Author Topic: Hemi build?  (Read 2056 times)

Offline Belgium Cuda

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Hemi build?
« on: December 30, 2008 - 06:21:38 AM »
For my chally vert with a non matching 318 I was thinking of putting a 426 in it ones the charger is done and thought of spreading the cost by
building it myself. Now, a crate hemi you have to check anyway so the work is the same. Checked with Mancini and they sell both blocks and heads
but can you get all the other parts aswell? The block they offer should fit with a stock BB K-frame, is that correct?
I was thinking of a standard 426 since it's a convertible and that should be enough. Is there anything else in particular to think about getting
in to the Hemi world?  :clueless:
1970 Challenger Convertible - to become a Hemi tribute
1968 Charger R/T 500 cui stroker




Offline aarlucas

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2008 - 06:58:34 AM »
Make sure you get a block with the standard b block motor mount ears or you'll have to get a mount kit to mount a standard hemi block.  You can get everything you need to build a hemi.  The rocker gear is going to set you back a little too.
You'd have to check, but it may be cheaper to buy a complete hemi even if you do have to take it apart to check it out.  There are some good builders out there that are selling crete hemis too for about the same price as the Mopar ones.
I thought about this same thing before they started building the crete engines.  But, once I started pricing everything out it was cheaper to build the 440-6 I have now and I have more HP in it too for a little less money.  Not quite the wow factor as a hemi, but the 6 pack still gets a lot of attention.
1970 'cuda440-6, 11.40 @ 122 with full 2.5" exhaust system, 3.91 gears @ 3800lbs
1970 Goins and Goins AA/FC, blown 426 hemi 2 spd lenco (under restoration)
2005 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW DSL 6 spd
2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8

Offline Belgium Cuda

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2008 - 11:25:53 AM »
For me the intention is to split the cost during the restoperiod and also bringing a crateengine overhere isn't cheap and if there is a problem
with it you have big s**t, ship it back isn't easy.
1970 Challenger Convertible - to become a Hemi tribute
1968 Charger R/T 500 cui stroker

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2008 - 11:46:24 AM »
You Must get the block with the Hemi mounts & use the Schumaker convbersion mount on a wedge K frame , if you use the 440 mount block you will have to custom build some weird headers , the 440 mount simple blocks the #1 exhaust port
 the rest of the pkg is easy , you will need Hmei block heads & rockers , also intake & exhaust , the internals you can use either a 400 6 bolt or the Hemi 8 bolt crank with increased stroke , rods & pistons are easy to get , order a good Hemi cam & the 440 timing chain , cover , oil pan & pump  all fit

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Belgium Cuda

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2008 - 02:03:10 PM »
Definetly something new to learn building a Hemi. :biggrin: Has been a dream to have one since 1981 when a neighbour had a -70 Hemi Challenger
and I could drive it around the block ones. What kind of heads are most priceworth for a 426 build, no fancy things needed.
1970 Challenger Convertible - to become a Hemi tribute
1968 Charger R/T 500 cui stroker

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2008 - 01:22:54 AM »
Mopar has both alum & iron for the same price , not sure where else to get them , I haven`t really been shopping Hemis lately

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Oldschool

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2008 - 09:28:32 AM »
Give Rick a call.  He has the stuff you need in stock.  Plus he will help you with information.  Tell him Ken from C-C.com sent you...    :2thumbs: 


http://stores.casselent.com/StoreFront.bok


Ken  --  In Georgia

MOPAR-------"Built To Run------Here To Stay"

Offline Belgium Cuda

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #7 on: December 31, 2008 - 10:54:44 AM »
Give Rick a call.  He has the stuff you need in stock.  Plus he will help you with information.  Tell him Ken from C-C.com sent you...    :2thumbs: 


http://stores.casselent.com/StoreFront.bok





Thanks for the link Ken :cheers: His pricing seems better then Mancini, makes a difference when you need all those parts. :biggrin:
1970 Challenger Convertible - to become a Hemi tribute
1968 Charger R/T 500 cui stroker

Offline Belgium Cuda

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2009 - 02:02:39 PM »
Seeing that Jegs is selling the 426 crate for 13.500$ I start to doubt the benefit to buy it in pieces
since I only want stock performance anyway. Are there still qualityissues with the MP Hemis or are
they solved?  :clueless:
1970 Challenger Convertible - to become a Hemi tribute
1968 Charger R/T 500 cui stroker

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2009 - 02:32:28 PM »
I will never install a Mopar crate without disassembling it after the last experience

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Belgium Cuda

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #10 on: March 24, 2009 - 03:22:03 PM »
I will never install a Mopar crate without disassembling it after the last experience

I still plan to do that if I buy it. What happened to yours?
1970 Challenger Convertible - to become a Hemi tribute
1968 Charger R/T 500 cui stroker

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #11 on: March 24, 2009 - 05:11:26 PM »
umm I [customer] just bought a short block 360
I figured we should degree the cam before installing , it was out 1 tooth , so pull the cover & remove the chain , cannot turn the cam , remove the cam with a pry bar & find out they used so much locktite on the rear ca, plug it filled the rear cam journal , should have stopped there but didn`t , polished the cam & brg , replaced the rear cam plug , degreed the cam , figured I should check the bottom end , it was assembled dry , no brg lube of any kind in there , lubed it & checked clearances .
 Installed the engine & fired it up . engine overheated in 4-5 minutes , let it cool & checked coolant , it was dark brown & wa new 5 minutes earlier , flushed out cooling system as the block must never have been cleaned out . Re-fired the engine ate the cam due to early shut down , remove engine clean & reinstall with new cam fire it up , do the break in tune it & drive it , it is out of balance so bad the dash is bouncing almost 2" vertically in the car at 2500 RPM , remove engine , spend $450 balancing it reassemble & install it .
 total cost , 3 gaskets sets . 2 wasted , balancing , new cam & rear frost plug , hours to install & remove engine twice , 4 gallons of coolant ,2 gals wasted ,12 l of oil. Mopars warranty 30 days help from Mopar Go F___ yourself .
 Never again 

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Belgium Cuda

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2009 - 05:17:58 PM »
You don't really encourage me to go for a crate. :eek4: Back to square one. :banghead:
1970 Challenger Convertible - to become a Hemi tribute
1968 Charger R/T 500 cui stroker

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #13 on: March 24, 2009 - 07:09:59 PM »
depends , as long as most of the parts you want to use are in the engine & the cost is reasonable enough to allow for fixing it it could still be OK  but be warned this stuff is Junk as delivered , I hate all of the cam choices in Crate engines though

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline moper

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Re: Hemi build?
« Reply #14 on: March 24, 2009 - 07:38:14 PM »
Like he said.. it's a fantastic way toget all the parts you need. Then plan to tear it all down, clean and check everything, repair it, and then reassemble. That being said... I know enough about Hemis to know you can't do a budget one, and IMO, there are issues that make assembling them a specialty.