The V8 engine has always been about more than numbers. It’s about character, heritage, and the way it makes you feel every time you start the car. Over the last three decades, automakers across the world have delivered some unforgettable V8s — some high-revving, some supercharged, some built for brute torque — but all worth celebrating. While downsizing, hybrids, and EVs dominate headlines today, these engines remain icons that deserve a spot in garages and collections. Expanded with more detail, here are twenty V8s from the last thirty years that enthusiasts agree are worth keeping.
Ford 5.0 “Coyote”
Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8, launched in 2011, revitalized the Mustang in a way fans had been waiting for. With dual overhead cams, modern internals, and a willingness to rev past 7,000 rpm, it combined new-school tech with old-school rumble. Its modular design means tuners love playing with it, easily extracting 600-plus horsepower with basic upgrades. For Canadian Mustang owners, it’s also proven surprisingly reliable in daily use, handling everything from track days to snowy commutes.
Chevrolet LS1
The LS1 changed the game in 1997 when it debuted in the C5 Corvette. Its aluminum block made it lighter and more compact than most V8s of its time, which also made it incredibly swap-friendly. Affordable, plentiful, and responsive to mods, it became a tuner’s dream. Even today, LS1-powered swaps pop up in everything from Mazda RX-7s to Jeeps, proving just how versatile it is. It was the start of a dynasty that still dominates the performance aftermarket.
Chevrolet LS3
The LS3, released in 2008, carried the torch with 430 horsepower in stock trim, making the Corvette C6 one of the best performance bargains of its era. With a larger displacement and stronger internals, the LS3 became a favorite for hot rodders and track-day enthusiasts. It’s an engine that feels equally at home cruising highways or tearing up circuits. For many, it represents the sweet spot of affordability, reliability, and raw power in the LS family.
Chevrolet LT4 Supercharged
The LT4 brought supercharging into the mix, producing 650 horsepower in cars like the Corvette Z06, Camaro ZL1, and Cadillac CTS-V. With immense torque and blistering acceleration, it delivered supercar performance for a fraction of the cost. What makes the LT4 special isn’t just its output, but the fact it’s durable enough for everyday use. Owners in Canada appreciate its ability to handle long road trips in comfort before annihilating track days.
Dodge 5.7 HEMI
The revival of the HEMI in 2003 was a defining moment for Dodge. The 5.7-liter unit brought modern engineering to a nameplate steeped in heritage. With over 340 horsepower in early trims, it was more than enough to make the Charger and Challenger feel alive again. Today, the 5.7 remains a reliable and affordable entry into the world of V8 performance, beloved by Canadian truck owners for its balance of power and longevity.
Dodge 6.4 HEMI (392)
When Dodge expanded the HEMI to 6.4 liters, enthusiasts got a naturally aspirated monster. With 485 horsepower and a torque curve that feels endless, it became the heart of Scat Pack Challengers and Chargers. Owners rave about its soundtrack deep, throaty, and unmistakable. Unlike smaller turbo engines, it delivers its performance effortlessly, making it a muscle car icon that’s worth holding onto as naturally aspirated V8s become rarer.
Dodge Hellcat 6.2 Supercharged
The Hellcat engine is pure excess, and that’s why it’s brilliant. When it debuted with 707 horsepower, it rewrote what a mass-production car could be. Suddenly, Dodge sedans and coupes were outmuscling European exotics, all while carrying a lower price tag. Its supercharger whine, combined with its thunderous roar, gives it a personality unlike anything else. In Canada, where long stretches of open road invite you to use its immense power, the Hellcat is as loved as it is feared.
Ford 4.6 Modular V8 (Terminator Supercharged)
The 4.6-liter Modular V8 didn’t always win fans, but the 2003–2004 Mustang Cobra changed everything. Nicknamed the “Terminator,” it came with a factory Eaton supercharger, underrated at 390 horsepower but capable of handling much more with simple tuning. Its toughness and tuning potential have made it legendary. Even today, Terminator Cobras remain highly collectible, representing one of Ford’s boldest moments in the Mustang’s modern history.
Ford 7.3 “Godzilla”
In 2020, Ford shocked enthusiasts by introducing a new pushrod V8 the 7.3-liter Godzilla. Built for the Super Duty truck lineup, it was a love letter to simplicity: big displacement, durability, and easy serviceability. But the aftermarket quickly discovered its potential, with swap kits popping up for muscle cars and hot rods. Its ability to make huge power without exotic internals has already given it cult status. It’s an engine enthusiasts will be hoarding for years to come.
BMW S62
The S62, found in the E39 M5 from 1998 to 2003, is often called the best BMW engine ever made. At 394 horsepower with individual throttle bodies, it delivered a high-revving, razor-sharp experience that felt closer to a race car than a luxury sedan. The E39 M5 remains an icon because of this engine’s balance of refinement and ferocity. Canadian collectors prize them for their rarity and the fact that nothing BMW has built since feels quite the same.
BMW S65
The S65 in the E90/E92 M3 is another BMW masterpiece. A 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 revving to 8,400 rpm, it created one of the most thrilling experiences in modern motoring. While maintenance can be costly, enthusiasts see it as worth every penny. The combination of a lightweight chassis and screaming V8 made it a legend. In hindsight, it’s remembered as the last “pure” M3 engine before turbos took over.
BMW S63 Twin-Turbo
The S63 is the modern muscle of BMW’s lineup, powering the M5 and M8 with twin turbos and up to 617 horsepower. While some lament the loss of natural aspiration, the S63 proves turbocharging doesn’t kill soul. It delivers a tidal wave of torque and blistering acceleration, but still manages to feel refined on long journeys. For Canadian drivers, its all-wheel drive availability makes it usable year-round something many sports sedans can’t claim.
Mercedes-AMG M156
The M156 was AMG’s first in-house V8, and it set a standard. A naturally aspirated 6.2-liter engine producing anywhere from 451 to 518 horsepower, it powered cars like the C63 AMG, E63 AMG, and even the SLS supercar. Its raw, thunderous soundtrack is legendary. Owners love it for its durability and its drama every drive feels like an event. For many, it’s the definitive AMG engine.
Mercedes-AMG M178
The M178, introduced in 2015, brought AMG into the modern twin-turbo era with flair. Its 4.0-liter V8, used in the AMG GT, delivers huge power with a hot-V turbo setup for instant response. Despite being smaller than its predecessors, it keeps AMG’s character alive with crackles, burbles, and relentless thrust. It’s a modern marvel that proves the V8 still has a place in the future.
Lexus 1UZ-FE
Toyota shocked the world in 1989 with the Lexus LS400, powered by the 1UZ-FE. Overbuilt, smooth, and nearly indestructible, it became a benchmark for refinement. Canadian owners loved it because it could run for 400,000 kilometers without complaint. Over time, tuners discovered it could handle big power, turning it into an unexpected performance hero. Today, the 1UZ is both a luxury icon and a cult favorite.
Lexus 2UR-GSE
The 2UR-GSE represents Toyota’s refusal to let go of the naturally aspirated V8. Found in the IS F, RC F, GS F, and LC 500, it produces up to 472 horsepower with one of the sweetest exhaust notes around. It combines durability with drama, making it a rare gem in an age of turbos. Canadians in particular love it for its blend of Japanese reliability and European-style performance.
Jaguar AJ-V8 Supercharged
Jaguar’s AJ-V8, particularly in supercharged form, turned the brand into a performance contender. Found in cars like the XJR, XF, and F-Type R, it offered mountains of torque and a unique whine paired with a deep growl. It brought Jaguar into the modern performance arena and made its cars feel alive. Owners adore its personality it’s an engine with real British character.
Ferrari F136
The Ferrari F136 family, built in partnership with Maserati, produced some of the most thrilling naturally aspirated V8s ever. Found in the Ferrari F430, 458 Italia, California, and Maserati GranTurismo, these engines revved high, sang beautifully, and delivered supercar drama. Few engines in history sound as glorious, making them highly collectible today.
Maserati Twin-Turbo V8 (Ferrari-Derived)
In cars like the Quattroporte Trofeo and Levante Trofeo, Maserati offered Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V8s that blended luxury with exotic performance. While Maserati is now moving toward electrification, these engines stand as reminders of a time when Italian sedans and SUVs could rival the sound and feel of supercars. For collectors, they represent rarity and flair.
Toyota/Lexus 5.7 V8 (3UR-FE)
The 3UR-FE has powered Toyota’s trucks, SUVs, and Lexus LX models since 2007. It may not scream like a Ferrari V8, but its toughness makes it invaluable. Canadians know it as a workhorse that shrugs off brutal winters, towing, and long hauls without breaking a sweat. For longevity and dependability, this V8 is second to none.
Why These V8s Are Worth Keeping
From the high-revving BMW S65 to the thunderous Dodge Hellcat, these V8s each bring something unique to the table. Some are marvels of engineering, others icons of brute force. What they share is soul a quality that can’t be measured in horsepower alone. As the automotive world moves toward electric power, these twenty engines stand as reminders of why we fell in love with cars in the first place.
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