Sonny Leonard Archives - Engine Builder Magazine
762 cid Naturally Aspirated Hemi Engine

Known for 500-1,000 cubic-inch engines for drag racing, truck pulling, extreme muscle cars, and boat applications, Sonny’s Racing Engines has been delivering innovative engine designs and uncompromising performance for more than 50 years. Excellent examples of that engineering are the engines the shop built for Sunnen’s Charity Engine Sweepstakes at previous PRI shows. The 2019

762 CID Hemi
Sonny Leonard 727 cid Hemi Engine

Valued at over $66,000, this 727 cid Hemispherical Headed engine built by Sonny’s Racing Engines was prominently displayed at the 2018 PRI Show in Indianapolis as Sunnen’s 30th Annual Charity Sweepstakes engine. The proceeds benefitted Victory Junction, a camp for children living with serious medical conditions. Find out how much horsepower and money this powerplant

Sonny’s 820 cid EFI Marine Engine

This 820 cubic inch marine engine is designed and built by Sonny’s Racing Engines for endurance boat applications. Using a billet aluminum block with 360-degree water jackets and 5.3-inch bore spacing hemispherical cylinder heads, find out why this engine is one of our Engine of the Week highlights. Engine of the Week is brought to

Legendary Engine Builder Sonny Leonard Has Passed Away

In the hospital last month suffering from pneumonia, Sonny Leonard, Sonny’s Racing Engines’ president and CEO, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021. The engine shop broke the news on Facebook that it’s owner, founder and legendary engine builder, Sonny Leonard, had died. He was 77. Sonny Leonard’s name is synonymous with big-inch mountain motor

Sunnen’s Engine Charity Sweepstakes Breaks Fundraising Record

The prize in the 31st annual sweepstakes at PRI was a custom-built engine from Sonny’s Automotive Racing. NASCAR legend Richard “The King” Petty stopped by the booth to greet fans and help raise $120K for Victory Junction.

Sunnen’s 2019 Charity Engine Sweepstakes to Feature 1,400HP Sonny Leonard Engine

Sonny Leonard and the team from Sonny’s World Class Racing are building a 1400 horsepower, high-performance engine for the 31st annual Sweepstakes during PRI 2019.

820 CID EFI Marine Engine

Known for 700ci to 1,000ci engines, Sonny’s Racing Engines understands how to make big power for many applications. This 820ci EFI marine engine puts out a whopping 1,450 hp for some serious fun on the open water.