How to Build Max-Performance Hemi Engines

The photos in this edition are black and white.

Hemi. The word alone evokes images of ultra-high-performance street cars and dominating race cars. No other engine has earned as much street credibility and race success. This engine resides at the pinnacle of American V-8 performance, and cars that carry a Hemi are some of the rarest, most expensive, and legendary muscle cars ever made. When Chrysler threw the wraps off the 426 in 1964, it made history. In the 1964 Daytona 500, the new Hemi-powered stock cars finished 1-2-3-4, announcing Chrysler's new era of dominance in racing. Fast forward to today: recently an immaculate 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda convertible sold for $2.16 million at a 2006 Barrett Jackson collector car auction. The factory Hemi cars have become legendary, easily eclipsing all other muscle cars in performance and value.

How to Build Max-Performance Hemi Engines details how to extract even more horsepower out of these incredible engines. All the block options from street versus race, new versus old, and iron versus aluminum are presented. Full detailed coverage on the reciprocating assembly is also included. Heads play an essential role in flowing fuel and producing maximum horsepower, and therefore receive special treatment. Author Richard Nedbal explores major head types, rocker-arm systems, head machining and prep, valves, springs, seats, porting quench control, and much more. All camshaft considerations are discussed as well, so you can select the best specification for your engine build. Induction options including EFI, aftermarket ignitions systems, high-performance oiling systems, and cooling systems are also covered. The book also examines in detail how to install and set up power adders such as nitrous oxide, superchargers, and turbochargers.

A lifetime Mopar and computer nut, Richard Nedbal sold his computer business to "retire," and promptly opened Mopar Engines West. Little did he know that he would be busier in retirement than he was during his career. Word got out that Mopar Engines West (MEW) was building Hemis that were just a little more expensive than a crate Hemi, yet were very reliable even in race dress. Many racers couldn't believe that Rich's customers didn't seem to work on their engines at the track. Rich builds all variations of Mopar engines from Slant-6s to all-out blown Hemis.