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Written by Jake Amatisto Behind the Lens: The Author & Dimitri Cretikos
hen we rst heard that a revamped, EFI-version of the Chryslers venerable Hemi engine was to be released back in 2005, we wondered how long it would take before we started seeing Dodge Magnums, Chargers and Chrysler 300Cs tearing it up on the dragstrip with modded 5.7L Hemis. Within the rst couple years, late-model Hemi cars didnt really do anything impressive, but we can safely say thats not the case anymore.
Despite being housed in such heavy cars, the Mopars of today still run strong, and recently we heard that the 9-second barrier was broken in just four short years, and it seems these guys drop up to a second in elapsed times each year. Although only a couple hardcore guys have gotten into the nines, for the most part, the late-model 5.7L and 6.1L Hemi engines are undeveloped when it comes to high-performance and racing parts, but the cool thing is that were starting to see more and more
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Ring Package
The ring package was moved down .125-inch to accommodate the supercharger. Since these are specically designed blower pistons, the ring lands will be less susceptible to lifting under high loads (below). The piston pin on these pistons is way up there, seemingly just a fraction of an inch from the bottom of the piston. But surprisingly, the pin boss only intrudes with the oil ring. Totally Square Engine hardcore parts starting to be released, despite this downed economy. This years amount of new Hemi parts has allowed engine builders to push the limits and nd weaknesses, and it seems everyday were learning about new components that will make the late-model Hemi run quicker and faster. With a steady stream of new, hardcore engine parts being released this year, these engines may start to be taken more seriously when it comes to performance and racing. It happened with Fords Modular engine, and now its become a major threat in some heads-up drag racing classes. The new Hemi aftermarket is a little far off to support purpose-built race motors, but its getting there. Last year we covered a Vortech supercharger install and dyno tune on fellow ofce park tenant Dimitri Cretikos blown 6.1L Hemi Charger. This year, Cretikos wanted to step up the power with a K1 Stroker kit, as well as some trick internals that have yet to be released, so Fastest Street Car was there to check it out. When it comes to late-model Hemi building skills and design, Josh Rickards of Vaca Performance is the man to talk to, and you could even say the 5.7L and 6.1L Hemis are Rickards specialty. Rickards claims this new 426 engine will propel a full interior Charger into the 10-second range.
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crank features a 4.080-inch stroke while the block is also bored to 4.080, a
Piston Squirters
nmcadigital.com
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build came from K1 Technologies. They are forged from 4340 steel and feature an H-beam design that will be up to the task of holding on to our supercharged slugs, even when pushing a 4,000-pound land yacht down the track.
Connecting Rods
The K1 rods are forged, 4340 steel H-beams that have been shot peened for improved fatigue life, come with bronze wrist pin bushings, and are finish honed in the USA. They are also weight-matched +/- 1 gram on each end and also come with the ultra-strong ARP 2000 fasteners. For the oiling system, Rickards retained the factory oil pump, but opted to go with a Milodon windage tray and pan kit. Unfortunately, we ordered the wrong pan and had to temporarily use the factory one, but we do want to mention that
Secret Setup
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Time To Drop It In
Now that our K1 Technologies Stroker Kit is bolted in place, its time to drop the shortblock in the car (the top ends of these engines are assembled with the engine in the car ~editor) and assemble the top end. In the next installment of our New Gen Hemi, well cover the heads and induction setup were using on this project, along with some real word dyno numbers from Vaca Performances Dyno. Super Damper
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Automotive Racing Products 800.826.3045 arp-bolts.com Milodon Inc. 805.577.5950 milodon.com Automotive Racing Products 800.826.3045 arp-bolts.com
high-powered Hemi build. Some basic features include 360 laser-etched timing marks and they exceed SFI 18.1 specs. We ordered this one with 5-percent overdrive, this way we can run the desired 12-pounds of boost without having to go too small on the supercharger pulley.
Vaca Performance 562.622.2508 vacaperformance.com K1 Technologies 616.583.9700 k1technologies.com ATI Performance Products 877.298.5039 atiracing.com Wiseco Pistons 800.321.1364 wiseco.com Fasteners
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