlines, the 8.4L focuses on massive low-end torque and a distinctive muscle car soundtrack. With a 6,200 RPM redline, it delivers immediate, visceral power delivery.

The engine’s massive displacement (larger than some Bugatti engines) and long-stroke design create a uniquely aggressive character that made the Viper legendary until its 2017 discontinuation.

Conclusion

While the 6.4L HEMI remains an exceptional engine for its intended applications, these five alternatives demonstrate that there’s always room for more power. Whether through supercharging, larger displacement, or exotic engineering, each of these engines pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in factory performance vehicles.

The choice between them ultimately depends on your priorities: the LT5 for track-focused precision, the Predator for high-revving excitement, the Hellcat for maximum streetable power, the LS7 for naturally-aspirated purity, or the Viper V10 for pure, unapologetic muscle.

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