426 hemi profile on SPEED channel on Saturday

MHQC · September 8th, 2003, 10:04 AM

Anybody catch this? I was fixed to the TV. I think it was American Muscle Car.

What a great show. I actually was surprised to know that even though the hemi was rated at 425 hp (everybody knows); they had some Chrysler engineers that commented on the "real" hp. They said that 500 hp was a "conservative" estimate and that every HEMI that left the production line was pushing over 500 HP

, and that all the insurance companies knew about it.

This being true, I think that 1/4 mile times were in the low 13's (might be wrong). If so, this would mean that there must have been huge losses in HP through the drivetrain...no? Anybody have first hand experience. I love hemi stories...

Still mean as hell. I would love to get my hands on one...

MHQC · September 8th, 2003, 11:33 AM

WHAT!?! No hemi fans!?!

Lawrenzo · September 8th, 2003, 12:01 PM

I think the lack of a good rear tire hurt the 1/4 mile times a bunch- with slicks they were quite a bit faster. Aerodynamics didn't help much either- can only push a brick so fast

Mark O · September 8th, 2003, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MHQC

WHAT!?! No hemi fans!?!

I'm here.......

NOITALL · September 8th, 2003, 04:45 PM

Michael,

We've got a few elephants in the barn. All being restored right now tho.

Torquemonster · September 8th, 2003, 06:04 PM

Another fan here - tho there is nothing wrong with a good wedgie

The best thing about Hemis is that you can buy them new and in all aluminium! Now a 572 or 622 cube al hemi is something to get your rocks off on!

Hemi's are harder to get right than a wedge when you go hotting them up - so you'll find actual hp varies a lot... in fact many "warmed over" hemis made less power than if rebuilt stock and tuned right. But when the combo is right they'll bring home bacon.

Funny thing is a 572 cube 440 based al wedge vs a 572 cube al hemi make the same hp and torque for equivalent spec - around 950hp on single Dominator carb and 800ft/lb. The only difference is the wedge peaks torque 100rpm lower. The wedge weighs 485lb wet, while the Hemi tips in over 500lb (aluminium) - so the points would seem to go to the wedge....

But ask Ray Barton who builds these babies - he'd take the Hemi everytime! The hemi just has so much lung capacity and heart and character - that people love them, even if the wedgie keeps up now. Plus they look mean with their wide heads and centred spark plugs - did I mention that? [img]/images/graemlins/supergrin.gif[/img]

A TT 572 EFI Hemi would be something woudn't it? Maybe in a 72 Road Runner with carbon fibre body parts and molly frame. That'd be a cool street/strip car.

NOITALL · September 8th, 2003, 06:08 PM

you'd stick a TT HEMI in one of the ugly birds?

I'd throw it into a tubbed 69 barracuda [img]/images/graemlins/supergrin.gif[/img]

MHQC · September 8th, 2003, 06:17 PM

But what abou those factory numbers? Are they making any sense? 500hp sure seems like a lot.

NOITALL · September 8th, 2003, 06:25 PM

Those were GROSS H.P. ratings. Different way of measuring than today. 500 gross power is quite a bit still. Anyone know how to convert from GROSS to NET?

Torquemonster · September 8th, 2003, 06:42 PM

Gross readings can be 20% higher.

A friend ran a good stock 426 with pocket port & blend, plus MP hyd cam. It was factory twin 4bbl and dynoed at 480hp with headers and MSD7 on pump gas. Car ran 10.8 at 128mph in a T-Bucket street hot rod.

Same car now makes 650hp - but is an animal - as it's so light.