• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Why is the 426 Hemi better than the 440?

Only reason the Hemi made it into street production was because racing at the time mandated it. Just like the Daytona and the Super Bird.
It wasnt that the public needed the extra power or liked the styling.
 
Very simple
HEMI,EITHER YOU WANT ONE OR YOU HAVE ONE:fool::popcorn2::rolleyes:

The cost difference to run a hemi is the valve train.Everything else cost the same.

3.21.12 (49).JPG 5.13.15 009.jpg 5.13.15 010.jpg
 
Not sure a 72 would even do it. There had to be a reason troopers held onto the 69 and 70 model years for what seamed like forever.
 
I would have to disagree with that statement. A >well tuned< Hemi would not lose to a a 440 x6 IMO. I remember Hemi's being a bit of a bitch to tune back in the day.
 
44070dart said:
I would have to disagree with that statement. A >well tuned< Hemi would not lose to a a 440 x6 IMO. I remember Hemi's being a bit of a bitch to tune back in the day.
Click to expand...
I think that a lot of people just did not know how to tune an engine back then. same is true today....
 
IMO, The main reason why the Hemi is superior to the 440 and all of the Ford and Generic Motors engines is because of the Heads and the way they are configured. It allows for better breathing. Better breathing makes it easier to dispel used gases and make more horsepower.
 
Michael_ said:
Well i know the Hemi 426 is better than the 440.
2.
Both Engines have nearly the same amount of Horsepower
Click to expand...

Not really - factory ratings are deceptive. The Hemi was advertised with a rating of 425 HP at 5,000 rpm. Especially after the cam upgrade in 68 that rating was way short of it's maximum HP rating which was probably more in the area of 5800 to 6,000 rpm. I've been helping a friend with restoration of a 69 Hemi Roadrunner and the engine was built back stock except for a roller hydraulic cam. Not sure of the exact specs on the cam but at idle my stock 440 in my GTX sounds tougher so it's not a big cam - although it is a roller. It made 505 HP on the engine dyno. That's considerably more than a 440/375 - which I hear a lot of members believe was certainly not under-rated. When I was in college way back when, I took my 64 Plymouth to the 1/4 mile strip and got matched up (not really matched up - no one else in my class) with a 67 Hemi Charger. When light hit green and we took off I initially stayed with him in first and thought this may not be as bad a slaughter as I figured. But then that Hemi started stretching it's legs and just started steadily pulling away in higher gears and higher rpm that no amount of pressure on my gas pedal could make up for. That was just pure HP and lots of it.
 
AR67GTX said:
When light hit green and we took off I initially stayed with him in first and thought this may not be as bad a slaughter as I figured. But then that Hemi started stretching it's legs and just started steadily pulling away in higher gears and higher rpm that no amount of pressure on my gas pedal could make up for.
Click to expand...
Like I said, That is what superior breathing does for you. Chrysler rated the Hemi at 425 hp mostly for the insurance companies. They knew it was +450. Tom Hoover had a lot of input and knowledge of the 426. He told me many years ago that is was no secret.
 
On the same day and the same cubic inches....I fear no Hemi with my Wedge.
 
Same goes for 8 /4” vs Dana. Sure, they’re comparable and both will do the job to a point. That point being when the 8 3/4” tops out, the Dana is just getting started!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
(1969 Charger) Were there any differences (aside from the motor) between the 440 r/t package and the 426 Hemi r/t package?
2
Replies
23
Views
2K
69ChargerR/TSE
69ChargerR/TSE
Nxcoupe
Hemi vs 440 Connecting rods. Aftermarket
Replies
10
Views
2K
Nxcoupe
Nxcoupe
Elimin8317
"Gentle Ben" is Back! The rare 1966 Coronet 426 Street Wedge 4-Speed has a new owner
2 3
Replies
47
Views
4K
YY1
YY1
Chairman
62 Fury - Advise on 413, 426 Wedge or 440
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
Chairman
Chairman
2quick
Got the 572 back, Now lets find some power
2 3
Replies
44
Views
4K
2quick
2quick
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top