Interesting. There actually were V8 Vipers built for racing due to a "if we can't beat them, legislate them out of competition" mindset. A rule change made the 8.0 V10 noncompetitive so they blanked the front 2 cylinders and ran them as 6.2 V8's. Custom crank and cam, no rods or pistons, plugged the lifters and left the valves and springs in place. Made like 620 hp. Pretty cool!
V8 Dodge Vipers Do Exist (Viper Week 2021) - Cody's Car Conundrum
