The Most Reliable V8, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the V8 you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:56

In the world of automotive enthusiasts, the debate over which V8 engines stand as the most reliable could fill endless hours of discussion. Each year, countless drivers depend on the robust performance of these engines for both everyday reliability and high-performance needs. Understanding which models deliver on their promises of durability and power can save consumers time, money, and potential headaches on repairs and maintenance. This interactive ranking serves as a collective assessment driven by the experiences and opinions of real-world users. By casting your vote, you contribute to a clearer consensus on which V8 engines offer the greatest reliability. This not only informs potential buyers but also aids in guiding manufacturers on what aspects most satisfy their customers. Your participation helps shape a more informed community where everyone can benefit from shared experiences and insights.

What Is the Most Reliable v8?

1

70
votes
Tim Wang from Beijing, China · CC BY-SA 2.0

Toyota 2UZ-FE

Toyota Motor Corporation

This V8 engine is known for its durability and reliability. It has been used in Toyota 4Runner, Tundra, and Land Cruiser models.
The Toyota 2UZ-FE is a V8 gasoline engine known for its reliability and performance. It was developed by Toyota Motor Corporation.

Displacement: 4.7L

Configuration: V8

Fuel Type: Gasoline

Valvetrain: DOHC

Power Output: 282 horsepower
2

50
votes
Lexus 1UR-FE

Toyota Motor Corporation

Another Toyota engine, the 1UR-FE is used in Lexus LS and GS models. It is known for its smooth operation and reliability.
The Lexus 1UR-FE is a powerful and highly reliable V8 engine design developed by Toyota Motor Corporation for use in Lexus luxury vehicles.

Displacement: 4.6 liters

Configuration: V8

Fuel Type: Gasoline

Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC)

Horsepower: 380 hp
3

11
votes
Chevrolet LS

General Motors

The LS engine is used in many General Motors vehicles and is known for its power and reliability. It is often used in performance applications.
The Chevrolet LS is a series of small-block V8 engines produced by General Motors. It is known for its reliability, performance, and versatility, making it a popular choice for a variety of vehicles.

Engine Type: V8

Displacement: 5.3L-7.0L

Horsepower Range: 300-650 hp

Torque Range: 335-650 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery: Sequential fuel injection
Chevrolet LS in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most reliable modern engine
- Position 7 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
4

21
votes
Ford Coyote

Ford Motor Company

The Coyote engine is used in the Ford Mustang and is known for its power and reliability. It has been used in racing applications as well.
The Ford Coyote is a line of V8 engines manufactured by Ford Motor Company. It is a modern engine family designed for performance and efficiency, commonly used in various Ford vehicles.

Engine type: V8

Displacement: 5.0L (302 cu in)

Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC)

Fuel system: Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (SEFI)

Compression ratio: 11.0:1
5

11
votes
Mercedes-Benz M156

The M156 engine is used in AMG Mercedes-Benz vehicles and is known for its power and reliability. It has won several awards for its design.
Mercedes-Benz M156 in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most reliable Mercedes-Benz engine
6

8
votes
Hatsukari715 · Public domain

BMW S65

BMW

The S65 engine is used in the BMW M3 and is known for its power and reliability. It has won several awards for its design.
The BMW S65 is a high-performance V8 engine developed by BMW for their M3 and M5 models. It is known for its remarkable power, smoothness, and exhilarating performance on the track.

Displacement: 4.0 liters

Configuration: V8

Valvetrain: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel Injection: Sequential Multipoint Fuel Injection

Redline: 8,400 RPM
7

9
votes
Audi 4.2 FSI

Audi

The 4.2 FSI engine is used in Audi vehicles and is known for its power and reliability. It has won several awards for its design.
The Audi 4.2 FSI is a high-performance V8 engine manufactured by Audi. It is part of the Audi FSI family of engines which utilize fuel stratified injection technology, enhancing fuel efficiency and performance.

Torque: 317 lb-ft

Redline: 7,000 RPM

Displacement: 4.2 liters

Configuration: V8

Valvetrain: DOHC
Audi 4.2 FSI in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable Audi engine
8

4
votes
Molch-Entertainment at de.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Porsche 4.0

Porsche AG

The 4.0 engine is used in Porsche vehicles and is known for its power and reliability. It has won several awards for its design.
The Porsche 4.0 is a high-performance V8 engine designed for sports cars produced by Porsche. Known for its exceptional power and reliability, it has earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after V8 engines in the automotive industry.

Displacement: 4.0 liters

Configuration: V8

Cylinder arrangement: Flat

Aspiration: Naturally aspirated

Valvetrain: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
9

9
votes
Dodge 6.4L Hemi

Dodge

The 6.4L Hemi engine is used in Dodge vehicles and is known for its power and reliability. It has won several awards for its design.
The Dodge 6.4L Hemi is a powerful and reliable V8 engine that is popular among performance enthusiasts. It was created by the American automaker, Dodge.

Displacement: 6.4 liters

Engine Type: V8

Horsepower: 485 horsepower

Torque: 475 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: 10.9:1
10

3
votes
Marcin Cieślak (Saper) · CC BY 2.5

Ferrari F136

Ferrari

The F136 engine is used in Ferrari vehicles and is known for its power and reliability. It has won several awards for its design.
The Ferrari F136 is a high-performance V8 engine developed by Ferrari. It is an evolution of the previous F131 engine and has been widely recognized as one of the most reliable V8 engines to date. The F136 engine was primarily designed for use in various Ferrari models.

Displacement: 4.2 L

Configuration: V8

Aspiration: Naturally aspirated

Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Maximum Power: 420-458 hp

Missing your favorite V8?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable V8

Engine Design

A well-designed engine with a strong block and durable internal components is likely to be more reliable over time.
Maintenance

Regular maintenance and servicing play a significant role in the lifespan of an engine. An engine that is well-maintained is more likely to last longer and perform better.
Manufacturer Reputation

Some engine manufacturers have a reputation for building engines that are known to be reliable and long-lasting.
Usage

Engines that are used within manufacturer specifications and not subject to abuse or harsh driving conditions are likely to be more reliable than those that are pushed beyond their limits.
Age

In general, newer engines tend to be more reliable than older ones due to advancements in technology and materials.
Customer Ratings and Reviews

It's always a good idea to look at customer ratings and reviews to get an idea of how reliable an engine has been in real-world situations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable V8. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or V8 is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2333 views
195 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each V8 once every 24 hours. The rank of each V8 is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable v8

V8 engines have been a popular choice for car enthusiasts for decades, providing a balance between power and efficiency. The V8 design consists of two banks of four cylinders arranged in a V-shape, with each bank sharing a common crankshaft. This configuration allows for a compact and powerful engine that can produce a distinctive exhaust note. When it comes to reliability, there are several factors to consider. The quality of materials used, the design of the engine, and the maintenance and care it receives all play a role in determining its reliability. Additionally, the specific application of the engine can also impact its reliability. There are many V8 engines on the market, each with its own unique characteristics and strengths. Some of the most reliable V8 engines include the Chevrolet small-block, Ford Windsor, and Chrysler Hemi. These engines have proven to be durable and long-lasting, making them popular choices for both enthusiasts and daily drivers. Ultimately, the most reliable V8 engine will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific application and the individual preferences of the driver. However, by considering the factors that contribute to reliability and examining the track record of different engines, it is possible to make an informed decision when choosing a V8 engine.