Where to Buy a Chevrolet Crate Engine: Small-Block, Big-Block and LS

Chevy has the deepest crate engine lineup of any brand in stock here: small-block, big-block, and LS, spanning entry-level long blocks to a 600-plus horsepower deluxe build.

That breadth is also what makes shopping harder. A 350 HO, a ZZ572, and an LS3 aren’t competing for the same build, and the sticker price alone won’t tell you which one fits yours.

This guide covers where to buy a Chevrolet crate engine online, what separates these three families, and what the warranty actually covers, since it’s simpler here than it is across other brands, but still worth getting right.

UniversalEngineParts.com is an independent parts retailer. Chevrolet and Chevrolet Performance are trademarks of General Motors.

In This Guide

• Where to buy a Chevy crate engine: what’s in stock
• Small-block vs. big-block vs. LS: what to choose
• Check fit before you order
• Featured in-stock models
• Warranty: the Chevrolet Performance terms
• Shipping: what to actually expect
• Common mistakes buyers make
• When to get help before you buy
• Tell us about your build
• FAQs

Where to Buy a Chevy Crate Engine: What’s in Stock

Chevrolet is the largest single brand family in the crate engines category here, covering classic small-block and big-block platforms through the modern LS and LT families.

You can browse the full crate engines category and filter by price and stock status. For how configuration and brand affect price across every builder, not just Chevy, our where to buy a crate engine hub guide covers the ground rules this one builds on.

If you’re weighing a Chevrolet crate engine for sale against other brands purely on value, our best Chevy crate engine for the money post compares purchase price, cost to complete, and cost to run across the small-block, 383 stroker, LS, and big-block families. This guide picks up from there, once you’ve narrowed it to Chevy and need to know where to actually buy and what you’re getting.

Small-Block vs. Big-Block vs. LS: What to Choose

These three Chevy families solve different problems, and a GM crate engine search often turns up all three mixed together without saying so clearly.

Small-block (like the 350 HO) is the classic, well-documented platform with the biggest aftermarket support base and the widest range of vehicles it bolts into without adaptation.

Big-block (like the ZZ572) trades some of that universal fit for raw displacement and torque, aimed at builds where small-block output isn’t enough.

LS (like the LS3) is GM’s modern small-block architecture: more power per cubic inch than the classic small-block, but it often needs different accessory brackets, oil pan and motor mounts depending on what you’re swapping it into.

If you’re building a classic Nova, Camaro or Chevelle specifically, our crate engine guide for classic Chevrolets covers fitment considerations those platforms raise that this guide doesn’t get into.

Check Fit Before You Order

A chevy crate motor that matches your displacement target can still be the wrong engine for your chassis: accessory drive, oil pan style, balance (internal versus external), and bellhousing pattern can all rule out an otherwise perfect listing, especially across small-block, big-block and LS.

Run your vehicle and the specific part number through the site’s own Compatibility Check tool before you order.

Featured In-Stock Models

Three current listings illustrate the three families.

Chevrolet Performance 350 HO 333 HP turnkey (19433031)

A turnkey small-block build. Chevrolet’s own official page for this exact part number lists it at “333 HP @ 5100 RPM” and “381 LB-FT @3700 RPM,” and titles it a “turn-key” engine.

Chevrolet Performance ZZ572/620 Deluxe (19331583)

A deluxe big-block build. Chevrolet’s own official page for this engine lists “621 hp @ 5,400 rpm,” “645 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm,” and “572 cu. in. (9.4L)” of displacement.

Chevrolet Performance LS3 430 HP base long block (19435106)

The base LS3 build. Chevrolet’s own official LS3 page lists the standard LS3 at “430 hp @ 5,900 rpm,” “425 lb.-ft. @ 4,600 rpm,” and “376 cu. in. (6.2L).”

Current pricing, exact included accessories and stock status are shown on each product page rather than reproduced here, since all three change over time.

Warranty: The Chevrolet Performance Terms

Every engine on this page is genuine Chevrolet Performance, which makes this simpler than our Ford crate engine guide, where three different brands share one category.

UEP’s warranty information page lists Chevrolet Performance coverage as 12 months, unlimited miles, parts only, unless an authorized GM dealer performs the installation, covering defects in materials and workmanship on factory-sealed engines.

For the full brand-by-brand picture, including where this term compares to BluePrint, ATK, Ford Performance and Mopar, see our where to buy a crate engine hub guide.

Shipping: What to Actually Expect

Crate engines ship as palletized freight, not parcel. Published delivery windows for the US and Canada run 7 to 14 business days, quoted at checkout based on weight and destination.

Before you sign for delivery, inspect the crate for visible damage and note it on the carrier’s paperwork before you unbox the engine. Full steps are on the shipping information page.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

• Comparing horsepower across small-block, big-block and LS without accounting for weight, width and accessory needs.
• Assuming an LS swap needs no adaptation because it’s “just a Chevy.”
• Budgeting the engine price alone, without the LS-specific accessory brackets or oil pan a swap often needs.
• Skipping the compatibility check because the displacement or part number looks familiar.
• Treating the 12-month Chevrolet Performance warranty as the same deal other brands on the site offer.

When to Get Help Before You Buy

If you’re deciding between small-block, big-block and LS for a specific build, it’s worth asking before you order.

Use the Compatibility Check page for a fast fit check, or Contact Us with a specific question. For a full swap plan, book a Technical Consultation before you buy anything.

Tell Us About Your Build

Builders know things no spec sheet does. Answer any of these in the comments to help other readers of this guide.

• Which Chevy family did you end up buying, and why?
• If you went LS, what accessories or brackets did you need beyond the engine?
• How did the turnkey or deluxe configuration match what you expected?
• What’s the one thing you wish you’d confirmed before ordering?

Share what you can, and we’ll join in with general guidance. Please don’t post personal contact details or payment information.

Before You Go

Not sure whether small-block, big-block or LS fits your build? Send us your vehicle and intended use, and we’ll help you compare the real total cost, not just the engine price.

• Browse the full crate engines category by price and stock status
• Run a Compatibility Check before you order
• Contact our team with any fitment or warranty questions

The more detail you send, the faster we can help you choose.

UniversalEngineParts.com is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by General Motors, Chevrolet, or Chevrolet Performance. Each brand name is a trademark of its respective owner, used here only to identify the engines we sell. Specifications cited from Chevrolet’s own pages reflect that part number at the time of writing and may not match every variant; always confirm against the current product page before ordering.

Where to Buy a Chevy Crate Engine: FAQs

Where can I buy a Chevrolet crate engine online?

Universal Engine Parts lists Chevrolet crate engines across small-block, big-block and LS families in one category, so you can compare a chevrolet crate engine for sale against other brands before you check fit and order.

What’s the difference between small-block, big-block and LS Chevy engines?

Small-block is the classic, widely documented platform with the broadest aftermarket support. Big-block trades some universal fit for more displacement and torque. LS is GM’s modern small-block architecture, with more power per cubic inch but different accessory and mounting needs depending on the swap.

Is a Chevy crate motor warranty the same across all Chevrolet Performance engines?

Yes, for genuine Chevrolet Performance engines specifically: 12 months, unlimited miles, parts only, unless an authorized GM dealer installs it. Other brands in the broader crate engine category carry different terms.

Can I put an LS engine in a classic Chevelle, Nova or Camaro?

It’s a common swap, but LS engines typically need different motor mounts, oil pan, and accessory brackets than the small-block or big-block they’re replacing. See our classic Chevrolet crate engine guide for platform-specific considerations.

How long does Chevy crate engine shipping take?

Published delivery windows for the US and Canada are 7 to 14 business days, quoted at checkout based on weight and destination, shipped as palletized freight.

Is the ZZ572 overkill for a street build?

It depends on the build. At 621 hp per Chevrolet’s own spec sheet, it’s aimed at builds where small-block output genuinely isn’t enough, not a default upgrade for every street car.

Does installing a Chevy crate engine myself affect the warranty?

Full coverage on Chevrolet Performance engines requires installation by an authorized GM dealer in some cases; check the specific terms before deciding on DIY installation.

Can you help me compare small-block, big-block and LS for my build?

Yes. Send us your vehicle and intended use through a Compatibility Check or Contact Us, and we’ll help you compare the real total cost of each option, not just the engine price.