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Where’d all these HEMIs come from?
Chrysler Corporation made a LOT of different HEMIs. They are generally broken down into three major categories:
Early HEMI: These engines were introduced starting in 1951 and this style continued through 1958. They can further be broken down into 3 major sub-categories by division; Chrysler, Dodge, and Desoto. Despite what many people believe Chrysler did not offer a HEMI in the Plymouth line until 1964 when the 426 was released. Displacement ranged from 241 cubic inches to 392 CI. All together there were a total of 14 different engines offered over these years. :confused:
Chrysler: 301, 331, 354, 392(RB)
Desoto: 276, 291, 330(RB), 341(RB), 345(RB)
Dodge: 241, 260, 270, 315(RB), 325(RB)
These were production engines, designed to move the heavy top of the line road cars of the day. Many of these engines were also fitted with cheaper, lighter Polysphere (Poly) heads and used in the cheaper lines/models. While there is a fair amount of parts interchangeability within each division’s engines (i.e. some parts will interchange between the 301,331,354 and 392 Chrysler engines) virtually nothing interchanges between divisions (Chrysler Hemi parts will not fit Dodge or Desoto HEMIs, nor will Dodge and Desoto interchange). To further confuse the issue within each engine family there were standard and tall deck (or Raised Block (RB)) versions, different crank journal sizes and different valve sizes. In general terms the Early HEMI was the start of a long evolution that ended at the SB Chrysler "LA" engine. This is very helpful as it results in SOME interchangeability for what would be hard to find parts (i.e. the SB Chrysler timing chain set can be used on the Chrysler Hemi's, and the bellhousing bolt patterns are very close).
426 HEMI: While the Early HEMI could be considered the start of an engine evolution, the 426 HEMI might be seen as the end result of another. Chrysler introduced the big block wedge in 1958 as the top of the line engine for all Divisions except Chrysler (1958 was the last year for the early HEMI and it was only available in the Chrysler line). During the factory Horse Power wars in the early 60's Chrysler went back to its proven HP maker, the HEMI. In 1964 Chrysler brought back the HEMI heads, but this time they were fitted to a block that was based on the RB (Raised Block) Wedge block design. While there are a lot of similarities between the block on the RB wedge engines (413/426/440) and the 426 HEMI, they are not directly interchangeable (in large part because of an extra set of head bolt bosses located in the lifter valley of the HEMI block). While the Early HEMI started out as a good motor for a heavy car and was jumped on by the hotrodder and eventually the factory, and turned into a performance engine, the 426 HEMI was DESIGNED to be a race motor and was the ultimate engine based on Chrysler’s big block. These RB based HEMIs were ONLY offered in one displacement 426!!!!! There was no factory 383, 440 or 413 HEMIs :eek:
Chryslers "NEW" HEMI: Chrysler has decided to cash in on the HEMIs proven reputation once again. Frankly I have yet to even drive anything with one of these new engines in it, let alone play with one. Only time will tell where it will fit in the long history of the HEMI. I've seen some pictures of New HEMI powered projects under construction and frankly the future should prove interesting (although I prefer my engines and cars on the older side).
HEMI Information and sources
