If there’s an elephant in the room, we’re hoping that it’ll be something like this 426 HEMI and we don’t really care if it’s in kit form or not.
The second generation HEMI was introduced in 1964, as a NASCAR racing engine. Public availability followed in 1965 with the Street HEMI in 1966. Chrysler built engines with hemispherical combustion chambers earlier, but didn’t call them HEMIs.
With two Carter AFB carburetors, the Street HEMI was rated by Chrysler at 425 horsepower but actual engine dyno results were pretty close to 500HP, with tales of dyno operators unplugging the #8 spark plug to achieve the reduced 425HP output.
Still a physically large engine with a 4.8-inch bore spacing, the HEMI became a favorite of NHRA racers, who could bore the block out further – for more displacement – than with competing engines.
The example shown here is said to be complete from carburetors to oil pan. According to the seller, the block has been magnafluxed and shows no sign of previous cracks or repairs.
Although bidding for this motor ended late in June, it may still be available, since the final bid of $9,000 did not release the reserve.
You can still contact the seller using the Ask a Question link under the Seller Info section in the eBay listing. Currently located in Northvale, NJ, the motor is described more than once as ‘suitable for rebuilding,’ so you’ll need to arrange for more than just putting it back together again.
For anyone looking for an original HEMI engine, this is an opportunity that doesn’t come up every day.
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