Which is better 440 six pack vs 426 Hemi?
When it comes to classic American muscle cars, few debates are as heated as the one between the legendary 440 Six Pack and the iconic 426 Hemi. Both engines represent the pinnacle of Mopar engineering during the golden era of muscle cars, but which one is truly better? As the owner of Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I’ll break down the key differences and help you decide which engine might be the better choice for your needs.
Understanding the Basics: What Are the 440 Six Pack and 426 Hemi?
Before diving into the comparison, it’s important to understand what makes these engines special:
- 440 Six Pack: The 440 Six Pack is a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine equipped with three two-barrel carburetors, delivering a potent combination of power and throttle response. It was designed to provide high performance without the complexity of the Hemi.
- 426 Hemi: Known as the "Elephant Engine" due to its massive size and power, the 426 Hemi is a 426 cubic-inch V8 with hemispherical combustion chambers. This design allows for exceptional airflow and combustion efficiency, making it a favorite among drag racers and performance enthusiasts.
Performance Comparison: Power and Speed
When it comes to raw power, both engines are impressive, but they shine in different ways:
- 440 Six Pack: The 440 Six Pack was rated at 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. Its triple-carburetor setup provided excellent throttle response, making it a great choice for street performance and drag racing.
- 426 Hemi: The 426 Hemi was rated at 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, but many experts believe these numbers were underrated. The Hemi’s advanced combustion chamber design allowed it to excel at high RPMs, making it a dominant force on the track.
Complexity and Maintenance
As a seasoned mechanic, I’ve worked on both engines, and there are notable differences in their complexity and maintenance requirements:
- 440 Six Pack: The 440 Six Pack is simpler to maintain and repair compared to the Hemi. Its carburetor setup, while more complex than a single-carb engine, is still easier to tune and service than the Hemi’s intricate design.
- 426 Hemi: The Hemi’s hemispherical combustion chambers and unique valve train design make it more complex and expensive to maintain. However, for enthusiasts who prioritize performance, the extra effort is often worth it.
Cost and Availability
Another important factor to consider is the cost and availability of these engines:
- 440 Six Pack: Generally more affordable and easier to find, the 440 Six Pack is a popular choice for restorations and builds. Parts are widely available, making it a practical option for many enthusiasts.
- 426 Hemi: The 426 Hemi is rarer and significantly more expensive. Original Hemi engines and parts can command a premium, making it a less accessible option for budget-conscious builders.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the 440 Six Pack and the 426 Hemi ultimately depends on your priorities:
- If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable engine that’s easier to maintain and more affordable, the 440 Six Pack is an excellent choice.
- If you’re after the ultimate in performance and are willing to invest in a more complex and expensive engine, the 426 Hemi is hard to beat.
Both engines are legends in their own right, and either one will provide an unforgettable driving experience. At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on countless classic engines, and we’re here to help you make the best choice for your project. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need expert advice!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles per gallon does a 426 Hemi get?
426 Hemi Gets 18 MPG On Eighth Power Tour.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 |
