What cars had a 413 Max Wedge?
The 413 Max Wedge engine is a legendary powerplant from Chrysler's golden era of performance in the early 1960s. Known for its high horsepower and torque, this engine was a favorite among drag racers and muscle car enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore which cars were equipped with this iconic engine and why it remains a significant part of automotive history.
The Origins of the 413 Max Wedge
The 413 Max Wedge was introduced by Chrysler in 1962 as part of their high-performance engine lineup. It was based on the 413 cubic-inch RB (raised block) engine, but it was heavily modified for racing purposes. With features like high-compression pistons, a dual-quad intake manifold, and aggressive camshaft profiles, the Max Wedge was designed to dominate the drag strip.
Cars Equipped with the 413 Max Wedge
The 413 Max Wedge was available in several Chrysler Corporation vehicles, primarily under the Dodge and Plymouth brands. These cars were often marketed as factory-built drag racers, and they gained a reputation for their incredible straight-line performance. Here are the key models that featured the 413 Max Wedge:
- 1962 Dodge Dart - The Dart was one of the first cars to receive the Max Wedge engine. It was a lightweight platform that made the most of the engine's power.
- 1962 Plymouth Savoy - Known for its no-frills design, the Savoy was a favorite among racers who wanted a lightweight car with maximum performance.
- 1962 Plymouth Belvedere - The Belvedere combined the Max Wedge's power with a slightly more upscale design, appealing to a broader audience.
- 1963 Dodge Polara - The Polara offered a mix of performance and style, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts who wanted a powerful yet comfortable car.
- 1963 Plymouth Fury - The Fury was another model that benefited from the Max Wedge's performance, offering a blend of luxury and speed.
Why the 413 Max Wedge Was Special
The 413 Max Wedge stood out for several reasons:
- High Performance: With horsepower ratings ranging from 410 to 420 (depending on the configuration), the Max Wedge was a powerhouse in its time.
- Drag Racing Dominance: These cars were built to win at the drag strip, and they often did, cementing their place in racing history.
- Innovative Design: Features like cross-ram intake manifolds and high-flow exhaust headers showcased Chrysler's engineering prowess.
The Legacy of the 413 Max Wedge
Although the 413 Max Wedge was eventually replaced by the even more powerful 426 HEMI, it remains a beloved engine among classic car enthusiasts. Cars equipped with this engine are highly sought after by collectors, and they continue to be celebrated at car shows and drag racing events.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage Mopar muscle or just appreciate the engineering behind high-performance engines, the 413 Max Wedge is a testament to Chrysler's commitment to speed and innovation during the muscle car era.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What was the fastest Plymouth Fury?
1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426
The 7-liter Commando Hemi V8 engine on the Sport Fury delivered 435 horsepower and a torque of 480 lb-ft, and catapulted the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, with a top speed reaching 126 mph.
What cars came with the 413 Max Wedge?
The 413 Max Wedge
In 1962, both the Plymouth Belvedere and the Dodge 330 could be ordered with a 413 cubic-inch engine at 13.5:1 compression. The unique wedge-shaped combustion chambers gave this engine the “Max Wedge” name.
What year did Nascar ban the 426 Hemi?
1965
After dominating the races in 1964, Chrysler's 426 Hemi was not allowed to compete in NASCAR's 1965 season due to its unavailability in production vehicles that are sold to the general public.
Did Dodge make a 413?
1962 Dodge Dart 413. The 413-cid V-8 had been around since 1959, but not until '61 did it find its way out of big Chryslers and into smaller Dodges and Plymouths.
Is a Max Wedge a Hemi?
While the 426 HEMI was initially based on the RB architecture used by the 426 Max Wedge, the two engines share very little in common. Both engines have 426 cubic inches of displacement and have the same 3.75-inch stroke and 4.25-inch bore, but that is where the main similarities of the engines end.
Did Dodge make a 413 engine?
The Street Wedge was available only in B-body cars (Plymouth and Dodge) and light-duty Dodge D Series trucks. It was an increased-bore version of the standard New Yorker 413 single 4-barrel engine.
What cars had the 426 Max Wedge?
The "Max Wedge" option was available exclusively in Chrysler's new-for-1962 intermediate B Platform in Dodges and Plymouths only. Chrysler had developed the option in part to capitalize on the rising popularity in NHRA super stock racing.
How many 1962 Dodge Dart 413 were made?
Factory built race car! Only 55 Dodge Dart 2 door sedan Max Wedges made, only 214 total Dodges in 1962. Only 16 are accounted for today.
How much horsepower does a 413 Max Wedge have?
410 hp
Fast Facts: 1962 Plymouth Fury Max Wedge 413
The 1962 Plymouth Fury's 11:1 413-ci Super Stock 413 was rated at 410 hp, while the higher-compression 13.5:1 version for use with race fuel was rated at 420 hp. The Dodge version of the 413 Max Wedge was called the Ramcharger 413 but was otherwise identical.
