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How much horsepower does a 1964 426 Max Wedge have?

The 1964 426 Max Wedge is a legendary engine that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Known for its impressive performance and distinctive design, this engine played a significant role in the muscle car era. In this article, we will explore the horsepower of the 1964 426 Max Wedge and what makes it a standout in automotive history.


Horsepower of the 1964 426 Max Wedge


The 1964 426 Max Wedge engine is renowned for its remarkable power output. This engine is rated at 425 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. This impressive figure was achieved through a combination of advanced engineering and high-performance components, making it one of the most powerful engines of its time.


Key Features Contributing to Its Power


The 426 Max Wedge was designed with several features that contributed to its high horsepower rating:



  • Large Displacement: With a displacement of 426 cubic inches, this engine provided a solid foundation for power generation.

  • High Compression Ratio: The Max Wedge featured a high compression ratio, which allowed for more efficient combustion and greater power output.

  • Dual Four-Barrel Carburetors: The use of dual carburetors improved air and fuel delivery, enhancing performance.

  • Performance Camshaft: A specially designed camshaft optimized valve timing for better airflow, contributing to the engine's power.


Legacy of the 426 Max Wedge


The 1964 426 Max Wedge is not just an engine; it represents a significant chapter in automotive history. Its power and performance made it a favorite among drag racers and muscle car enthusiasts. Today, it remains a sought-after engine for restorations and classic car builds, symbolizing the raw power and excitement of the muscle car era.


In conclusion, the 1964 426 Max Wedge, with its 425 horsepower, is a testament to the engineering prowess of its time. Its legacy continues to inspire car lovers and collectors, ensuring that this iconic engine will be remembered for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster 426 Hemi or 440 six pack?


The original 426 Hemi cars raced by the car magazines averaged 13.34 in a 1/4 mile race compared to the six pack's average time of 13.64. Although the Hemi is faster, the six pack can often take the Hemi in a shorter, stoplight to stoplight race.



How much horsepower does a 426 Max Wedge have?


425 horsepower
Making Way for the Hemi
The 1964 Max Wedge 426 was essentially the same as the 1963 engine, except the top compression ratio was 12.5:1. However, it still made 425 horsepower.



What makes a Max Wedge engine?


Originally debuting on 413 cubic inch motors, the Max Wedge featured significantly larger ports and valves, forged rods and pistons, an aggressive camshaft, twin carburetors, and a compression ratio of up to 13.5:1. Power was rated at a maximum of 420 ponies with torque checking in at an incredible 500 lb-ft.



Why is it called a wedge engine?


The B and RB engines are often referred to as "wedge" engines because they use wedge-shaped combustion chambers; this differentiates them from Chrysler's 426 Hemi big block engines that are typically referred to as "Hemi" or "426 Hemi" due to their hemispherical shaped combustion chambers.



How much horsepower does a 1966 426 Hemi have?


But 1966 was also the year Chrysler's 426-cid Hemi V-8 came to the streets, and it made for the ultimate Charger. Actual horsepower was near 500, but Dodge advertised its Street Hemi at 425 bhp on a 10.25:1 compression.



How much horsepower did the 426 HEMI really have?


A modern for 426 hemi crate engine is 1000 hp. I bet you could easily get 600 or more without the engine destroying itself. In reality a 1970 426 made closer to 500 hp. It was listed at 425 for insurance purposes.



What cars had the Max Wedge engine?


The Max Wedge, formally the Maximum Performance Wedge, was an engine option produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1962 to 1964, that was available exclusively in B Platform (intermediate) Dodges and Plymouths.



How much horsepower did the 428 cobra jet really have?


Output was around 410 horsepower, but Ford rated it at 335 horsepower in an effort to calm insurance agents and con dragstrip rules-makers. The 428 CJ was offered in Mustang fastbacks and coupes (and in Ford Torino and Mercury Cougar and Cyclone models) with a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic.



What's the difference between a 426 HEMI and a 426 Max Wedge?


Eventually, the wedge design caught up and smashed the original HEMI's performance with the introduction of the Max Wedge, which featured more aggressive cams, larger ports and valves, a bulletproof rotating assembly, and a sky-high 13.5:1 compression ratio.



How much HP does a 426 stroker have?


A 6.4L Hemi stroked to a 426 will normally get you around 525 hp to the wheels depending on the Cam.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.