Looking for that last minute Christmas gift? Got a lot of extra cash laying around? One of Direct Connection’s most outrageous factory crate engines is now available—the HELLEPHANT A30 426 Supercharged Crate HEMI. First shown to the world at SEMA back in 2018, the HELLEPHANT instantly became a modern Mopar legend. Now, the updated A30 version is here, and it stays true to the original mission: maximum power with OEM-level engineering and durability.
At its core, the HELLEPHANT A30 delivers a factory-rated 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s not marketing fluff—that’s real, engineered output backed by Direct Connection. This isn’t a cobbled-together race motor. It’s a fully developed crate HEMI designed to survive abuse while making four-digit power.
The foundation starts with an all-new Gen3 aluminum HEMI engine block. Direct Connection reinforced the bottom end with select six-bolt main caps to improve rigidity under extreme loads. The cylinders are CNC torque-plate honed, which helps ensure consistent sealing and long-term durability—especially important when boost levels climb.
Inside, the rotating assembly is built to handle the punishment. A forged 4340 steel crankshaft with eight counterweights reduces vibration and stress at high rpm. Matching forged 4340 H-beam connecting rods with ARP 2000 bolts and forged aluminum pistons round out a setup that’s clearly designed to live at 1,000 horsepower, not just advertise it.
Forced induction comes from an upgraded IHI 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger, spinning through a 3.17-inch pulley. Supporting hardware includes a Gates drive belt, a lightweight billet belt tensioner, and Injector Dynamics 1050 fuel injectors to maintain stable fueling under load. The airflow side is handled by high-flow aluminum HEMI cylinder heads with a spherical combustion chamber design, large intake and exhaust valves, and a high-performance hydraulic roller camshaft.
Displacement comes in at the classic 426 cubic-inches thanks to a 4.125-inch bore and 4.000-inch stroke. Compression is set at 9.5:1, allowing the engine to run on premium fuel while still being adaptable for race-focused applications. Peak rpm is rated at 6,800, which is impressive considering the torque on tap.
The HELLEPHANT A30 is designed for pre-1976 vehicles or race-only applications. To make installation easier, Direct Connection offers an updated plug-and-play A30 Engine Controller Kit, sold separately. This revised controller includes updated calibration specifically developed for the A30, and earlier controller kits are not compatible. A VIN is required to complete the purchase, and the engine is non-returnable.
Pricing is set at $34,995 under Part # P5160194AD, placing it squarely in the realm of serious builders who want extreme power without sacrificing factory engineering standards.
The HELLEPHANT A30 isn’t subtle, efficient, or practical—and it was never meant to be. It’s a statement piece. A modern factory-built HEMI that proves Mopar still knows how to build engines that scare tires, transmissions, and common sense—all at the same time.
