A Quick Celebration of American V8 Engines

What makes American V8 engines so great? Is it just blind American pride? Is it because they’re loud? More than likely, many would give a hearty “hell no” Well, maybe about the “blind pride” part, of course, but there’s a reason or two behind why we love V8s.

So what is it then? What makes them interesting and worth celebrating?
Well, it’s Faster N’ Louder’s job to tell you what it is. So without further ado, let’s get started.

That V8 lope

The “V8 lope” isn’t exclusive to American V8s, but we do use the configuration more extensively than any other country–especially back in the 60s and 70s. It’s a distinct sound when 8 cylinders are placed in a “V” formation, and when you hear it, you can’t help but think to yourself,…”performance”.

When you’re at a local car event or show, you always hear it and know what it is right away. It’s unmistakable.
This video is a great compilation highlighting the amazing V8 lope.

The High RPM Scream

Wow. 8000 RPM may sound loud on your computer or phone speakers, but it’s much louder and much more pissed off in real life. You can hear it from a mile away, and it means business. Can you think of another engine that sounds so intimidating at full bore like that? We can’t.

The Legends

Here’s another cool thing about American V8s: there’s not just one or two legendary V8s, but several. Let’s take a look at a few, shall we?

COPO Camaro 427 (500+ HP)

The specially “massaged” 427 big block Chevy may or may not have really made more than 500 HP when it was first sold in 1969.

Ford Boss 428 Cobra Jet

“Yea, it just has a little 302, that’s all…”

426 Hemi

It was the top engine choice in several Mopars of the era, and it still maintains its reputation as a ruthless pavement pounder decades later.

It Scares People

You can’t deny the cacophonous roar of power that is the built American V8. It strikes fear into those who dare challenge it. There really isn’t much more we can say about it–just listen.

Now, if you have a car equipped with a V8, get out there and enjoy it! One of the great joys of being a muscle car enthusiast is seeing other guys/girls out there doing waving the American muscle car flag with pride. And cheers to those of you building your own V8 engine in your garage! We hope to see these amazing machines on the streets for many years to come.