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What was the fuel economy of a 426 Hemi?

The 426 Hemi, a legendary high-performance engine produced by Chrysler in the 1960s and 1970s, was known for its raw power and impressive displacement, but its fuel economy was not its strong suit. While the exact fuel economy figures can vary depending on driving conditions and other factors, the 426 Hemi generally had a relatively low fuel efficiency compared to more modern engines.


Understanding the 426 Hemi Engine


The 426 Hemi, also known as the "Elephant Engine," was a 7.0-liter V8 engine that produced an impressive 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This massive engine was designed for high-performance applications, such as drag racing and NASCAR, and was not optimized for fuel efficiency.


The 426 Hemi's large displacement, high-performance camshaft, and other performance-oriented features contributed to its relatively poor fuel economy. Exact fuel economy figures can vary, but it's generally accepted that the 426 Hemi achieved single-digit miles per gallon (MPG) in real-world driving conditions.


Factors Affecting Fuel Economy


Several factors contributed to the 426 Hemi's low fuel efficiency:



  • Displacement: The 426 Hemi's massive 7.0-liter displacement required a significant amount of fuel to operate, even at lower engine speeds.

  • Camshaft Design: The high-performance camshaft used in the 426 Hemi was optimized for power, not fuel efficiency, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

  • Carburetor: The 426 Hemi used a large, high-flow carburetor to deliver the necessary fuel, which contributed to its thirsty nature.

  • Driving Conditions: The 426 Hemi was designed for high-performance applications, such as drag racing, where fuel efficiency was not a primary concern. In everyday driving, the engine's fuel economy would be even lower.


It's important to note that the 426 Hemi was not designed with fuel efficiency in mind, as its primary purpose was to deliver exceptional power and performance. The trade-off for this performance was a significant reduction in fuel economy.


Conclusion


The 426 Hemi, while a legendary and iconic engine, was not known for its fuel efficiency. With its massive displacement, high-performance camshaft, and carburetor design, the 426 Hemi generally achieved single-digit miles per gallon in real-world driving conditions. This trade-off between power and fuel economy was a defining characteristic of this legendary engine.

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 many miles per gallon does a 1970 Dodge Challenger get?


Based on data from 2 vehicles, 52 fuel-ups and 6,001 miles of driving, the 1970 Dodge Challenger gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.04 with a 0.84 MPG margin of error.



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.



How much horsepower does a 1970 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.



How many miles per gallon does a 426 Hemi get?


426 Hemi Gets 18 MPG On Eighth Power Tour.



How much HP did the 426 Hemi actually make?


Second generation: 426 1964–1971

426
Cooling systemLiquid-cooled
Output
Power output425 hp (317 kW) (Gross) 350 bhp (261 kW) (Net)
Specific power60.9 hp (45 kW) per liter



How many miles per gallon does a 5.7 Hemi Challenger get?


16 mpg city and 25 highway
Challengers with the 5.7-liter V-8 are expected to earn up to 16 mpg city and 25 highway. Versions with the 6.4-liter V-8 are rated up to 15 mpg city and 24 highway.



How many miles per gallon does a Ram Classic V8 get?


The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is the perfect option for you. This full-size pickup truck has an impressive 17.0 mpg city fuel economy rating, making it one of the most efficient trucks on the market. The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic comes with a 5.7L V8 engine.



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.


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.