Is 360 a HEMI?
No. The 360 cubic-inch Mopar V8 is not a HEMI. It uses a wedge-shaped combustion chamber and is part of Chrysler’s LA engine family, whereas HEMI refers to hemispherical combustion chambers.
To understand the distinction, this article explains what defines a HEMI engine, how the 360 fits into Mopar’s engine lineup, and how to verify an engine’s design in practice. The terms describe different design philosophies—displacement versus cylinder-head geometry—and knowing the difference helps car enthusiasts assess historical Mopar engines and modern offerings.
What makes a HEMI engine?
Below is a quick overview of the features that typically characterize HEMI engines. The list highlights the aspects buyers and experts use to identify a HEMI versus non-Hemi Mopar designs.
- Hemispherical combustion chamber: the defining feature that gives the HEMI its name and influences airflow and efficiency.
- Generally strong high-end performance potential due to the chamber shape and airflow characteristics.
- Distinct cylinder-head architecture that sets HEMI designs apart from wedge or other non-Hemi heads.
- Historically notable models include the 426 Hemi and 392 Hemi; modern HEMI engines carry the name as part of Mopar’s brand heritage.
In practice, HEMI engines are celebrated for their performance characteristics and are used across both classic and contemporary Mopar vehicles. The designation often signals a hemispherical head design and related engineering choices rather than a single, uniform spec across all generations.
Is the 360 a HEMI?
The 360 refers to a Chrysler/Mopar V8 displacement of 360 cubic inches. It belongs to the LA family and uses a wedge-shaped combustion chamber, not a hemispherical chamber. It was produced and widely used in various Mopar cars and trucks from the late 1960s onward, but it is not categorized as a HEMI engine.
The key takeaway is that "360" and "HEMI" describe different design aspects: displacement versus cylinder-head geometry. The 360 is known for practicality and broad application, while HEMI denotes a hemispherical chamber design used in a different subset of Mopar engines. When in doubt, check official specifications or the engine’s head design to confirm the type.
How to verify an engine’s designation
If you want to confirm whether a given engine is a HEMI or not, use these quick checks:
- Inspect the cylinder heads: hemispherical chambers are rounded and prominent; wedge designs are flatter and more squared off.
- Look for branding: many HEMI engines carry the HEMI name on the valve covers or intake manifold.
- Check the displacement and model designation: modern HEMI engines are labeled with names like 5.7 Hemi, 6.4 Hemi, or similar, and are accompanied by manufacturer literature.
These indicators help distinguish a true HEMI from a non-Hemi Mopar V8 such as the 360.
Summary
In brief, 360 is not a HEMI. It is a Mopar V8 with a wedge combustion chamber from the LA engine era, serving as a reliable workhorse for many vehicles. The HEMI designation, by contrast, signals a hemispherical combustion chamber design and is associated with both classic and modern Mopar engines. When identifying an engine, look at the cylinder-head geometry, official branding, and model designations to determine whether you’re dealing with a HEMI or a non-Hemi Mopar engine.
Is a 392 the same as a 5.7 HEMI?
No, a 5.7L HEMI is not a 392; a 392 is a larger 6.4L HEMI engine. The "392" refers to the 392 cubic inches of displacement, while the 5.7L engine is approximately 345 cubic inches (5.7×61.024=347.85.7 cross 61.024 equals 347.85.7×61.024=347.8 cubic inches).
- 5.7L HEMI: This engine displaces approximately 345 cubic inches and is a common V8 found in many trucks and cars.
- 392 HEMI: This is a larger, more powerful 6.4L engine that displaces 392 cubic inches and is used in performance models like the SRT 392 and Scat Pack.
What engine is a Dodge 360?
The Dodge 360 engine is a 360 cubic inch (cid) V8. Some of its specifications are: The higher-power engine has higher-compression pistons. The higher-power engine has a long-duration camshaft. The higher-power engine has a Mopar Performance single-plane intake.
Is there a 350 HEMI engine?
Early 5.7-Liter Gen III Hemi V8, 2003 - 2008
The 5.7-liter Hemi was rated at 345 horsepower in pickups and 335 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Chrysler Aspen SUVs. In 2005 the early Hemi was bumped to 350 horsepower and dropped into Dodge Charger R/T, Magnum R/T, and Chrysler 300C.
Is the 5.9 Magnum a HEMI?
No, the 5.9 Magnum is not a Hemi; it is a different engine series from Chrysler, and it was replaced by the Hemi engine. The 5.9 Magnum V8 was part of the Magnum engine line, while the Hemi V8, like the 5.7L version, is a distinct and more modern engine with its own unique design.
- 5.9 Magnum: This engine was part of the Magnum engine family, which was released in the 1990s and was used in Dodge and Jeep vehicles like the Ram and Dakota.
- 5.7 Hemi: This is a different engine that replaced the 5.9 Magnum in the early 2000s, offering more horsepower and a different design with its signature "Hemi" (hemispherical) cylinder heads.
- Engine Series: The two engines belong to different developmental lines. The Magnum series was an evolution of the older LA engine line, while the Hemi is a more recent and advanced design from Chrysler.
