• The 426 Hemi was used in classic muscle cars.classic car image by Mariusz Blach from Fotolia.com
  
  The 426 Hemi was a high-powered engine manufactured by Chrysler from the mid-1960s through the early 1970s. The engine was used in Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth and Monteverdi Hai 450 sport and muscle cars and became synonymous with high-power output. In the 1960s the engine was also used in a variety of different race cars.
  
  

Specifications

• The 426 Hemi used a hemispherical-shaped combustion chamber, which enhanced combustion efficiency. The bore by stroke of the engine was 4.25 by 3.75 inches, while the compression ratio was 10.25 to 1. The total piston displacement of the engine was 426 cubic inches, or 7 liters. Maximum power was a hefty 425 horsepower, while maximum torque was 490 foot-pounds. The volume was 168 cc minimum, with a maximum of 174 c. The valve diameter had a 2.25-inch intake and a 1.94-inch exhaust. The fuel system used two four-barrel Carter AFB carburetors.
  
  

Design and Material

• The Hemi 426 engine used a 90-degree, V-8 cylinder design. The engine block and heads were made of cast iron. The engine mains used a four-bolt, cross-bolted design. The crankshaft and conn rods were made of forged steel, while the pistons were made of forged aluminum. From 1966 until 1969 the cam was a solid lifter type; from 1970 until 1971 the cam was a hydraulic lifter type. The ignition was a dual-point, vacuum type and the exhaust used cast-iron headers with a 2.5-inch outlet.
  
  

Features

• The firing order of the pistons was: 1, 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7 and 2. The spark plugs were type N-10Y. The cam duration from 1966 until 1967 was 276 degrees; from 1968 until 1971, it was 284. The cam lift from 1966 until 1969 had an intake of 0.467 inches and an exhaust of 0.473 inches; from 1970 until 1971 the cam lift had an intake of 0.490 inches and an exhaust of 0.481 inches.