How fast is a Hemi Charger or Hemi Cuda?

[Ghoste]

Then you have to consider the 68 Hemi Dart as stock.

[hemihead]

The Hemi was developed for NASCAR.The Drag Racing thing was just a plus.The Hemi really didn't start to make power until the end of the 1/4.A 440 will take a Hemi 2/3 of the way down the pass.And not many people have the mechanical knowledge to tune one and keep them in tune.Many returned to dealers because people didn't understand them and were disappointed..Most people can't manage one today and expect some kind of magic and are disappointed when it doesn't behave in traffic like their SUV.They are a tempermental engine.

[RT DAVE]

Then you have to consider the 68 Hemi Dart as stock.

I do.  Stock but not street legal. 

[last426]

And not many people have the mechanical knowledge to tune one and keep them in tune.Many returned to dealers because people didn't understand them and were disappointed..Most people can't manage one today and expect some kind of magic and are disappointed when it doesn't behave in traffic like their SUV.They are a tempermental engine.

I just couldn't disagree more.  It is not magic to set one up, heck the carb linkage is the easiest part.  When I got mine it did run a little rough.  But I rebuild the carbs and set them exactly to spec and set the timing exactly and that was all that it took.  If I wanted to race it I would do what any drag racer does, adjust the distributor curve, play around with the jets, etc.  Granted I have a pertronix unit in there that does away with the touchy dual points, but other than that it is stock.  And it purrs, even though I hardly ever drive it -- at ldle it has the distinctive hemi lope and it screams on the road.  Lastly, it is the newer hemi with the hydraulic camshaft so that eliminates another variable, thank goodness.  But it is anything but temperamental.  Kim

[Ghoste]

Then you have to consider the 68 Hemi Dart as stock.

I do.   Stock but not street legal.  

It's as stock and street legal as an aluminum block 427 that didn't appear on any salesmans order form and didn't meet the corporate rules regarding engine size.

[RD]

what kind of milage does a hemi get?

an article a couple years back showed a hemi with two holley throttle body setups on it.  I do not believe it had the gearvendors od unit, but it may have.  anyways it got 15-17 mpg on the highway doing 75-80mph.

[Wakko]

Wow!! Impressive!!! I'd have expected 10-12 tops.

[Lowprofile]

Then you have to consider the 68 Hemi Dart as stock.

I do.  Stock but not street legal. 

It's as stock and street legal as an aluminum block 427 that didn't appear on any salesmans order form and didn't meet the corporate rules regarding engine size.

The Aluminum Head, cast block 427ci Camaro's are known as COPO Cars [Central office production orders] These cars were available from dealers around the country. These cars were sold to racers who could not afford the more exotic and Pricey ZL-1. These Camaros were also the base models for such Collectables as Yenko SC's, Baldwin, & Motion Performance Group.

The Hemi Dart was definitely along the lines of the ZL-1, The Ford Thunderbolt with the 427ci "Sideoiler", and the famous A/FX Cars from Mother Mopar. The 69' Boss 429 Mustang is also in this group.

If you get the chance Wakko, go by Big Daddy's drag racing museum in Ocalla. Lots to see and learn there.

[6pkrunner]

My '68 Hemi Coronet R/T had a 3.54 Dana and could get between 13 and 16 on the highway cruising. The slightest thought of stepping into it would drive those numbers down substantially.

[Ghoste]

Even though it's purely conjecture on my part, I would also offer another point on the COPO topic.  Although they claimed to be out of racing, it's commonly accepted that Chev was heavily involved with it through the back door.  The COPO loophole meant that any dealer who ordered a fleet of vehicles  (minimum 50 I think) could get any custom group of options they wanted. This way, they kept some high performance on the street and to the racers without the liability of actually making those cars.  GM was always afraid of being sued after an antitrust investigation at the beginning of the 60's.  I think it was this fear of the government and Nader that kept their racing activities on the very down low.
I would place the COPO's more on a par with Mr. Norm's offerings except that in the case of the big block Darts, Dodge eventually made them a regular item.
If I'm not mistaken, the first of the COPO's to go to Yenko, came with the equipment in place but he still had to do the actual engine swap.
And, the ZL1 was another monster altogether.  How many were there?  I have a part time job with a restoration firm and auction house so I see a lot of cars in a year and I have only ever come across one ZL1.

[Brock Samson]

rather then start an entirely new thread I'm gonna attach this Tom Hoover Interview from You Tube to this thread...
Seems appropriate... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvZt4nTaYzk

[RD]

rather then start an entirely new thread I'm gonna attach this Tom Hoover Interview from You Tube to this thread...
Seems appropriate... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvZt4nTaYzk

wow!! awesome.. thanks for sharing dave!

[Hemidoug]

There is a very small "window" of tune that will make a Hemi scream....the further you get away from that "tune window" the worse the engine runs. The stock intake manifold is not the greatest and as a matter of fact a good quality 4 bbl manifold will make all the difference in the world, however a Hemi with only 1 carb is like finding out the honey you just picked up at the bar has an Adam's apple for a reason (lol). If you own a Hemi (especially if it's a solid lifter one) you better know how to wrench...no doubt about it. Now, the best I've been able to get out of mine is 12.1 @ 116 mph.The car will run into the mid 11s, but it will require more work then I am willing to do to the car to get it there. Quick times are much more then engine power for sure.

As far as mileage...WHO GIVES A CRAP? If you are feeding a Hemi that means you are driving a Hemi.....like I said WHO GIVES A CRAP! When the gas gauge says "E" you feed the bitch if you want to DRIVE the bitch....it's very simple......

[mauve66]

dayclona will make you a 6pak intake for the hemi for $2500

[Hemidoug]

Don't need it......I can tune just fine  .