Poll: Help Me Pick A Crate Hemi

[Carlwalski]

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!

What manual transmission are you running? I'm guessing it's a Keisler. The TKO they sell only goes to a rated 650hp, how has yours handle thus far and did Keisler need to make any mods to make the trans more of a heavy duty unit?

The poll is closer than I thought, now you guys have really got me thinking. If it were a Challenger I would get the 426 as there are emblems they use on the shaker "426", I could get 528 but then everyone would know straight away it's a definite clone, not that that worries me as I'm not trying to pass it off as a factory car. The 'Cuda on the other hand is  simply a "Hemi Cuda" so it will be correct no matter. The only thing I'm worried about is if the Tremac will handle the 528ci's power.........


 

[Jacksboys]

If you can afford it go with the 528...oh yeah 

[Carlwalski]

this is what you want!

What are those "silver" mount looking things on the head covers?
Do they all have those or can you remove them if you want? What is their purpose.

Engine looks good by the way mate!!

[The Cuda Guy]

They are crank case breathers if im not mistaken.  Yes they can be reomoved or subsutited for a smaller version.

Cuda Guy

[js23nob]

The tremac tko box can handle 650ft lbs ,they say it doesnt matter how much power the engine has only the ft lbs that the engine has.My friend has a 427ci/stroked world engine in his ford falcon GT it has 680hp and about 665 ft lbs with a tremac in it ,it leaves the tree with 6500rpm on the tach with a 1.34 60ft time and it hasent broken with about 30runs under its belt

[Carlwalski]

Cool, thanks for the info. The 528ci is a stock 650 ft.-lbs, add a simple tune and it's going to be closer to the 700ft mark with no more than a sneeze. That is my main concern. I think I'm definitely leaning towards the 528 now but I will do plenty more research on the Keislers/Tremac ability to hold up against serious power. One thing in favour is I've seen around 5-7 528ci Hemi Cudas and all have the Keisler 5-Speeds, no mention of any stress or problems, though, these are "for sale" ads so they're hardly going to spell that out for potential buyers.

[torredcuda]

I`m confused-are you taking the `73 you have and converting it to a `71 or are you going to find a `71 to biuld a Hemi clone?Either way it`s a clone not a resto so get the 528,you can always put 426 decals/emblems on it and nobody will know the difference from looking at it.The only thing that matters is those spark plug holes in the middle of the valve covers!

[jvike]

What are those "silver" mount looking things on the head covers?
Do they all have those or can you remove them if you want? What is their purpose.

Engine looks good by the way mate!!

They need to be that high to avoid the oil beeing all over your enginebay.

[Carlwalski]

I`m confused-are you taking the `73 you have and converting it to a `71 or are you going to find a `71 to biuld a Hemi clone?Either way it`s a clone not a resto so get the 528,you can always put 426 decals/emblems on it and nobody will know the difference from looking at it.The only thing that matters is those spark plug holes in the middle of the valve covers!

Thanks Torred, nope, I'm looking for a rolling chassis project true 1971 'Cuda. I did think a while back about changing the 73 to 71. While it would look cool deep down inside I'd know it was a "hack" job car and it wouldn't feel right. So, I decided if I'm going to do it, do it right. 528 sounds like me but that one thing is still on my mind.....the Tremac and it's ability to handle 650-700lb-ft of Hemi torque. I'll probably go with a lower gear set, trying equal the Keisler with my rear gear ratio to accelerate like 3:55 gears. I feel with 3:91s+ it will just smoke, useless if it does that. I'll definitely be getting at a Dana 60 and more than likely a B-Body one and a relocation kit to stuff some 295's or bigger tyres back there. Perhaps eve a mini tube to get that power to the ground. Having power is one thing but getting it to hte ground is the main goal in any built car. It'll take a bit of skill and practise to launch a 700lb-ft Hemi from the line with a 5-Speed stick but that's what I like.....imagine the engine braking on that monster with electric cut outs!?!?!?!?! I think I'll need handy towels (and not for my nose).  I guess if worse comes to worse and the Keisler after some time does decided to go into the after world I can look at upgrading the transmission then to something a bit beefier. At least it won;t be a #'s matching trans if it does blow. But I feel pretty safe in saying it should be fine behind a 700/700 Hemi.

They need to be that high to avoid the oil beeing all over your enginebay.

Ah, I'm not sure what you mean?

[cudabuyer]

everyone has given you great advice; i have a 540 with dual carbs & was hoping for a "streetable" power tour convertible; my challenger is now in the hands of custom-musclecars.com in Baton Rouge, LA. for completion. 

 they built the 71 Cuda pro-touring with a 528 single 4 barrel carb

They seem to have an extreme amount of knowledge.  I would definitely talk to people like Indy Cylinder Head, Ray Barton & Arruzza, also For Hemis Only in Canada as well before your venture

I spoke to some of these before Speedomotive built the motor - I would not recommend these people to build a lawn mower

Just my 

[torredcuda]

Ok then for sure the 528,mini tub with 3.55`s and it`ll probably still smoke `em for 1/4 mile,way cool!


 

[moper]

I would buy a hemi from FHO in Canada if I was in the market for a "crate" engine. It's throwing money away buying one thru MP or Indy. But, that aside, I have a similar plan for my '70 at some point. I plan to build as large as I can but keep it looking factory. I'm no fan of bling on my cars. And I cant see a Hemi with one carb as "normal"...lol. I know they might make more power. But it looks all wrong to me. So I would order a 528 or larger from FHO, but usefactory valve covers and maybe a better intake, with twin Edelbrocks. The tires are the key. If the tires are the grip, the trans/driveshaft becomes the weak link. A mild built pump fuel monster will make mad torque, but shouldnt break the 650 level.

[Oldschool]

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).

You have posted more than once here that the Beast has Too Much  horsepower to be an enjoyable driver.  I drive the car twice a week at least.  I have driven her more than 40 miles one way to car shows and cruises on many, many occasions.  It doesn't overheat and is surprisingly docile when driven conservatively.  The only time it is too much, is when you want to hit the loud pedal and hold it down for more than a couple of seconds.  It is simply too fast, too quick for that on the street.  But you will find that 600 or 750 hp is too much to drive full throttle on the street, unless you live in wide open spaces.  You can ask anyone that stayed at the hotel in Carlisle last year, I drove anywhere and everywhere they did with no problems.  The biggest difference is I ain't taking any chances that a ricer on the juice is gonna outrun me.  I put em in their place every time...  lol  The Beast has a legend to live up to here -- The Hemi Cuda.  It wouldn't be right to let it get outrun by today's crowd.  The pressure is on to preserve the proud legacy of the Hemi Cuda.  So, the moral to this is simple --  you can't have too much HP, it's all in how the car is built and how you drive it......        

[HemiOrange70]

If cash is not and issue, go big or go home

[Carlwalski]

Thanks guys.....do you think I should look at getting a built TF-727? It would be a faster car I'm guessing, even with a "pro" driver. Won't be as "fun" but I feel once you pass the 550hp mark transmission is not what makes fun.

Oldschool - Thanks. I am wanting to drive her up country like 500miles without a problem. When ever I take my cars out of the garage (the classics that is) it's always for at least a hour. So 40 miles is basically one way. That's where I'm starting to think. Drag strip where this power can be used 100% effectively or mild be use it at 100% where ever.

It's either that or get a 426 built to around 550hp and keep the Keisler 5-speed. It will have good low down torque (unlike the stock 426) and run good up in the rpm range and not be as much of a handful.