Jake Velasco Race Prep, in El Cajon, California, prepares and maintains off-road racers’ vehicles in crate-engine-mandated off-road truck classes. They are known as Unlimited Truck SPEC, Class 6100 or Trophy Truck Spec, depending on the sanctioning body.

In the spec classes Velasco Race Prep serves, the LS376/525 crate engine must be internally stock. Air/fuel ratio adjustments are allowed and a factory oil pan must be used. Many teams use low-profile Camaro or Corvette pans, because they allow the engine to sit lower in the chassis.

Spec classes are a relatively recent addition to the world of off-road racing and were introduced to combat the rising costs of competition. Sealed crate engines bring parity to the classes, while eliminating the need to build more expensive custom engines.

Coastal Racing relies on Velasco Race Prep and also runs the Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine. It’s installed in a TSCO chassis, which is often used for prerunning, but can be easily converted into a race vehicle. Many teams use retired racing engines in their prerunners.

Jake Velasco notes most competitors in the spec classes use the Chevrolet Performance LS376/525 crate engine. It is based on the production LS3 6.2L engine but features the racing-developed ASA camshaft to help make 525 horsepower.