Image credit: Racing Junk

Cheap, affordable, and budget have never been terminologies that aptly coincide with NHRA Pro Stock racing, but the costs of modern technology and the level of competition that exists in the class these days has limited participation to only the most well-funded of factory hot rod teams.

So, what does a semi-competitive engine in today’s Pro Stock eliminator cost? Well, that’s a figure that’s generally kept between the parties involved and certainly up for debate, and many teams that run their own in-house engine programs would have difficulty putting a price tag on the blood, sweat, and knowledge that went into the creation of their 500-inch masterpieces, but suffice it to say, there’s nothing affordable about so much as the nuts and bolts of the starting sixteen or those anchoring the field.

Following the discovery of an ad on Racing Junk, however, we do know what the cost of obtaining a Roush Yates Engines Ford bullet will set you back, with the price of powering one of the sleek Ford Mustangs at a cool $125,000. Roush Yates, the longtime and industry-renowned provider of race and championship-winning NASCAR engines, joined efforts with Justin Humphreys early last season to supply Ford power for his Pro Stock efforts, and these engines are early products of their new Pro Stock program.

The 500 cubic inch Ford bullet is estimated to produce over 1,400 horsepower, but due to the competitive and secretive nature of the category, other details are withheld in the ad listing. Keep in mind, this is the cost of simply having an engine occupy the space between fenders. Add in weekend maintenance expenses, the cost of freshening the engine, and heaven forbid any catastrophic repairs, and you can see where the costs quickly skyrocket.

One of these would look real nice under your Christmas tree though, wouldn’t it?