Cuda SRT8 392 Gen.III Hemi

PowerWagon,

My numbers are based upon complete running motors with accessories. They are a bit old so prices may have come down a bit, but I don't think you'll find low mileage 6.1L Hemis for less than 3K and I think 4K is still in the ball park. Yes you can find blown motors or short blocks for a lot less. But I think someone trying to do one of these projects is a lot better off buying a complete running motor with accessories. In past projects I've tried to go the piece together route and have almost always spent more. :( In my experience it's the little stuff that really adds up fast.

I also believe that any 5.7L Hemi can be made to run extremely well. The pre-09 heads can be made to flow really well, in the range of 300-325 CFM, if you're willing to change the valves. The '10 5.7 heads are even better. Some even argue, (I don't agree) that the 5.7 block is stronger.

The only issue that I've seen with any of these motors is that if running over 20 PSI of boost you are probably better off sticking to the stock 3.58" stroke since a longer stroke excessively loads the thrust side of the cylinder wall and can lead to block failure. Of course, with ported heads and over 20 PSI of boost the motor is probably putting out in excess of 1000 HP.

The fact that these motors can and do survive in situations with over a 1000 HP is a testament to the designers. For example, in this months issue of Car Craft they build a 1200 HP Chevy LS motor. They bragged about how it wasn't a "race motor." But as you read through the build it turned out they used an aftermarket block, crank, rods, pistons, heads. I don't think there was a stock in the motor. Compare that to a 1000 HP 6.1 Hemi. I think you could build a 1000 HP Hemi with a stock block, stock forged crank, stock ported heads, aftermarket rods, aftermarket pistons.

Regards,

Joe Dokes