HEMIKID

Hello all.

Just posted my "Hello" on the new member page. Now I'd like to share some thoughts on the rumors going around regarding the 6.4L Hemi for the Challenger and some other discussions I've read lately.

But first, I've had my PCP SRT8 with 6-spd for about 3 months now. I get all kinds of "thumbs up" and rubberneckers and even strangers coming up to me at gas stations, and they all say the same thing: "Man, that car is awesome!"

Don't expect that to change any time soon.

Now let's get down to my thoughts on these 6.4L, "the Camaro has more HP," and "the Mustang is blah, blah, blah" discussions.

Back in 1970-1974, the first generation Challengers were simply awesome. In fact, we all know the current 3rd generation Challengers are modeled after those from the 70's. But did you know that in the 70's the 440-6 was more expensive than the Hemi? It wasn't until some time later that the Hemi became such a sought-after collector car. The point is, we're not going to know for some time which engine will be "the one" from our present day which will make collectors drool 40 years from now. My advice - don't sweat it. Be happy with the one you have.

As for the Challenger vs. Camaro Vs. Mustang and which one has the most horses or the best MPG or HP to weight ratio or whatever - somebody will always be able to go bigger, stronger, faster. Some swear by MOPAR. For others, Ford is the only way to go. There are also the Chevy folks. But for every engine out there, there's always been ways to make it stronger. My advice (again) - don't sweat it. Be happy with the one you have.

As for me, my 2010 SRT8 marks the 40th anniversary of the original Hemi Challenger I tried desperately to get when I was 17 - when no one would loan $3,500 to a kid for a car. So, I "made do" with the 1972 Cuda 340 I got for my 16th birthday. Still have it to this day. Restored it to "Cherry" back in 2003 - and painted it Royal Purple (a little darker than Plum Crazy). So naturally, my 2010 SRT8 simply HAD to be purple. And I couldn't be happier. It has the same HP rating as the original, and drives like it belongs in NASCAR. I know - I've driven at Talladega thanks to a loving wife who purchased 10 laps for me. But that's another story...

But regardless of your personal favorite manufacturer, I think the 3rd generation Challengers do one thing better than any other car out there, whether we're talking about a Camaro, Mustang, Corvette, or whatever - they most closely resemble the cars from the "good-ol'-days" of muscle, and make me feel like that 17-year-old kid again.

I'll keep my 6.1 even if they come out with a 6.4. I'll keep my Challenger even if Chevy and Ford build bigger engines with more horses and better fuel economy. I'll keep my Challenger even if the newer ones, well, you get the idea.

Yep. Even if.

Y'all have a great day, and enjoy your Challengers, no matter what's under the hood.

HEMIKID

Jeremiah 29:11

Very wise words and a good read.

Yes the 440 is still a bullet proof engine. Built like a tank.

Welcome aboard and enjoy the forum.

hemicuda

I'm not so sure about the 440 Six Pack being more expensive that a 426 HEMI car. First, the six pack was a $250 option and the HEMI was an $875 option. Since then, 440 six pack cars bring good money, but I've yet to see a comparab le 440 six pack car bring more money than a 426 HEMI car. JMO.

HEMIKID

hemicuda,

Interesting. I thought for sure I read or heard somewhere the 440 was more expensive in 1970 than the hemi. Think I'll do a little research and see what I can find.

HEMIKID

BLK 6050

I feel pretty much the same way about my 2008...even if Dodge does introduce the larger 6.4 Hemi, and other extras.....I'll stay with my 2008. I had a 1970 RT/SE with the 440 and loaded with all the power goodies....the only options it didn't have were the sunroof and rear spoiler. It was triple black which is why I purchased a black 2008...
As for the engines back then, I think you will find that the Hemi was more expensive than the 440-6pk just as "hemicuda" pointed out. And, on top of that a 440 would give the Hemi a run for it's money as the Hemi was more of a "top-end" engine, plus a lot of Hemi owners didn't seem to be able to keep their engines in top tune...Owned both and I can tell you that the 440 was the way to go for street use as it was easier to "live with".
As for my '08 Challenger....it's a lot more fun to drive because it does everything that my '70 Challenger only wished it could....the handling, brakes, ride....a whole different world...AND I finally own a "Hemi" Challenger with the added bonus of having a sunroof!!
Live is good.

HEMIKID

It appears I stand corrected. I could only find one source, and not really a definitive one, that backs up the higher cost for a Hemi over a 440-6 for the old E-Body Mopars. Not sure where or how I formed my earlier understanding, but alas, I apparently was mistaken. My bad.

But I do know what you mean about the hemi vs. other engines in terms of performance. In my case, I restored my Cuda 340 a few years back. Bumped the CR up from 8.5:1 to 10:1, added a mild competition cam, replaced the 1972 valves with larger ones (like those from 1970), added headers, and performance intake manifold. As a result, the response of my 340 is absolutely incredible. At just about any speed/RPM, a quick punch on the accelerator results in the car jerking forward, even at highway speeds. My new SRT8 with 6.1L Hemi doesn't do that until the RPMs are "up." But, with all that said, once that Hemi is turned loose, it's like a rocket. Better rest your head on the headrest as it's going to wind up there anyway...