V8 engines have long held a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts around the globe. These powerhouses blend raw performance, durability, and unmistakable sound to deliver an experience few engine types can match.
While the auto industry transitions toward electrification, the demand for certain V8 engines in the used market remains strong. Whether it’s due to tunability, reliability, or pure nostalgia, some V8s are more sought-after than ever.
This article highlights 10 iconic V8 engines that continue to dominate used markets, celebrated by gearheads and collectors alike for their lasting performance and engineering excellence.
1. General Motors LS1 V8 – A Swapper’s Dream
The GM LS1 V8, introduced in 1997, continues to thrive in the used engine market thanks to its versatility, affordability, and bulletproof reliability. Found in the C5 Corvette and many other GM models, the LS1’s pushrod design makes it relatively easy to modify, earning it a legendary status among tuners and hot-rodders.
Its wide application, from the Camaro to Cadillac CTS-V and even Holdens, ensures strong parts support. This popularity is reflected in ongoing demand for LS crate engines and swaps, where it remains a go-to option for builders looking for cost-effective yet powerful V8 performance.

2. Mercedes-Benz M113 V8 – German Power and Longevity
Mercedes-Benz’s M113 V8 stands as a symbol of German engineering that combines performance with remarkable reliability. Debuting in 1998, this naturally aspirated 90° V8 powered numerous AMG and luxury models like the E55 AMG and SL500.
Unlike the more complex V12s of its era, the M113 gained a reputation for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles without major issues.
In today’s used market, its relative simplicity, power range, and supercharged variants make it a hidden gem for buyers looking for luxury V8 performance that won’t break the bank on repairs or maintenance.

3. Ford Coyote V8 – The Modern Muscle Marvel
Since its debut in 2010, Ford’s Coyote V8 has established itself as a dominant force among modern V8s in the used market. Originally designed for the Mustang GT, its 5.0-liter dual overhead cam layout offers high-revving excitement and strong mod potential.
The Coyote is known for handling forced induction well, making it a favorite among tuners. Thanks to its durability, many Mustangs and F-150s equipped with this engine still retain strong resale values.
Continued production and aftermarket support ensure that the Coyote remains relevant and desirable for performance enthusiasts looking for contemporary muscle.

4. Toyota 1UZ-FE – The Indestructible Luxury V8
Toyota’s 1UZ-FE, developed in the late 1980s, was a pioneering engine that powered the first Lexus LS400 and other luxury sedans. Built with forged internals and advanced alloy construction, the 1UZ is famous for its smoothness and longevity.
Enthusiasts often label it as one of the most durable V8 engines ever made, capable of running trouble-free for hundreds of thousands of miles. In the used market, it’s valued for reliability and is frequently used in engine swaps, especially in JDM and drift scenes. It’s a perfect example of how durability helps an engine maintain strong resale appeal.

5. Chrysler 6.1L HEMI V8 – Muscle Car Revivalist
The 6.1-liter HEMI V8 marked Chrysler’s re-entry into serious muscle car territory in the mid-2000s. Powering cars like the Dodge Charger SRT8 and Chrysler 300C SRT8, it brought back the bold spirit of classic American performance.
This engine combines old-school V8 thunder with modern engineering, offering solid reliability and tuning potential. Today, used vehicles with this HEMI hold value well, thanks to their blend of performance and usability.
As the muscle car market remains strong, so does the appeal of this capable V8, often seen as the spiritual revival of the golden era of American horsepower.

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6. Toyota 3UR-FE – A Truck-Grade Titan
Introduced in 2007, the 3UR-FE is Toyota’s go-to V8 for heavy-duty SUVs and trucks like the Land Cruiser, Lexus LX 570, and Tundra. This 5.7-liter engine offers robust power output and outstanding durability, key traits that keep it in high demand. Despite increasing environmental scrutiny, these vehicles hold their value extremely well, largely thanks to this reliable engine.
Used 3UR-FE-powered models often sell quickly, particularly among off-roaders and overlanders who prize their towing capacity and longevity. It’s a testament to Toyota’s ability to make an advanced yet bulletproof powertrain that still appeals to a utility-driven crowd.

7. Chrysler 6.2L Supercharged HEMI (Hellcat) – The Ultimate Mopar Madness
The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, better known as the Hellcat engine, has become a modern-day legend. Producing over 700 horsepower, this beast powers some of the wildest muscle machines of the 21st century, including the Challenger and Charger Hellcat, Jeep Trackhawk, and RAM TRX.
Its rarity, brute force, and unique place in muscle car history have made Hellcat-powered vehicles red-hot commodities in the used market. Enthusiasts and collectors alike scramble to acquire them before they’re gone for good, reinforcing the engine’s cult status as one of the most memorable American V8s ever made.

8. GM LT1/LT2/LT5 V8 – Evolution of an Icon
The LT V8 family, which includes the LT1, LT2, and LT5, builds upon the legacy of the LS engine while integrating modern tech like direct injection and cylinder deactivation. First seen in the C7 Corvette, these V8s offer impressive power and efficiency. The LT5 variant, with its supercharging, puts out up to 755 hp in models like the Corvette ZR1.
Thanks to its advanced features and proven strength, LT-equipped vehicles command high resale values. These engines represent GM’s evolution of the small block, keeping the spirit alive while meeting modern demands, helping them thrive in today’s performance-driven used market.

9. Nissan VK56DE – The Unsung Japanese Muscle
Nissan’s VK56DE V8 is often overshadowed by its Toyota counterparts, but it’s a hidden gem in the used market. Found in trucks like the Nissan Titan and SUVs like the Patrol, this 5.6-liter V8 is durable and surprisingly refined.
Its all-aluminum build, DOHC configuration, and impressive torque delivery make it a strong candidate for utility and performance applications.
Though 2023 marked the end of its production, it remains a popular swap choice and a reliable engine for used buyers seeking capable Japanese V8 power. The VK56’s solid reputation ensures it won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

10. Toyota 2UR-GSE – Lexus’ Performance Crown Jewel
The 2UR-GSE is Toyota’s high-performance 5.0-liter V8, seen in several Lexus F models like the RC F and IS 500. Developed in collaboration with Yamaha, it features direct injection, variable valve timing, and high-revving characteristics that set it apart from typical luxury V8s.
Despite its naturally aspirated layout, it delivers exhilarating performance and a distinctive soundtrack. Lexus continues to use this engine in new models, underlining its relevance.
With a blend of refinement, durability, and exclusivity, the 2UR-GSE remains one of the most respected V8s on the used market, sought after by purists and driving enthusiasts alike.

Even as the automotive world pivots toward electrification, certain V8 engines continue to dominate used markets due to their performance, reliability, and emotional appeal. From American muscle to Japanese precision and European luxury, the legacy of the V8 lives on through these ten standout powertrains.
Each one brings something unique to the table—be it tunability, bulletproof engineering, or sheer brute force. While their days in new cars may be numbered, their influence and desirability are far from over.
For enthusiasts and collectors, these V8 engines represent a golden era of internal combustion that still roars proudly on the road.
Also Read: 10 Cars with Legendary V8 Engines That Refuse to Die