One of the biggest obstacles in racing is trying to keep a level playing field, and this is the exact reason why rules are created. Weight breaks are given to guys making less horsepower, and weight is added to those with certain parts that have an advantage. If you can’t keep a handle on a class, then it becomes no longer competitive, and usually, the class dies. 

This is the exact reason that crate motors were introduced in racing. It puts everyone on the same plane, and it’s up to the driver to determine if a team is going to the winner’s circle.

For a while now Chevrolet Performance has offered a couple of sealed crate engines for circle track racing. The CT 350 and the CT 400 are small blocks that have been used by teams for years in these competitive classes. These sealed crate engines keep the cars close in power, while also making circle track racing more affordable. 

While Chevrolet had two conventional small-blocks in the lineup, they recently decided to add a third to mix, the CT525. This LS based 6.2-liter LS3 has been adapted to circle track racing with a carbureted intake manifold, roller camshaft, and a 6-quart racing oil pan. It cranks out an advertised 533-horsepower at  6600 rpm and 477 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm.

Bill Martens, of Chevrolet Performance, was able to give us a little more insight at this year’s 2018 PRI show about the crate engine program and more specifically the CT525. According to Martens, “The CT525 is a very adaptable platform and can run everything from pump gas, E85, and Methanol.” Martens added, “Because the CT525 is a production based engine, we can deliver a race-ready product much cheaper than a custom built engine.” 

Like the CT 350 and 400, the 525 is a sealed engine which means in theory, if you try to modify the engine internals, the inspector at the track will notice. If they are tampered with or removed, the engine would be marked as illegal and could not be raced.  Martens said, “The seals are a onetime use. You would have to destroy them to get them off plus it’s a quick visual for the tech man, that  tells him that no one has monkeyed with the engine.” 

If you would like more information on the CT525 or any of the other circle track crate engines Chevrolet Performance offers, be sure and check them out here.