What was the fuel economy of a 426 Hemi?
The 426 Hemi engine, often referred to as the "Elephant Engine" due to its massive size and power, is one of the most iconic engines in automotive history. Known for its dominance in muscle cars during the 1960s and 1970s, the 426 Hemi was designed for performance rather than fuel efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the fuel economy of this legendary engine and why it was never intended to be a gas-sipper.
Understanding the 426 Hemi
The 426 Hemi was introduced by Chrysler in 1964 as a racing engine and later made available in street cars starting in 1966. With its hemispherical combustion chambers, the engine was capable of producing immense power, often exceeding 425 horsepower in factory configurations. This made it a favorite among drag racers and muscle car enthusiasts.
Fuel Economy: A Secondary Concern
When it comes to fuel economy, the 426 Hemi was not designed with efficiency in mind. Instead, it prioritized raw power and performance. Here’s what you need to know about its fuel consumption:
- The 426 Hemi typically achieved around 6 to 10 miles per gallon (mpg), depending on driving conditions and the specific vehicle it was installed in.
- In high-performance scenarios, such as drag racing or aggressive driving, fuel economy could drop even lower, sometimes to single digits.
- Factors like vehicle weight, aerodynamics, and gearing also influenced the overall fuel efficiency of cars equipped with the 426 Hemi.
Why Fuel Economy Wasn't a Priority
During the muscle car era, fuel economy was not a significant concern for manufacturers or buyers. Gasoline was relatively inexpensive, and the focus was on producing cars that could deliver thrilling performance. The 426 Hemi was a product of this mindset, built to dominate on the track and the street rather than to save fuel.
Modern Perspective
Today, the 426 Hemi is celebrated as a piece of automotive history. While its fuel economy may seem abysmal by modern standards, it’s important to remember that this engine was a symbol of an era when performance reigned supreme. For collectors and enthusiasts, the 426 Hemi remains a prized possession, valued for its engineering brilliance and historical significance rather than its efficiency.
In conclusion, the 426 Hemi was a powerhouse that prioritized performance over fuel economy, achieving roughly 6 to 10 mpg under typical conditions. While it may not win any awards for efficiency, its legacy as one of the greatest engines ever built is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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 HP did the 426 Hemi actually make?
Second generation: 426 1964–1971
| 426 | |
|---|---|
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled |
| Output | |
| Power output | 425 hp (317 kW) (Gross) 350 bhp (261 kW) (Net) |
| Specific power | 60.9 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 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.
How many miles per gallon does a 426 Hemi get?
426 Hemi Gets 18 MPG On Eighth Power Tour.
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.
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.
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.
