For me it’s the Mopar 440, specifically when equipped with the 6 pack (or 6 barrel). I know its not as powerful as the hemi but there’s just something about the Chrysler 440 that seems so cool to me. It’s the ultimate 60’s engine in my mind, not the best drag racer certainly, but its just got so much character. Of course many of my friends regularly question my sanity so I’m maybe not the best judge.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZrXX3HdxVY
Yeah, it’s not a 2JZ, but this engine is more my sort of thing, and was more accessible in the cars it was fitted to. Powered everything from Corollas to race cars to off road buggies. (To be honest, just the Toyota A engine generally, but the 4AGE is the best known.)
that’s a fun motor,
but idk I feel all the really Iconic motors belong to japan personally.
Meet the 2JZ, arguably the worlds strongest and most capable motor ever built and often referred to as the Japanese Big Block. This is a serious power house motor that was extremely over built from factory. with the Ability to handle power levels of over 1000 Brake Horse Power with out even touching the bottom end. also this engine Is used in almost all of the worlds fastest imports in drag racing and has made low 6 second passes. Look up Ekanoo’s Supra.
Another very iconic engine IMO is the Mitsubishi 4G63T. This motor Has many WRC championships under its belt and again is a very strong enine when taken care of with the ability of 500hp without touching the internals, Ask me how I know 
Also John Shepherd currently hold the Worlds fastest street legal car in the world, which is a 1990 Eagle Talon AWD.
I’d have to go with the Mazda 12A and 13B rotaries… Fast, powerful and sound like nothing else on the road!
OK, you knew it was going to arrive here. You probably knew it would arrive via me even. It’s time for a real engine to arrive on this thread.
I give you…
The Chevrolet LS7 (2006-Present)!
Just in case you are not familiar with this engine, it is used in the Z06 Corvettes (2006-13) and the 2014 Camaro Z/28! It is a monster, producing 505hp and 470 lb-ft on pump gasoline. A 7.0L (427ci) beast which will pound you back in the seat and set off a glory of audible porn from it’s pipes. And, of course, as an American factory street engine, it is an Overhead Valve PUSHROD motor capable of 8000RPM!!! Do not even get me started on the SuperCharged versions…
The LS series in general is an iconic series of engines.
There is a reason why tuners try to wedge them into all kinds of cars.
Yes, very true. All of the LS motors are foundations for madness. If you followed the recent Barely Street Legal League, my E30 featured a twin-turbo version of the 2007 LS7 motor (only because no superchargers). It was a nightmare to behold. If the E30 could have accepted wider tires, it would have been a lesson in insanity. 