Hi, Owen & Jo, et al ; notwithstanding your 300-C's amazing performance off the line, it is 'universally' accepted that the 'factory' Hemi, even in 426 configuration was a 'slug' . The 440 wedge outran the 426 Hemi until almost @ the end of the 1/4 mile. Why do you suppose that Chrysler offered rear end ratios up to 6.18 (or whatever?). The Hemi "came-on" its cam at about 30 mph. At the 'time', wasn't the VW beetle the world's fastest car, up to 30 mph? Power-to-weight. As far as the 392-cars are concerned Chrysler designed the chassis, to accomadate the engine weight. I kind of shudder to think what a 354/392 would do to the handling of a stock suspension pre-56 MoPar. The pick-up truck w/a Hemi spins its wheels because there's no weight on the rear wheels. 4x4 pickups are lousy in the snow, for that reason. Oh yeah, please see MoPar Muscle, 10/01, to see what can be done to a little-ol' LIGHT-WEIGHT 318 Poly - like 405 HP @ 5,600rpm , & 442 lbs-ft./torque @ ONLY 4,400 rpm! -Normally aspirated/no-NOS . And, I'm kicking myself, trying to recall, now, where I just read about how-nearly-perfect is the flow-rate on the Poly heads.-Anybody else recall that reference? Neil Vedder (that ol' Poly-lover) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2003 Calendar voting results and ordering information is online! Please visit: http://www.forwardlook.net/calendar2003 for more information.
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