426 max wedge

[belize]

  Hello, I have become the owner of a 426 max wedge but it has 1962 max wedge heads. It has never been run since rebuild. Can anyone tell me why that head to block combination? Thanks, Joe

[John_Kunkel]

Welcome to the board.

I'm not sure what the question is, the '62 413 Max Wedge used the exact same head (casting number 2402286) as the '63 426 Max Wedge.

Are you sure you actually have a Max Wedge? The term is chronically misused to describe every big block in the early sixties.

[belize]

 The block is stamped on top 426TMPHC and has casting number 2406730-1  but the head has cast number of 2402286.

[Ghoste]

The block casting is for a 63 to 65 426 wedge and the head casting is for a 413 Maxie.  As for the marriage, after this many years who knows how they came together.

[histoy]

Joe,
I put the same exact combo together for my '64 Belvedere.   It looked awesome and ran great!  Just enjoy the engine.

[belize]

What I am really asking is, the head to block combination is different than stock and is there something performance wise that would create more torque or HP with the 413 heads? I remember for example, if you put early chevy 396 heads on a 427 you would get a better towing engine.  Also, in your opinion, does this devalue the engine as a whole? Thanks again for your input.
   PS, did the factory ever put casting number 2402286 on the 426? My reference material only shows that casting for the 62 413 max wedge. The reason I am asking all this is I am going to try to sell this engine in an estate sale.

[John_Kunkel]

426TMPHC and has casting number 2406730-1

Here's how it decodes:

426= Displacement
T= Year code for 1963
MP= Maximum Performance (only the Max Wedge got this designation)
HC= High Compression (in '63 this was 13.5-1)

2406730 is the correct block casting number, there should also be AAQA cast into the front of the block. Other Max Wedge only block features are the 1/2 NPT oil pickup thread and valve relief notches machined into the top of each cylinder bore.

As I stated in my first reply, the 2402286 heads were used on both the '62 413 Max Wedge and the '63 426 Max Wedge. The Stage II 426 Max Wedge introduced later in '63 had a different head casting number. Is there a build date stamped into the data pad along with the 426 TMPHC?

The Max Wedge heads have the largest ports and valves ever offered in a production Mopar wedge engine.

For sale purposes it appears you have the real deal, a '63 426 Max Wedge engine. (If the connecting rods, pistons and crank are also correct Maxie) Does it have the crossram intake and carbs? If so what is the intake casting date and carb number(s).