How much horsepower does a 426 Dodge have?
The 426 Dodge engine, also known as the "Hemi," is a legendary powerhouse that has captivated car enthusiasts for decades. This iconic engine, first introduced in 1964, is renowned for its impressive horsepower output, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts and performance-oriented drivers.
Horsepower Specifications
The 426 Dodge engine is capable of producing an astounding 425 horsepower. This remarkable figure was achieved through a combination of advanced engineering, a large displacement, and a powerful hemispherical combustion chamber design. The 426 Hemi's massive displacement of 426 cubic inches (7.0 liters) and its high-performance camshaft, cylinder heads, and carburetor setup all contribute to its impressive power output.
The Hemi Legacy
The 426 Hemi engine has a rich history and has become an iconic symbol of American muscle car performance. It was initially developed for NASCAR racing, where it quickly dominated the competition, earning it the nickname "the elephant engine" due to its sheer size and power. The Hemi's success on the racetrack led to its introduction in Dodge's production vehicles, making it a highly sought-after option for performance-minded consumers.
Factors Influencing Horsepower
The 426 Dodge Hemi's impressive horsepower output is the result of several key factors:
- Displacement: The engine's large 426 cubic inch (7.0 liter) displacement allows for the efficient combustion of a greater volume of air-fuel mixture, resulting in increased power output.
- Hemispherical Combustion Chambers: The Hemi's unique hemispherical combustion chamber design, with its large valves and efficient airflow, contributes to the engine's high-performance capabilities.
- Carburetion and Ignition: The Hemi's high-performance carburetor and ignition system are optimized to deliver a precise air-fuel mixture and efficient combustion, further enhancing its power output.
These factors, combined with the engine's robust construction and attention to detail, have made the 426 Dodge Hemi a true icon of American automotive engineering.
Which is faster, 426 Hemi or 440 Six-Pack?
Similar Treatment To The Hemi Does Change Things
We're not just blowing smoke when we say the 440 Six-Pack was faster than the 426 Hemi cars. Going back to Ronnie Marin's 12.90 run with an A12 Plymouth Road Runner, a similarly equipped 426-Hemi-powered model achieved a 13.6 quarter-mile run.
How much horsepower does a 1969 426 Hemi have?
The 440 Six-Pack with three two barrel carburetors made 390 horsepower, while the 426 Hemi was rated at 425 horsepower, both produced 490 lb⋅ft of torque. The hemi weighed 843 lbs, the 440 about 700 lbs.
How rare is a 426 Hemi?
However, the 426 Street HEMI option was limited through special-order channels. Most historians estimate that fewer than 50 units were built, and only about 11 to 30 have ever been confirmed by VIN and factory documentation.
How much HP did the 426 Hemi actually make?
The 426 Hemi was officially rated at 425 horsepower, but its actual output was much higher. Dyno tests on stock and near-stock engines show real-world horsepower in the 450 to 500 hp range, and some even exceeded 490 hp. The lower factory rating was likely due to manufacturers under-rating engines for insurance and racing class purposes.
Official vs. actual horsepower
- Official rating: 425425425 hp @ 5,0005 comma 0005,000 rpm
- Actual output: Dyno tests of stock and rebuilt engines consistently show output between 450450450 and 500500500 hp at higher RPMs. For example, one test found an engine producing 494.4494.4494.4 hp at 5,9505 comma 9505,950 rpm.
Reasons for the discrepancy
- Under-rating: Manufacturers sometimes understated engine power to lower insurance premiums or to qualify for certain racing classes.
- Detuning: The "street" versions were reportedly detuned from their race-spec counterparts, which could produce even more power.
- Modern vs. original: Modern dyno tests may use modern parts and more optimal tuning, which can result in higher numbers than the original engine's rating.
Race-specific versions
- Race-specific versions, like those used in NASCAR or factory drag cars, were substantially more powerful, with estimates reaching around 650650650 hp or higher.
