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There is a lot of misconception "out there" on the Max Wedge Engine.
Hopefully, this will shed light on the subject and clear up some long existing controversy.
From an article in Auto Restorer, July 2000
QUOTE: "The effects of ram induction are useful over a narrow rpm range, so engineers had to tune the engine for the specific range. With the Max Wedge, the length of the runners was set to optimize the torque from 3000 rpm up, as the engine was intended for racing purposes only, even though some Wedge cars did duty on the street. Hard starting and slow warm-up on cold days added to drive-abilityproblems already exacerbated by a high-output cam and lots of compression. Some cold weather, high-humidity days could even cause icing in the inlet tract. A piece of cardboard in front of the radiator helped a bit, but the engine never was happy when cold. All the raw fuel running into the cylinders when the chokes were left on for an extended time washed down the oil off the cylinder walls and added wear.
The carbs had manual chokes, and keeping them open a bit so the engine idled at 1400 rpm helped a bit, but made for an interesting few feet when the automatic was engaged. Chrysler didn't have a four-speed capable of taking the torque. so only their hell-for-stout warner T-85three-speed, or the A-727 Torqueflight were fitted, most of the cars were automatics and raced SS/A (Super StockAutomatic) class."
The article goes on about the Hemi "Looser" torque convertor being available later in 64/65 and that helped a bit AND the fact that it was an "ANIMAL, a Max Wedge.
The point is: These engines were "not nice". Period!
If you had one or do have one, they were hard to start, FLOODED regularly and were very temperamental.
It is clear to me the "Street Hemi" was and is a milder Animal, not the "Un-ruly"beast that the Max Wedge was (is).
I am lucky enough to have a Dale Reed built 440 as a Max Wedge.
He told me quite frankly on a Friday afternoon, November 2008, the 440 would make me happier.
Thank you my good friend Mr. Dale Reed.
"Dale's Place", Baldwin Park, CA
PS: We have a well respected member on our Forum who always posts:
"Fill your library before you fill your garage"
These words are very true!
Hopefully, this will shed light on the subject and clear up some long existing controversy.
From an article in Auto Restorer, July 2000
QUOTE: "The effects of ram induction are useful over a narrow rpm range, so engineers had to tune the engine for the specific range. With the Max Wedge, the length of the runners was set to optimize the torque from 3000 rpm up, as the engine was intended for racing purposes only, even though some Wedge cars did duty on the street. Hard starting and slow warm-up on cold days added to drive-abilityproblems already exacerbated by a high-output cam and lots of compression. Some cold weather, high-humidity days could even cause icing in the inlet tract. A piece of cardboard in front of the radiator helped a bit, but the engine never was happy when cold. All the raw fuel running into the cylinders when the chokes were left on for an extended time washed down the oil off the cylinder walls and added wear.
The carbs had manual chokes, and keeping them open a bit so the engine idled at 1400 rpm helped a bit, but made for an interesting few feet when the automatic was engaged. Chrysler didn't have a four-speed capable of taking the torque. so only their hell-for-stout warner T-85three-speed, or the A-727 Torqueflight were fitted, most of the cars were automatics and raced SS/A (Super StockAutomatic) class."
The article goes on about the Hemi "Looser" torque convertor being available later in 64/65 and that helped a bit AND the fact that it was an "ANIMAL, a Max Wedge.
The point is: These engines were "not nice". Period!
If you had one or do have one, they were hard to start, FLOODED regularly and were very temperamental.
It is clear to me the "Street Hemi" was and is a milder Animal, not the "Un-ruly"beast that the Max Wedge was (is).
I am lucky enough to have a Dale Reed built 440 as a Max Wedge.
He told me quite frankly on a Friday afternoon, November 2008, the 440 would make me happier.
Thank you my good friend Mr. Dale Reed.
"Dale's Place", Baldwin Park, CA
PS: We have a well respected member on our Forum who always posts:
"Fill your library before you fill your garage"
These words are very true!
