Hemi or Semi? Chrysler group's new 345 hp, 5.7-liter engine is powerful just the same

[NFS4]

This is what the Dodge Ram needs to shoot to the head of the class. Currently, it's a great truck with a weak engine. The Hemi (if available as an option) in the the 1500 should make it a no brainer.

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=&content_code=04685882

 

[Mutilator]

At 345 hp, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 has 100 more hp than the 5.9-liter Magnum V-8. It has more torque, weighs about 60 pounds less, and, when coupled with a new automatic transmission, is expected to deliver about 10 percent better fuel economy. The engine has a cast iron block topped with aluminum heads that have two spark plugs per cylinder.

The Hemi engine has more horsepower than any truck engine - gasoline-powered or diesel - offered by General Motors, Ford Motor Co. or Toyota. Only other two truck engines, Ford's 6.8-liter V-10 and GM's 8.1-liter V-8, have more torque than the Hemi's 375 pounds-feet.

Sounds like a winner to me.

 

[PG]

Chrysler still produces the 426 Hemi in crate form for hot rodders and drag racers, and the engine is still competitive.

I think I'll start saving my pennies now.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: PG
Chrysler still produces the 426 Hemi in crate form for hot rodders and drag racers, and the engine is still competitive.

I think I'll start saving my pennies now.

it runs over $12,000. Better save more than pennies.

 

[LAUST]

It's gonna be hard to be "head of it's class" when the LQ9 is still more powerful and it's got a lot less overhead in parts and price

It'll be a "strong contender" now with the big 3... "head of it's class"... nope.

Also please tell me this is a new complete new tranny and not an upgrade to the current worst tranny's to hit the road how about the NP241 X-fer case, did they ditch that trash heap too??

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: LAUST
It's gonna be hard to be "head of it's class" when the LQ9 is still more powerful and it's got a lot less overhead in parts and price

It'll be a "strong contender" now with the big 3... "head of it's class"... nope.

Also please tell me this is a new complete new tranny and not an upgrade to the current worst tranny's to hit the road how about the NP241 X-fer case, did they ditch that trash heap too??

Is the LQ9 available in a half-ton GM truck?

 

[LAUST]

Updated 246 X-fer case

 

[KokomoGST]

Wow, I've always liked Mopar and their Hemis... nice, with a lot less displacement, it's able to put out nearly as much as a 8.1L & 6.8L competition without a poweradder like a blower. Also, there is one "truck" motor (I use the term lightly because it's not really a truck motor anymore) is the 500ci V10 motor in the 2003 Viper and SRT-10 = 500ft/lbs.

 

[440sixpack]

Actually, you can get the crate 426 Hemi for about $10k. The 528 Hemi will run ya about $13-14k.

 

[ElFenix]

sometimes i think i'd like a silverado... 1500HD i think, they look cooler. and then i remember that 1) i can't afford a decently equipped full size truck and 2) i would never be able to park that thing at my complex.

 

[Viper GTS]

So if they're so much better, why did they fall out of common use?

Can they be supercharged as easily as a non-hemi counterpart? I'm assuming yes, but I thought I'd ask..

If so, drop this in a AWD Ram 1500, supercharge it, and give the Lightning a run for it's money without the cost nor extravagance of the Viper engine.

Viper GTS

 

[LAUST]

The new Hemi has 9.6:1 compression ratio plus a dual plug setup, it's not gonna be very factory blower friendly Too much risk of blowing up. I do agree though I think Dodge should drop the Image crap (500 SRT's is not a production amount 500 was production back in 1967 today thats pure image only crap) and make a fast but affordable Lightning/SS competator.

As far as nice, with a lot less displacement, it's able to put out nearly as much as a 8.1L & 6.8L competition without a poweradder like a blower it doesn't work that way, the LQ9 from GM makes 380lbs while the 8.1 makes 455lbs and they still produce it for a reason, it's big block power which means A: 8.5:1 compression (you kids can do the math) and B: FAR better torque band.