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How much horsepower does a 69 426 Hemi have?

The legendary 426 Hemi engine, introduced in 1966, is renowned for its raw power and iconic status in automotive history. This legendary V8 powerplant, often referred to as the "Elephant Engine," delivered an impressive 425 horsepower in its 1969 iteration, making it one of the most powerful production engines of its era.


The Hemi's Storied History


Chrysler's decision to develop the 426 Hemi was a bold move, as the company sought to dominate the high-performance market in the 1960s. The engine's distinctive hemispherical combustion chambers, which gave it its "Hemi" moniker, allowed for more efficient airflow and higher compression ratios, resulting in exceptional power output.


Unleashing the 425 Horsepower


The 1969 version of the 426 Hemi engine, which was available in select Dodge and Plymouth models, produced a staggering 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 490 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This level of power was unmatched by most of its contemporaries, cementing the Hemi's reputation as a true performance powerhouse.


The Hemi's Dominance on the Track


The 426 Hemi's performance prowess was not limited to the street; it also made a significant impact on the racetrack. The engine's exceptional power and durability made it a favorite among drag racers and NASCAR competitors, who used the Hemi to dominate the competition throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.


The Hemi's Legacy


The 426 Hemi's legacy continues to this day, with the engine's iconic status and legendary performance inspiring countless enthusiasts and collectors. The Hemi's impact on the automotive industry is undeniable, and its place in history as one of the most powerful and iconic engines ever produced is firmly cemented.

How much horsepower did the 440 really have?


And while the Mopar 440 does several things very well, we've always felt that with a few tweaks the engine was capable of well over the 375 horsepower rating it got from the factory.



How much horsepower does a 1970 Dodge Challenger 426 Hemi have?


425 hp
Whether on the street or the track, the 426 dominated throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The engine that was found in showroom models was rated at 425 hp with just under 500 lb-ft of torque. Some independent tests performed at the time put the horsepower closer to 435 with a torque rating of 515 lbft.



What made the 426 Hemi so good?


But it was the Hemi part that made it special hemi stands for hemispherical combustion chamber a design that allows for larger valves better air flow.



Was the 426 Hemi a good engine?


This engine's magic came from marrying the bulletproof deep-skirt V-8 block of the 426-cid Max Wedge with the hemispherical combustion chambers of the 392-cid Hemi. The result was an engine that prioritized airflow, and that could take a literal beating. The Hemi was an iron anvil that made tremendous horsepower.



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 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 is the rarest Hemi engine?


Ball-Stud Hemi engine
The Ball-Stud Hemi engine, a rare find, was a cheaper alternative to the 426 Hemi but never made it to production due to financial and market challenges.



How much horsepower did the 426 Hemi really make?


The Land and Sea dyno reveals the Hemi's actual output: 494.4 hp at 5,950 rpm and 498.3 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. At 5,000 rpm, where Chrysler claimed 425 hp, it makes 459.3 hp.



How much horsepower does a 1969 426 Hemi have?


425 hp



What is the top speed of the 1969 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi?


Automobile Catalog goes on to calculate that the Charger's estimated top speed is 132 mph, which is likely limited by engine RPM because Chrysler's Torqueflite automatic transmission did not feature an overdrive gear.


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.