Ever since there has been more than one human on the face of this earth, there has been competition. In today's world, that competition has grown right along with technology. This is proof that our instincts are more primal than some people would like to believe. Competition provides us with a desire to do better, a sense of accomplishment, and character. Civilization provides us with lots of people to compete with. These statements couldn't be more true than in the automotive-performance arena.
With so many different ways to compete these days, the manufacturers have been driven to provide plug-and-play powerplants for enthusiasts of all kinds. The rivalry between domestic automakers has never subsided. You can purchase high-performance crate engines or parts from any of the Big Three. There has been an invasion of imported auto manufacturers, and they're slowly creeping into the market (hence Toyota's introduction to NASCAR) with performance parts as well.
But if you're red in the face about the import invasion, not to worry. Anything you can do to a small motor you can do to a big motor. Even Toyota gets it. The company's '05 X-Runner Tacoma has a 4.0L V-6 as opposed to last year's 3.4L engine. The 426 Hemi was the engine to beat in the '60s, and that heritage has been revised and introduced with the availability of the Mopar Performance 528 crate Hemi. This beast of a powerplant has 610 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Like most performance engines, our 528 saw the brunt of prolonged burnouts and many Corvette-, Lightening-, and Honda-slapping miles that took their toll on the Hemi crate engine that was installed in our '02 Ram. We took our 528 crate engine to Superior Automotive in Anaheim, California, to see what was inside, and here's what we found. Make sure to pick up next month's issue, when we bolt on some exotic induction and make a ton of power on the dyno.
1.In 1939, Chrysler started...
1.In 1939, Chrysler started designing the first V-16 Hemi for military use. By 1964, the 426 Hemi had punished stock-car racing by taking First, Second, and Third at the Daytona 500.
2.Upon removal, we found a...
2.Upon removal, we found a few obvious problems that would indicate the engine wasn't making peak horsepower.
3.Both head gaskets were leaking...
3.Both head gaskets were leaking precious coolant all over the place.
4.The custom-made headers...
4.The custom-made headers were leaking exhaust from a lack of care. Performance means higher maintenance standards must be implemented. Yep, that means you need to check the header bolts from time to time.
5.On initial start, the motor...
5.On initial start, the motor would blow blue smoke from the right bank. The smoke would vanish after the engine came up to operating temperature, which made it obvious the valveguides had a little too much clearance. Carbon deposits with wet oil in the intake runners are a sign that the valve stem seals weren't sealing anything.
6.On a positive note, the...
6.On a positive note, the Keith Black valvetrain shows that Mopar is serious about performance. The billet pedestals and shaft-mounted rockers provide a stable platform for the assembly to make use of the big cam that comes in the 528.