I like the way the new Challenger looks, and I may go ahead and pick one up...but I'm really not interested in the new "pseudo-hemi" engines.

Does anybody if anybody has swapped an old big block hemi - a real hemi - into an LX?

 

ive never seen one. im sure that it can be done, but other than "wow effect", why bother...the 6.1L puts out the same power as the 426 did...

 

I didn't know the 6.1 put out 512 HP!

 

I'm no Hemi expert. What makes these "not Hemi" to you?

 

I agree with Mirada, why go through all the engineering and modifications to fit the big block in, when the performance potential for the 6.1 is plenty for the street. According to published horsepower ratings in Chilton's Repair manual for the 1969 Charger, the 426 Hemi with 2x4 carbs was 425 hp -- which is the same for the 6.1. I never owned a Hemi in those days, but my recollection was that they required a lot of TLC to keep them smooth on the street. The 6.1 seems to be turn-key, ready to go 425 hp without too much tinkering...

 

considering the fact that several companies have gotten in the 460 hp range out of a 6.1L, running all stock items, and emissions legal...and where did you get 512 for the 426 hemi stock power? i know that the 426 was under rated, but i dont know about 512...and i know quite a few people running real hemis..


awsure, there is a dispute about the new hemis not being "real hemis" because of the combustion chamber design being a bit different...but considering that mopar groups its engines into wedge or hemi, its definatley not a wedge...so its a hemi.

 

It's pretty well known that a factory race Hemi hits 512 on the dyno. Hemi means half a sphere(which is what the old Hemis are), so unless it's round, it's not a hemi!

 

a factory race hemi? i thought that they were well above 512...such as the hemi dart engines...i believe that they were known to dyno around 600...however, youre comparing a "Race motor" to a full scale production motor...and even if the "race 426" dyno'd 512, the 6.1L production engine puts down in the 460s...so 50 less hp from a full production motor is pretty good.

 

My personal opinion:

1. Use a newer technology Hemi - a better product without all of the expense and headaches of an older Hemi

2. Older Hemi engines needs TLC.

3. Newer Hemi engines have awesome performance.

4. Newer Hemi engines will not have legal emission issues in a 2008 Challenger

5. Okay, for nostalgia sake it is not a true Hemi because the combustion chamber is not spherical in shape but the new Hemi is emission
street lega,l has more performance and reliability, and you do not the added expense of an engine swap and then having more costs because of the
potential problems of maintenance.

For me is is not worth it for nostalogic sake.

Help me understand if I am wrong.

 

I always like to look at the low figures coming out, I know how people like to exagerate!