Poll: Help Me Pick A Crate Hemi

[HP2]

Go big. Most casual observers can't differentiate what 426 means anyway. You've got spark plug wires in your valve covers, that's all that matters.

[Carlwalski]

Thanks.


I'm 50/50 again but more towards the 426 if anything. OK it's not a 528 but in my opinion a 528 is totally wasted on the street especially in a manual vehicle. I want to have a 3 pedal car so going 528 becomes much more of a handful. It's more horse power than a Viper in a 37 year old body. I want a car I can launch hard and go through the gears hard on the street. I feel if I went with a 528 I'd only be able to roll out in 1st short shift to 2nd then stomp on it until redline then that's it. I feel if I went through the gears hard at full power I'd run the risk every time of the car biting hard and trying to get sideways every gear and always having to ease off between gear slightly. Not good. On the track, not a problem but I won't take that risk on the street for my and others safety.

Where as I could get a 426 and have a comfortable 500hp+ and run the car hard everyday and shift gears without "too" much of a worry. A 528 is a great engine but IMO is more suited to track cars where all out power is the key. I don't really want to go to an automatic as I want to drive the car not steer, plus, I've already ordered my Keisler TK0. I'm trying to look at it for an awesome street driving combo not a street "brag" combo. I'd like the 528, well, any Hemi is what I want but with a 528 I'd feel as though I could never use the car 100%. I'd have to be a sunny day on a straight road out in the middle of no where where as a mild 426 I could thump the go pedal in more places than one.

[Street_Challenged73]

Carl, you should be able to make an easy 550 hp with a 426.   Shoot, I'm looking to get around 500 hp from my 340 and I know it's do-able, so a Hemi shouldn't take much at all.

[cudabuyer]

again this is another great topic from members with experience & knowledge; can be beneficial for all old members and newbies alike, keep up the great topic discussions 

[Carlwalski]

Thanks SC73.

cudabuyer - What is your wheel/suspension set up with your monster stroker 540ci?  How will you try to get most of that to the ground, what trans and how much hp/T will yours be (-/+)? Also, do you know if they make the 528ci in an all aluminium block? If so, what is the price difference from cast iron to aluminum?

Well guys, after some thought and talking it over with friends, listening to your opinions and input, I am about 95% sure I will buy a 528ci Hemi for my 71 'Cuda. I'll be asking a few question here and there and am yet to decide what the fuel feeding set up will be. Either a 4bbl 950cfm or EFI. Not sure yet. I'll be asking that question in the appropriate section.

Thanks for everyones views and help!
Can't wait to get this massive project underway. 

[Pistol Gripper]

NZ,

I think you made the right choice.  I'd rather work a 528 at about 50% of it's capability rather than a 426 at 75% or so to get the same job done. 

P.G.

[Carlwalski]

Thanks Keith, I totally agree. Also, if I find the 650hp/T isn't enough in stock form, the possibilities are basically endless. 900hp from a 528ci isn't too hard, but, I feel the 650hp we'll end up getting will be suffice.

[MOPAR FANATIC]

  karl,wish i had your dilema,426 vs 528 hemi.i would be drooling over either one.  some day soon, i hope to be asking myself the same question,either way it's going to be one fine cuda.my opion if money doesn't matter ,go BIG 528 

[Carlwalski]

Thanks Fanatic. LOL I know, I was thinking that too, seeing the news with violence and suicide bombs tonight and here I am it possibly the worlds safest place and my major drama of the week is deciding if I want a 426 or 528 Hemi. I have to learn to not take this life for granted. It's that short, I agree......why not go BIG. 

[Rare_T_A]

For my .02 I'd say 528. As been said for a long time there is NO sub for cudic inches! Like OS said you can calll it anything you like and no one would know the diff. I'd do the larger and you wouldn't have to beat on it as hard to get the same results as the smaller one. Either way you go it's sure going to be fun!   

[mr.mopar]

hello
go for the 528 with 5 speed keisler and dont forget to get a dana 60 in the rear.
i'm building a challenger now with a 528 hemi.i have ordered a 5 speed kit from keisler,it should be her in the beginning of may.i have buildt a dana 60 rear axle with 4.10 and 35 splines axles.i just put it under my car so now i'm just waiting for the 5 speed and put it together and try it.
runar

[Carlwalski]

Thanks Rare_T_A


Mr.Mopar - Sounds good mate, that's about a dozen others who are running the 528/5-Speed Keisler setup I have seen/found now. So far I haven't heard of any weaknesses in the setup. What tyre/suspension set up are you going to run? Tyre sizes? Any body stiffening kits or subframe connectors to handle the extra power?


Thanks,
Carl

[Alice]

Let me get this straight, You are buying a crate motor for a car you don't have yet?

[JS27N0B]

NZ,

More cubes the better, I wouldn't worry about hurting the tremec TKO 600 with it either, it is rated at 650ft/lbs continuous output. I really don't think you will be able to hook up well enough on the street to cause a concern. There is nothing wrong with a 472 either, it works very well with a 850-950 cfm carb. I'd say the 472 is very streetable.  If I was going to put a hemi in my convertible I would go with the 472, more power but without the overkill that may cause some things to twist in a rare car.

[Carlwalski]

NZ,

More cubes the better, I wouldn't worry about hurting the tremec TKO 600 with it either, it is rated at 650ft/lbs continuous output. I really don't think you will be able to hook up well enough on the street to cause a concern. There is nothing wrong with a 472 either, it works very well with a 850-950 cfm carb. I'd say the 472 is very streetable.  If I was going to put a hemi in my convertible I would go with the 472, more power but without the overkill that may cause some things to twist in a rare car.

Thanks mate, much appreciated. Gives me more confidence. I feel it will be fine so long as I don't stand on it too hard from a standstill, under load at speed through the gears I have no fear of breaking anything. I have the XV stiffening kit as mentioned with torque boxes, subframe connectors etc etc so it will be a very rigid body. I wouldn't have put a 528ci or any big hp Hemi or engine in without making these modifications.

Alice  - Yes. Don't worry, I'll find one. I've got one of the best in the business looking for me and I've got another "car shopper" searching as well. I've found some real good cars with complete grilles etc but they are out of my price range ($25K). It was either find a car in that range and stick with a 340 or find a car that is so complete for less money ($5-$10K) and get a Hemi as well. If worst comes to worst I have a 73 'Cuda but I am 101% sure I will find a 71 Cuda within the year. I'm in no rush....the engine and work needed isn't cheap so I am definitely just taking my time. I have Lucy to play with this time, last time I had no Mopar so it was stressful lol. All I'm after is a decent/solid 71 rolling chassis Barracuda or Cuda just as long as it's a true 1971 car. (Rather than hack job the 73 into a 71).

Below is an example of the cars I've been going through.
The one below is 11K rolling chassis which I may consider, but, I'll know when the "right" one comes along.