Loading

How much horsepower does a 1964 426 Max Wedge have?

The 1964 Dodge 426 Max Wedge was a true powerhouse, boasting an impressive 425 horsepower. This legendary engine was the culmination of Dodge's efforts to dominate the muscle car scene in the 1960s.


The 426 Max Wedge: A Muscle Car Icon


The 426 Max Wedge was a special high-performance version of Dodge's 426 cubic inch V8 engine. It featured a number of upgrades, including a larger carburetor, higher compression ratio, and a more aggressive camshaft, all of which contributed to its prodigious power output. The 426 Max Wedge was capable of propelling a Dodge Dart or Dodge Polara from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, a truly remarkable feat for the time.


The Secrets Behind the 425 Horsepower


The 426 Max Wedge's impressive power output was the result of several key design features:



  • Larger Carburetor: The engine was equipped with a massive 4-barrel carburetor that could flow an enormous amount of air and fuel, allowing the engine to produce more power.

  • High Compression Ratio: The engine had a compression ratio of 12.5:1, which was extremely high for the era and allowed for more efficient combustion.

  • Aggressive Camshaft: The camshaft profile was designed to maximize valve lift and duration, resulting in improved airflow and power production.

  • Strengthened Components: The engine block, crankshaft, and other internal components were reinforced to withstand the immense stresses generated by the high-performance tune.


These engineering innovations, combined with Dodge's expertise in building powerful V8 engines, resulted in the legendary 426 Max Wedge and its 425 horsepower output.


The 426 Max Wedge's Legacy


The 426 Max Wedge engine was a true icon of the muscle car era, and its impact on the automotive world is still felt today. Its combination of raw power, aggressive styling, and legendary status have made it a highly sought-after collector's item, with well-preserved examples commanding premium prices in the classic car market.

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.



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.



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 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.



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.



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.



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.



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 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.


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.