Hemi or Wedge?

[cudabob496]

Which Mopar big block will make more power on the street for the same money using pump gas. Seems a 500 inch Mopar RB big block will make the same power as a 500 inch Hemi at a lot less money? I'm trying to decide which engine to put in my 72 Cuda, when the one I have dies. Those new 528 Hemi crates seem pretty tempting.

[hemiken]

Well in real world talk, I would be going for the Wedge for the street as a street car. Even though they would have the same horsepower if built that way the Wedge will have the Torque curve come on song first over the Hemi.  A Hemi will have its torque come on later than the Wedge and are reknowned for being top end screamers.  High reving.  As you know you will spend more building the same horsepower Hemi as a Wedge, Top end is where the money starts changing. Heads, Rockers etc etc.  But Hemis do look tuffer.

[Swedefish]

Mopar Muscle Magazine have done the Engine Challenge with both the Hemi and a BB stroker, not sure though if it was wedge engines. To compare the costs of hp vs $  with a pro built engine.
But you`ve probably already seen these articles?

[cudabob496]

Mopar Muscle Magazine have done the Engine Challenge with both the Hemi and a BB stroker, not sure though if it was wedge engines. To compare the costs of hp vs $  with a pro built engine.
But you`ve probably already seen these articles?

Actually I haven't. Thanks!

[nivvy]

depends on how much HP you want out of a wedge I guess..... I know what I got into my 500 wedge.... I love hemis cause they do look tough.... but im a wedge guy..........I could have had a "crate" Hemi for what I got into my wedge.... but would lose HP ......

[Chryco Psycho]

No question , you can make far more power for the $$ or make the same power for much less $$ with the wedge , buy the time you buy the heads & rocker gear for the Hemi you wil have spent over $7000 , you can build almost a complete 512 stroker for that

[Carlwalski]

If you do go crate, don't buy an "over the counter" crate engine, get one made for you. It's not a hell of a lot more expensive and you have peace of mind knowing the engine is well built. People have had lots of problems with crate engines in any size and/or form. Plus, the crate hp numbers are far less than what those engines can pump out. The wedge option sounds like the best bang for buck for sure and one worth considering. Still, Hemis will always grab the attention and have the wow factor when the hood is popped, plus that Hemi sound.

[cudabob496]

If you do go crate, don't buy an "over the counter" crate engine, get one made for you. It's not a hell of a lot more expensive and you have peace of mind knowing the engine is well built. People have had lots of problems with crate engines in any size and/or form. Plus, the crate hp numbers are far less than what those engines can pump out. The wedge option sounds like the best bang for buck for sure and one worth considering. Still, Hemis will always grab the attention and have the wow factor when the hood is popped, plus that Hemi sound.

Who would you recommend for building a Mopar wedge 500 incher and sending it too me? I keep hearing bad things about INDY Cylinder Head Company.

[hemiken]

You could try Mopar Engine West (MEW)
Or look at Mopar Muscle for their engine shoot outs or maybe a C-C.Com board member is up for the build, depends on your location.

[cudabob496]

I've heard Hughes Engines were good?

[cowboy]

-
The "race-guy's" here , all use:

http://www.musclemotorsracing.com/m/

Anybody know them...

[Chryco Psycho]

I have both dealt with & been to Muscle motors in Lansing , good place IMO
 not a fan of hughes

[Carlwalski]

Who would you recommend for building a Mopar wedge 500 incher and sending it too me? I keep hearing bad things about INDY Cylinder Head Company.

Wrong person to ask mate, I have no idea when it comes to tech and engines, ain't ashamed to admit it either.
Chryco (Neil) is the guy to ask, depending on his schedule you may even get him to build you one.

[nivvy]

I hear time and time again of people wiping out cams etc... on crate motors... get one custom built starting from a bare block like I did...

[Oldschool]

Street engine without unlimited funds--go with the 500" wedge.  I am currently in the process of doing a 496" stroker based on a 440 block.  It will live its life in a 69 Dart.  Had a very well known local high perf shop do the machine work and assemble the short block.  I had installed the oil pump, cam, heads, lifters, etc....   It came time to prime the oiling system.  Using a drill and primer rod, we got 85 psi oil pressure and plenty of oil to the right cylinder head.  Zero to the left side.  Ended up the machine shop had a cam bearing "clocked" wrong and the oil feed holes did not line up.  Tore it down and sent it back.  They made it right.  The motor is now in the car and we are waiting on a few more parts in order to complete the big block swap and get it on the road.   Lots of good parts, and we are looking for around 500 ponies and some decent strip times.   I'll keep ya posted
The reason I mentioned this is to let you know that no matter who builds your engine, regardless of their reputation, always double check everything.  Good luck with whatever you decide, and keep us posted...