Fern,
Mmmm something is amiss here.
The 425 hp, 12.5 to 1 compression ratio engine was an out and out racing engine that was very much advised against street use. It’s last production was in early model year 1964 for only the mid-size Dodge and Plymouth.
The only RPO engine for the 300L was the single four barrel 413 rated at 340 hp. While there were two four-barrel 413’s available beginning with the 300E and ending with the 300K ( and only as an option in the case of the 300K) none of had 12.5 compression nor were any of them rated at over 390 hp. 300’s were always to be a very high performance yet very streetable cars designed as “bankers hot rods” as stated by one automotive journalist, Tom McCahill if memory serves me right. The max wedge engines were anything but very streetable and certainly not suited for driving to and from the banker place of business on a daily basis. The 300 letter series never received any 426 or 440 engines, at least as RPO’s.
I am certainly not challenging Galen Grovier on this as he is the recognized guru and his record of accuracy is impeccable but I do believe there is some misinterpreting of data somewhere along the line.
John Hagen
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Fern
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2013 8:09 AM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] re engine for 65 300L 4 s conv
I finally found the build sheet for my 1965 300L 4 speed convertible. It was tucked in a top corner of the rear vertical back seat, hidden behind the rear cardboard cover. The tag was very fragile but I managed to pretty get it all out. I was then referring to Galen Govier reference book and found that engine code being 582 stands for 426 wedge with dual four barrel carbs, 425 HP, 12.5/1 compression.
Apparently, that engine in question is the max wedge engine with the cross rams that had special exhaust manifolds to get around the steering gear box, etc. I would be looking to getting any and all information regarding this engine.
Now the question is, does anyone have one of those engines kicking around? Up to this find, I was trying to make up my mind if I should restore it or sell it in as is condition but I now will have to rethink this very carefully. I wasn't even aware that this engine was available with that model of Mopar.
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