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What's the best way to get a Hemi?

Best way to buy a Hemi

  • Buy a complete original Hemi

    Votes: 7 17.5%

  • New 426 crate Hemi

    Votes: 25 62.5%

  • I piece at a time

    Votes: 8 20.0%
  • Total voters
    40
Cncguy1

Cncguy1

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After another member posted a thread asking what a Hemi is worth, I'm wondering what is the best way to acquire a Hemi? No, I'm not talking about modern Hemis.
Remember I'm not rich so on a budget.
 
Sorry, best price I could find....
Screenshot_20180912-070601_Chrome.jpg

In reality, save your pennies.
Good luck
 
Cncguy1 said:
Just to upgrade my Charger. Ever since I've been into Mopars I've wanted a Hemi just never had the money to get one.
Click to expand...
Indy has a section in everyMopar Themed magazine.
 
Crate or original, isn’t going to be cheap either way. I hope to have one some day also.
 
The best way?? Your question is dynamic, and changes as they can be found, if you want an original one. From what I can see, the best way today, is try to convince Super Bee Ski to let that awesome iron go, before he changes his mind, lol. We're all on a budget of some sort, and we all have pipe dreams of something for nothing so to speak, so everything becomes some level of compromise at some point. You get what you can for the best $$$ you can, and try to forget about it if you spend too much to get whatever satisfies.
 
Just remember,Budget,prices, what ever you think it is going to cost,,triple it and you may be close.
Piece mill will be the most expensive.Part prices add up quickly.(Yep I've been there) Heck the valve train rockers and shafts alone cost in the $3000 range.
 
Lefty hit it on the head....

I think most of us dream about having an elephant under our hoods but unfortunately very few people that have them are clueless to what they have$$$ I've always looked at it as 2 options, piece something together over time as money permits making it doable over time or pony up all at once. The problem is if your not capable of doing a lot of the work yourself piecing one together will likely not save you much money unless you get some great deals. Machine shops aren't cheap and whatever you buy will most likely need completely gone over$$ For me if I can ever afford it I'd by the big cube HEMI crate motor and call it done. Actually if I ever have that kind of money I'd go with a Hellcat drivetrain lol.
 
Save and do it right the first time, very expensive. Besides the motor you will need, Headers or stock exhaust manifold, carburetors, K frame or motor mount adapters, Air filter setup. etc.

I would think conservative estimate would be $20,000.00 to $25,000.00. Gulp
And Ray Barton Racing Engine.
 
I voted one piece at a time. I have pieced my 528" Hemi together over several years & have about $17,500.00 as dyno'd. Makes way more power than any crate engine on just motor & is still streetable. I only buy parts when they are a heck of a deal (if really even possible when it comes to a Hemi)!!! A lot of the parts are good used parts that were all zyglo'd & magnafluxed & then I get great pricing at W.D. & better on the new parts from a lot of racing vendors.

Now if we can all just find our own sponsors. LOL

20160414_201144.jpg 20160507_120139.jpg
 
Also, with the upgrade to a Hemi, and with it the power, you would be wise to match it to a suitable transmission, rear end, and suspension at the change over point. Every vehicle is limited in performance, to it's weakest link. Not really hidden cost, just balancing the ride...
 
I pieced one together from March 2015 to August 2016. Prior to building it, the only engine building I'd done was re-ring and bearing a motorhome 440.

I had to hunt for parts DAILY, from online, to swap meets, to word of mouth.

I wouldn't say its the BEST way the first time around, but it is the most rewarding. I'm currently piecing together Hemi #2 and #3. Its far easier having done it once.

DSC01905.JPG
 
I voted “crate engine”.

That said, I’m no fan of crate engines, but in an effort to get all the parts in one shot, I’d do it with a HEMI. I’d get the crate engine home and promptly tear it down and inspect / fix everything that needed it.
 
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