[SuperBee]

I am a newly converted Mopar man, used to be GM, (save the flames). My question, Is the 426 Hemi engine,is it a special block or does it use a standard big block with special crank, rods, pistons etc? I would like to scavange the parts to build one. Can someone give me the details what would be needed? I plan on putting this in a 2001 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. I don't have the 12 grand to buy one over the counter. I am wanting to increase my hp a 100 more hp.My truck currently has a 5.9 in it and pulls pretty good but my opinon it is lugging and if it had more hp I might get better fuel economy. If not at least I would have a nice engine and a good reason for having crappy mileage.

Thanks for any usefull information you can contribute.
Jack

[1BAD80]

You will have to surf this site but there is a lot of info.
http://www.victorylibrary.com/mopar/mopar-tech.htm

[Max Keith]

Check with the MOPAR Gurus on this web site.

[Centerline]

There is no way to cheaply build a 426 or any hemi for that matter. Any used 426 parts must be looked at with a very cautious eye. Most have been damaged from racing and are junk.

In '64 when Chrysler first started building the Hemi for NASCAR racing they started with the 426 wedge block. It quickly became apparent that the bottom end of that block wasn't strong enough. They redesigned the bottom end which resulted in a new hemi only block. I am most familiar with the early hemis so I'm not entirely sure but I don't believe you could successfully use a 440 block with the 426 heads. You might be able to use one of the 426 wedge blocks if you could find one but they are pretty rare and it probably wouldn't hold up to any abuse.

Your best bet if you want a reliable hemi would be to bite the bullet and go down to your local Dodge dealer and buy a 426 crate motor. They aren't as expensive as the "enlarged" versions and shouldn't go much more than about $9000. If you add up the cost of buying the parts new separately it’s a very good deal.

If your budget won’t allow that then I'd pick up a used 440. They're dirt-cheap and will make a whole lot of power for half the cost of the 426.


Good luck

Centerlne
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com