Which is better 440 six pack vs 426 Hemi?
When it comes to classic American muscle cars, the debate between the 440 Six Pack and the 426 Hemi engines is a longstanding one. Both engines are renowned for their power and performance, but which one is truly the better choice? Let's dive into the details and compare these two iconic powerhouses.
The 440 Six Pack
The 440 Six Pack, also known as the 440 Six Barrel, was a high-performance engine option offered by Chrysler in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It featured a 440 cubic inch (7.2 liter) V8 engine with three two-barrel carburetors, hence the "Six Pack" moniker. This setup allowed the engine to produce an impressive 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The 440 Six Pack was available in a variety of Chrysler models, including the Plymouth 'Cuda, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger, making it a popular choice among muscle car enthusiasts.
The 426 Hemi
The 426 Hemi, short for "Hemispherical," was another legendary engine produced by Chrysler. Introduced in 1964, the 426 Hemi was known for its distinctive hemispherical cylinder heads, which allowed for larger valves and improved airflow. This design resulted in an impressive 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The 426 Hemi was primarily used in racing applications, but it was also available in select Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models, making it a highly sought-after and desirable engine for muscle car enthusiasts.
Comparing the Two
Both the 440 Six Pack and the 426 Hemi are legendary engines, but there are some key differences to consider:
- Power Output: The 426 Hemi has a slight edge in horsepower, producing 425 hp compared to the 440 Six Pack's 390 hp. However, both engines offer similar torque figures, with the 440 Six Pack producing 490 lb-ft and the 426 Hemi producing 490 lb-ft.li>
- Reliability: The 440 Six Pack is generally considered to be more reliable and easier to maintain than the 426 Hemi, which was known for its complex and finicky nature.
- Rarity: The 426 Hemi is significantly rarer than the 440 Six Pack, making it a more valuable and sought-after engine for collectors and enthusiasts.li>
- Racing Performance: The 426 Hemi was primarily designed for racing and is often considered the superior choice for high-performance applications, such as drag racing and NASCAR.
Ultimately, the choice between the 440 Six Pack and the 426 Hemi comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the vehicle. Both engines are iconic and offer impressive performance, but the 426 Hemi may be the better choice for those seeking maximum power and racing pedigree, while the 440 Six Pack may be the more practical and reliable option for daily driving or street performance.
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 much horsepower does a 440 6 pack have?
390 horsepower
Plymouth called their version of this potent mill the “440 Six Barrel” and “440+6”, while Dodge called it the “440 Six Pack.” Either way, it was rated at 390 horsepower at 4,700 rpm. High-performance Mopar® engines of this era came painted Orange in color.
How many miles per gallon does a 426 Hemi get?
426 Hemi Gets 18 MPG On Eighth Power Tour.
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.
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 HP can a 440 handle?
Although the most powerful factory stock 440 engines produced a rated 390 gross horsepower, the OEM blocks can take power in the 600hp range, and survive practically indefinitely at the 500-550hp level. Mopar built quite a bit of strength into the bottom end of these engines.
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 best Hemi engine ever made?
Every Important HEMI Engine Ever Created, Ranked By Power Output
- 8 Ball-Stud Hemi.
- 7 5.7-liter Hemi. 399 Horsepower.
- 6 6.1-Liter Hemi. 425 Horsepower.
- 5 426 Street Hemi. 425 Horsepower.
- 4 392 HEMI. 485 Horsepower.
- 3 6.2-liter Hellcat. 797 Horsepower.
- 2 426 Hellephant. 1,000 Horsepower.
- 1 6.2-liter Demon. 1,025 Horsepower.
Which Hemi engine is the most reliable?
CPD Fisherman replied, "The 5.7 Hemi is rock solid. You can't get anything better." Another commenter mentioned that members of their family had driven several 5.7-powered Ram trucks past the 100,000 mile mark with no engine-related problems.
What are the disadvantages of the Hemi engine?
Most experts agree that a major drawback of the Hemi design is that it cannot incorporate four valves per cylinder. And that's OK when it comes to racing cars, which are limited to two valves anyway – but modern cars use an alternative design with four slightly smaller valves that let the engine breathe more easily.
