Did Chrysler ever make a 440 Hemi?
Yes, Chrysler did produce a 440 cubic inch (7.2 liter) Hemi engine, though it was not technically a "Hemi" design. The 440 engine was a large-displacement V8 that was a mainstay of Chrysler's high-performance lineup in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Chrysler 440 Engine
The Chrysler 440 engine was first introduced in 1966 as a high-performance option for Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models. It was a big-block V8 engine that displaced 440 cubic inches (7.2 liters) and produced impressive power and torque numbers for the era.
While the 440 engine shared some design elements with Chrysler's legendary Hemi V8 engines, it was not a true Hemi design. The 440 had a conventional "wedge" combustion chamber shape, rather than the hemispherical Hemi design.
Performance and Applications
In its highest-performance variants, the 440 engine could produce over 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. It was available as an option on a wide range of Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Plymouth 'Cuda.p>
The 440 engine was known for its impressive low-end torque and high-rpm power delivery, making it a popular choice for muscle car enthusiasts in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was often paired with high-performance transmissions and rear axle ratios to take full advantage of the engine's capabilities.
The End of the 440 Era
Production of the 440 engine was phased out in the mid-1970s as stricter emissions regulations and the oil crisis led to a decline in demand for large-displacement, high-performance engines. Chrysler's focus shifted to more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly powertrains, marking the end of the 440's reign as a muscle car icon.
While the 440 engine was not a true Hemi design, it remains an important part of Chrysler's performance heritage and is still highly sought after by classic car enthusiasts today.
What size Hemi engines did Chrysler make?
Three generations have been produced: the FirePower series (with displacements from 241 to 392 cu in (3.9 to 6.4 L) from 1951 until 1958; a 426 cu in (7.0 L) race and street engine from 1964 through 1971; and family of advanced Hemis (displacing between 5.7 and 6.4 L (348 and 391 cu in) since 2003.
What year did Chrysler make the 440 engine?
Chrysler produced the 440 engine from 1965 to 1978. It was first introduced in 1966 as part of the RB (raised block) engine family and was used in a wide range of vehicles, from luxury sedans to muscle cars.
- Introduction: The 440 debuted in 1966, replacing the 413 in some applications.
- Production run: It was produced through the 1978 model year.
- Variants: It was offered in various performance versions, most notably the 440 Six Pack with three carburetors, available from 1969 to 1971.
- Decline: Power output and performance decreased in the 1970s due to new emissions regulations and a switch to "net" horsepower ratings.
Was the 440 faster than the 426 Hemi?
The **440 Six-Pack was often faster in stock form, particularly in the quarter mile, but the 426 Hemi had a higher potential for power when modified. Stock 440 Six-Packs generally had better out-of-the-box performance due to how they were tuned and how they hooked up from the line, while the Hemi was a detuned race engine that could be built to produce significantly more power than the 440 with modifications.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and impact of the 426 Hemi: 1mIts Just Cars!YouTube · Jul 31, 2025
| Feature | 440 Six-Pack | 426 Hemi |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Performance | Often faster in stock form (e.g., quarter-mile drag racing). | Slower in stock form compared to the 440 Six-Pack. |
| Power Potential | Lower power potential than the 426 Hemi when both are modified. | Higher power potential when modified, especially with race-spec builds. |
| Factory Advantage | Lower factory-rated horsepower but with better street-tuned performance. | Higher factory-rated horsepower but often struggled with traction in stock form. |
| Engine Design | Wedge head engine. | Hemispherical head engine with larger ports and valves. |
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Was there ever a 440 Hemi?
A 440 Hemi Really Does Exist - Mopar Muscle.
