Chevrolet Performance has unveiled the new 525 RLB racing crate engine, a long-block assembly based on the CT525 that is well-suited for spec-based off-road competition. The 525 RLB is designed as a cost-effective performance solution, and was developed with input from established motorsport groups. The new LS-based 525 RLB engine made one of its first public appearances during the 2023 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400.
The LS-based 525 RLB chucks out 533 horsepower and 477 pound-feet of torque when topped by a four-barrel carburetor and intake manifold, per the Chevrolet Performance catalog. Highlight specs include forged pistons, heavy-duty connecting rod bolts, and LS3 rectangular-port cylinder heads, as well as a coil-in-plug ignition system, SFI-certified balancer, and six-quart racing oil pan. Customers will need to add their own induction and ignition system.
The 525 RLB was developed in collaboration with Robert King from Klein Engines, who boasts a long history in motorsport and racing engine development across a multitude of disciplines, from dirt and pavement circle track, to IndyCar, to sand rails, to desert racing, and even boats. Development of the 525 RLB was done with the simplification in mind, in the hope that racers would more be able to more easily navigate engine regulations across multiple racing classes.
King works closely with veteran road racer Jeff James, a Chevrolet Performance parts and performance specialist out of Westlake Village, California. James found that there was an opportunity to build on the CT525 for racing applications and provide a simplified package that could satisfy multiple sanctioning bodies.
“Let’s give them a more durable package that is more cost-effective and is more verifiable,” James says. “Each sanctioning body can package their rules [their own way], but if this guy wants to come run with this other group, he’s legal without having to make a bunch of engine changes, or having to take this motor out and put this open motor in or something like that.”
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Comments
Well….here we are again….Notice this is the “LS” not the “LT” platform….If the connecting rods were FORGED! Id consider buying one. If it has the junk “powder metal” connecting rods in it? I’m not interested!
If your concerned with the rods… stock rods see 800-1200 hp no issues. So at less than 600 hp There isn’t a need for forged rods.
How much?
Carburetor in tis day and age!!!!
This engine was originally built as a Circle Track Sealed crate engine. It uses a carburator!
The long block come without Intake and the OE LS3 used in Off-Road Spec competion will have slightly different Output. likely a few less HP and more Torque.
What’s the best crate motor there is why not just beef up the Lt5 that’s in the new vettes?? And how much is your crate
Hi John, The new engine in the Z06 C8 is the LT6. It does not lend itself to crate applications and would be terribly expensive to do so. The 525 RLB will run approx. $10,400.
These engines, need to be pull down and rebuild for anything, the parts, like bearings and conrod need changing out, they come with the wrong clearance and way too hot spark plugs, for pump gas. My engine ran for only 20 minutes, not go over 4000 rpm, less than 10 starts, it broke 7 and 8 rod, hole the block. My friend has his on a engine dyno, running it in 39 minutes, later again hole in the block and broken rods. And now I know of another Ct525, he told me less than one hour in his boat. Here in New Zealand, these engines sell for $22,000 nzd after shipping and taxs, plus engine cost. Not cheap by any means.
Sorry buddy but Dodge is a joke. Let me know when Fiat Chrysler makes an engine that creates 1000hp from the block like the ZZ632. You dinks only see those numbers with inhalers. Hemis are absolute garbage and if you’re misinformed enough to think they’re you’re best option, you have no credibility and nobody with a brain takes you seriously.
Wow, such passion with your anger issue. Instead of investing your money in a GM product buy yourself a LIFE. After all, Kieth Black designed TopFuel after Chryslers patented Hemisphereic heads.
I’d take a Hemi be4 anything else in this world 🌎 I’d die for what I missed the past 30 yrs a few Hemis I passed up were 1000plus HP n Mega Elephant block 🚫 I couldn’t buy would have been the Holy Gralie of Mopar 426Hemi race car Indy Charger 1966 so I’d take the 2 292Hemis with 1000Hp no problem but I didn’t buy it I’m a dang fool passed 2 up but I have found some old Mopar blocks that I am interested in but now I’m building a 454 stroken it n Turbo it 2000Hp I’m building a beast
There all good when they run right n there all junk when they don’t run right, real motor heads enjoy the stories n the friendship, can’t we all just get along
Dose this block have raised cam tunnel?
Barra the world
There is a reason why most car guy go with Chevy crate engines .they come in a wide range of Horsepower, reliability, cost and availability. To each their own but there is a reason why they are the leader in after market replacement engines.
Not enough hp