Published November 2025

1. Define Your Build Purpose

Before you start comparing horsepower numbers, think about how the car will actually be used.

Ask yourself:

• Will this car see daily driving or weekend track days?
• Do you want high-revving excitement, big torque, or both?
• Is reliability and serviceability your top priority—or ultimate performance?

A car built for long-distance cruising and reliability might benefit from a mild Blueprint Engines LS or LT crate motor, while a track-focused build may demand something like a built LS7 or LT6 with forged internals and high-RPM capability. Every decision that follows—transmission, cooling, suspension, and gearing—starts here.

2. Choose Your Engine Family

For most modern Pro Touring builds, the choice comes down to two proven families: Chevrolet LS/LT or Ford Coyote/Modular powerplants. Both have their strengths:

Chevrolet LS / LT Engines

• Compact, lightweight aluminum architecture
• Massive aftermarket support and parts availability
• Affordable power potential and tuning flexibility
• Ideal for swaps in classic GM and even Ford chassis

Popular Options:

• Blueprint Engines LS3 or 427 LS7 — excellent all-around performance
• GM Performance LT4 — supercharged efficiency with OEM reliability

Ford Coyote / Modular Engines

• High-revving dual overhead cam design
• Excellent throttle response and naturally aspirated sound
• Ideal for Ford restorations and restomods (Mustang, F100, Falcon)
• Slightly taller packaging but unmatched modern performance

Popular Options:

• Gen 3 Coyote 5.0L Crate Engine — proven 460+ HP platform
• Predator 5.2L Supercharged V8 — next-level performance for advanced builds

3. Consider Power Goals vs. Chassis Capability

A 700+ horsepower engine might sound tempting—but unless your chassis, suspension, and braking systems can match it, that power is wasted (and unsafe). Pro Touring is about usable, balanced performance.

CPD recommends:

• 450–550 HP for street-driven builds (comfortably balanced with handling)
• 600–700 HP for high-end Pro Touring and autocross builds
• 700+ HP for track or showcase builds only with supporting systems (IRS, big brakes, aero, etc.)

Remember: the goal is drivable performance, not a dyno sheet trophy.

4. Match the Engine to Your Transmission & Rear Gear

Every engine has an ideal RPM range where it performs best. Pairing it with the right transmission and gear ratio ensures power delivery feels smooth, not strained.

• Manual builds: Match cam profile and gear spacing to maintain midrange torque.
• Automatic builds: Choose torque converters that match stall speed to your engine’s curve.
• Rear gears: Generally, 3.55–3.73 ratios are ideal for most Pro Touring setups.

CPD’s performance partners—Bowler Transmissions and Tremec—offer excellent solutions tailored for Pro Touring combinations.

5. Think Ahead on Cooling, Clearance, and Fitment

A modern powerplant means modern demands: tighter tolerances, higher compression, and more heat. Ensure your chassis can handle:

• Proper radiator and fan setup
• Clearance for headers and oil pans
• Updated fuel and electrical systems
• ECM/PCM mounting and tuning space

At CPD, we design every engine bay with form-follows-function engineering—clean, accessible, and heat-balanced.

6. Partner with Proven Brands

Choosing your engine is also choosing the company behind it. That’s why CPD only works with brands that meet our standards for performance, support, and reliability:

• Blueprint Engines – trusted crate power with dyno-tested precision
• Wilwood Disc Brakes – to stop what your engine starts
• Royal Purple – premium synthetic oils to protect your investment
• Forgeline Wheels & Velgen Wheels – where power meets the pavement

When you build with CPD, every component—from camshaft to coolant—is vetted by enthusiasts who live and breathe performance.

Final Thoughts

The right engine for your Pro Touring build isn’t just about numbers—it’s about balance, purpose, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re chasing road-course times or open-road cruising, your engine should reflect who you are as a builder.

If you’re ready to begin your next project or need help choosing the perfect setup, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Need expert guidance on your build?

Contact our team at parts@cassarperformance.com or visit shop.cassarperformance.com to explore premium engine and drivetrain options.