Poll: Help Me Pick A Crate Hemi

[Carlwalski]

I'm going to be buying a crate Hemi for my 'Cuda (71). I have always liked them and always wanted one. The resto will take longer due to the funds needed for the conversion but I would be happier waiting an extra 1-2 years for a 71 Hemi 'Cuda than get a 73 340 2 years earlier. No offence to any 73 340 'Cuda owners either.

Now, my problem. For me, and most Mopar people nothing represents Mopar and possibly the muscle car era like those famous three digits - 426. When I decided to go for a crate Hemi it was always going to be the 426. For it's fame alone. OK, it's not an "original block" but IMO, properly built crate Hemis are superior, maybe not history wise but better performance and new age tech has helped them to become an even greater force.

You'll notice I left the 472ci Hemi out. If I had to change from those famous 3 digits it would only be to the biggest 528 Hemi, I wouldn't do it by halves. It's either the 426 or 528. I'm about 80% on buying the 426 but was wondering what you guys thought. Isn't 528ci 650hp too much for a daily driven street car? The 426 would be built to a modest 500hp and around 550lb-ft. If I wanted to stroke or get more power later I could. Because it's a 'Cuda the "426" will never be seen and it will be true no matter what ci I get as it's "Hemi Cuda". So, that made me think.......well, it's not like 528ci will be seen, nothing to be ashamed of I know, but, 426 is period correct and IMO more famous. 528 just screams clone too much.

OK, that's a long post but it's hard to explain. 426 is based on the legend, no doubt about it. I will be running a 5-Speed Keisler which is rated at 650hp which is also another concern. If it were a built automatic car I'd consider the 528ci a "little" more but this car has to be a pistol grip. No questions asked. lol


Cheers,
NZ

[Cuda Cody]

Four, Deuce, Six 

[71bigblock]

426   

[cowboy]

-
Anyway, - it's a clone....
Go for the CUI..
 

[JCWCuda]

Go for the LEGEND 426 

[Carlwalski]

It will be a clone, tribute, replica, what ever you may call it but 9/10 71 Hemi Cudas are. I could never own an original Hemi car. Too risky & precise to drive. With a replica I can drive it like I stole it & not feel an ounce of guilt. I am basically set on the 426 Hemi. But still would like your input. As I said, I can work the 426 or get it built around the 550-575hp mark and still carry those 3 famous digits and at the same time be period correct. I may actually get it built a little warmer. 550hp would be my goal I think. Definitely nothing to sneeze at lol.

[68charger70cuda]

i have two 528/5 speed pistol grip cars (charger and cuda) - so you know my vote!

if you are going to all that expense why not go all the way? you will always regret you didnt!

[68charger70cuda]

this is what you want!

[IMNCARN82]

426 is a special thing

[Oldschool]

528 -- here's why:

The Beast is my 9th Hemi car and I have owned a bunch of different Hemi combo's over the years.  Here is a little insight into what I have learned.

426 Hemis run very well and will respond well to most common mods. (cam, headers, carb)  The big deal with the Hemis is the heads.  They have BIG ports and Huge valves.  (2.25" Intakes and 1.94" exhaust--stock)  These big ports and valves have the potential to really flow some big air.  That is why the cams, carbs, headers wake them up so much.  But what really wakes those Hemi heads up is cubic inches under them.  528 is 102 MORE cubes than stock 426.  That is a very significant increase.  Take a 528 and put a good intake, carb, decent cam, and headers with big exhaust and now you have a real performer that is just as reliable as a 426. Plus, the torque of the 528 is stump pulling power. My 528 has 703 lb/ft @ 4500 rpm.  No blower, turbo, or nitrous  --  all motor.
Maybe best of all, it has the same external dimensions as the 426.  Keep your 426 callouts on the shaker and don't tell anyone any different.  You'll know the difference when you hit the "go" pedal....  While we have had many threads here comparing the 340 and the 440 and one is a small block and the other is a big block, I am gonna use this to illustrate my point.  440 is 100 cubes larger than 340.  You have driven both and can certainly "feel" the difference in power and torque when you add the 100 cubes to the 340.  Now take a 426 Hemi and add 102 cubes to it  --  you will definitely feel the difference.  There is no comparison.  528 makes it very easy to go fast without straining the engine at all.  Just my old 0.02.....           

Bottom line:  if I was building a "correct" type of resto car, then 426 would be my choice.  But if I was building a fun driver to impress myself and anyone that sees the car, then 528 would be my only choice......       

[71340RT]

I would say it is up to you. If I was going to build a clone in a 71 Cuda it would get a correct 426 Hemi in it. Just my 2 cents.

[Street_Challenged73]

First off, I didn't realize you found a '71 'Cuda Carl!  Secondly, I'd say go big since you plan on doing a rather wild build with it.  A 426 is still very cool, but the 472 & 528's are simply amazing!

[Madmax440]

While we are on this subject let me ask something that I have been wondering about, since I too am contemplating a hemi. Why are the older Hemis so much more than a crate hemi I know that alot of people prefer to keep the engine dated close to if not on the model year, but for say 15K more for that prestige    

[Carlwalski]

Thanks everyone for the input. As you should all know by now I have and never will do things by halves. Do it once, do it right so although money is a factor if I want the 528 I will spend the money, no worries. So, it's not a money factor at all.

Oldschool - I like the best, who doesn't!!! But, you're making 750+hp, that IMO is far too much for an enjoyable street driven daily driver. I want to drive this car 30 minutes a day or 3-4 times a week for at least an 1 hour each day. I do see what you mean but the 340 was actually mildly built and IMO would have given Lucy a run for her money and possibly beaten her. Though, the 440 is built basically to stock spec (headers/exhaust etc).

SC73 - I haven't found a 71 'Cuda yet but will do and won't settle for anything but.

Madmax440 - I believe the originals are more expensive due to the simple fact they have period correct numbers on the side. If you're building a date code correct car NOS type trailer queen only a date code would do, I guess?


It will be a fun can and built how I like it. It will have a XV tilt column, Engine Compartment Brace, Sub-Frame Connectors, Mandrel Bent Lower Radiator Support/Front Frame Rail Connectors, Mandrel Bent Firewall to Shock Tower Braces.  Another thing, the Keisler can only handle 650hp so it's going to be running at it's peak day in, day out  with a 528ci. Where as I could get the 426 built to 550hp and have a brawler and what-not.


Cheers,
Carl

[The Cuda Guy]

I thought the difference was that the engines were just stroked diferently?  Or is it that the 528H block is larger than a stock 426H? 

Your already out money...  spend it now and dont woulda coulda shoulda later, get the 528H.  If its not for you move on and get a 426H.  I just think it would be easier to downgrade than upgrade is all. 

Either way you got a Hemi Cuda when your done.

Cuda Guy