Should I Put A 426 Hemi In My 1968 Dodge Charger?
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- Опубликовано: 13 окт 2022
- Today on Dead Dodge Garage, it’s decision time. Do I ruin my perfectly good 383 car by spending a bunch of money to put a Mopar Performance 426 Hemi in it? It seems like a fun idea, not necessarily a good one.
@rocketresto 
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Build the Hemi if only for informative content, but keep the 383 in your Charger.
Yes. Keep 383 in your Charger and send me the 426 hemi to
my 69 Charger 😂😂😂✌🏼
@@avtomatkalashnikova9388 I was thinking he could drop it in my 2015 Charger lol
Hell yes!!! Like Mel Brooks said, “If you’re going to go up to the bell, you might as well ring it.”
You can always swap it back out later for even more channel content. But a Hemi powered ‘68 Charger? That’s the dream 99.9% of us will NEVER get to experience. Show us what we’re missing. Please!
My 71 Bee is completely happy with it's original 383. Easily driveable,power when you need it, and decent gas mileage to boot.
Exactly. It’s such a good combination. I love the car as it is and feel like I would definitely be making it worse. But it would have a Hemi… haha.
Put it in the power wagon , then it will really live up to its name 🤔 and then maybe you’ll get round to finishing it 😂🇬🇧
Keep the 68 Charger as is, It’s reliable and Beautiful maybe later down the road if something happens to the current engine 😁
Cool, I bought a 1968 charger back in the late 90’s, I wanted a r/t and settled for a base model 383 4BL 727. On doing research on the car I found out it’s not to much difference except the cubic inches and about $15,000 so I figured I’d be into it for a lot of money in the long run so I thought $6,000 was a better starting point. I drove it for a few years and started restoring it in about 2003, and got about 1/3 of the way and my health and work took priority and now waiting on a restoration shop to finish it and I’m in the cue. It’s is all original except the carb was replaced Carter ABS I think if I remember right that I read was a maybe warranty replacement or they didn’t like the performance. I found two correct AVS for a 1968 and one for a 440. I’m putting back together as close to factory. It’s QQ1 bright metallic blue with blue interior and white vinyl top. Have trans and engine rebuilt already and seats and dash and upper door pads and all the parts, I can wait! Although I dread packing up all the stuff to go to the shop. I’m in there area you are kid of, snoqualmie Washington. Love your vids
That’s awesome! I hope all goes well and you’ve got a whole car soon! Mine has some rust bubbles that worry me a bit. I’m going to leave it alone for as long as possible. If I took mine apart, well… it would probably be longer than 20 years until it went back together.
I could never, ever afford a real Hemi car. Although on the other hand, I didn’t think I could ever afford a nice Charger, and I somehow pulled that off… I really love the 383. It’s such a great package. Mine is a 2 barrel car which has been swapped to 4 barrel. I accept that. I actually scored a correct air cleaner and correct valve covers from work. Pretty excited to do a stock appearance refresh in the engine compartment some time this winter, assuming the 383 stays put…
Build the hemi for sure. I'd consider other options for installation though, I'm sure you have them. Stay safe.
I love your videos sitting in a tire shop getting a flat fixed on a corolla. Come to think of it it don’t say hemi on it. 😂
I’m shopping for a Corolla myself! 🤣
I would find another car to swap it into and leave the charger as is.
This is mostly what I’m thinking. Charger is so good as it is. There is a ‘64 post car just sitting there… period drag car? I like this idea quite a bit. But I’m already building a Barracuda in that style.
I had a Hemi Road Runner years ago and I loved that car. Probably the tightest Mopar I ever owned. I do remember that I was always working on it. I had a 383 GTS at the same time that just kept running and never gave me any trouble. I loved that car, too.
Yes you should! How could there be any doubt? An iconic HEMI in an iconic car! Of course.
Ok here is my take on this. One I have a 440 six pac 70 and went and bought another 70 for my hemi car. But then I had to have a blower. So leave old red to drive and find a shell for the hemi. Not just any shell a charger!
He does have a '69 Charger with no engine... 😂
Document the build and it would be nice to have a Hemi powerplant around. Then document the interchangeable options of MOPAR big blocks from "B" body to "B" body. Make sure the Charger has the gusseted forward leaf spring mounts for Hemi torque.😉
It's gotta go in the charger. Damn straight, I'd build a 426 if I had spare parts laying around.
I like the column shifter. They have such a positive feel to them. I'd put the 426 in with an overdrive. You can save the original 383 for the next caretaker.
I had a 67 Dodge Coronet 440. If I had the means to put in a HEMI, I would. Including the torque boxes.
Unfortunately someone yanked out the original 383 two barrel and "alleged" 727 prototype tranny. By the time I owned it, it had a 318 and 904 out of a van. I only paid a dollar and breakfast at McDonald's for it. Best deal ever for a first car!!!
Sounds like a cool project, good looking Charger and good looking classic Hemi.
Those pistons are some beauties 😍
That's one of my dream cars right there...Anyway, I'd say that if you want the charger to remain a "daily driver", I'd stray away from the Hemi as it is not really a daily driver kind of engine lol. In that case, the 383 should stay as the B series big blocks are great engines! I love the 400 in my short bed D100. However, if you want a drag car or a wild street machine, then I say HEMI.
In 83, I had a V code 70 R/T. Motor and tranny gone, built 383 w hemi 4speed. That thing got down the road. At 57, I'm very practical now and double digit mpg is sweet. I only got 8 with my 383 and a 390 rear gear. Dude, what a toss up. Build it though, you got the goods
I’m getting low teens with my 383 automatic. I’d like to get closer to twenty… I really love driving the car everywhere when possible, but in today’s world that hurts. I may consider an overdrive transmission at some point, among other things.
Hemi for sure. You can always put that 383 back in later. 😎
First you must find...another shrubbery... before swapping for the hemi.
Got me smilin' throughout your vids but the Python quotes in this one got me hooked. Sub'd
🤣 we will say NEE to you again if you do not appease us!
Thanks for watching!
Go for it would be very cool to watch 👍👍
The hemi is a must have with dual quads. Id install that with the 4spd trans and 4:10gears.
who went in to tge dodge dealer in 1968, wasnt a little okd lady, and said id rather a 6cyl because im cheap lol.
Man thats a tough call. The Hemi dose have the mega COOL factor to it but i think i would keep the 383 in the Charger it's a good solid driver and the 383 is a good motor and will get up and go. So i would build the Hemi for something else. But either way you go i can't wait to see what you do with the Hemi.
Definitely the way I am leaning. The darn Charger is just so good how it is. Now, if it blew up or something… that would be a great excuse.
@@DeadDodgeGarage Yeah I agree if something happen to the 383 then i say go for it.
In the early 70s I had several school mates that had Hemi Chargers and they were always nothing but a giant pain in the ass and would never keep a tune.
Just found your channel today.. You think the algorithm would help me find you right away... All I look at is dodge plymouth chrysler fargo imperial... I have to say without a doubt. This is some of the greatest Hemi Porn i've ever seen.. Revealing the parts one at a Time!!😂🤣.. Awesome think i'm gonna check out the ram charger one next🤔
I personally thought it was a fun idea. Haha. Glad you made it here! Welcome aboard.
I would keep the engine in it that it has right now but your choice
Absolutely!! And a four speed!!
Nope , I like 383 but love a 440 or go totally retro with the hemi from the 30 s ? Thanks for letting me express myself . Enjoying your channel. Your a cool Old car Guy whom I enjoy . Stay safe .
Damn. Looks like I'm a year late to this party,...?
Have you already decided and created a home for that 426? I mean. If you haven't, the answer seems crystal clear to me, my Mopar-loving brother;
MY THOUGHTS:
You've already meticulously gathered A-Body parts and A-Body parts cars, AND you have done a bunch of the prep work already:..
----->>> To build yourself an AMAZING 426 HEMI BARRACUDA!
I like where your head’s at. Haha. But unfortunately Tom sold the block not long after this was made 😭
By all means do it!!!life is short.....it is all about goodfeel and fun!!!
Dude, you only live once. Since you’ve been blessed with the parts, Build it and put it in your charger! You’ll only regret it if you don’t do it
It will match mine from 383 to the 426 Hemi. Don't forget to extend the oil pan for more oil capacity. If you won't people to stop in there tracks put the hemi in.
I'd slowly and carefully put together the 426 Hemi and then get everything you need for the swap.
THEN , think about it. I would only prioritize getting the Hemi built since you have most of the parts anyway.
Got this engine in mine 69er!
Jamie leave it alone keep the 68 stock you'll find some other really nice car to put a hemi in so enjoy the charger as it is
I am! I’ve been driving it every day lately. This is definitely the way I am leaning.
Do it! I could have put a 68 hemi in mine ten years ago. Wish I would have!
Hemi in Charger? No. Hemi in 64 Fury 2 door post? HELL YEAH!
I like where your head’s at!
If you put the Hemi in it, it will pass everything but a gas station! I heard from my sister in the USA recently that gas got to $7 a gallon - if it goes there again, that's nearly a dollar a mile! Hope money grows on trees where you live! Cheers from New Zealand!
I’m paying around $5.20 a gallon for diesel. Gas is considerably cheaper… so maybe I’d be money ahead with the hemi. 😅
Or, you could sell all those expensive hemi parts and make the 383 quite a bit more exciting.
Honestly, the 383 is plenty exciting as it is (for a driver.) The car has 3.23 gears now and it will roast the 295s on command without hesitation. I’m flying through my daily commute and passing anyone that gets in my way. It’s just a happy combination. More cam means more stall means worse street manners and worse mileage. Boost brings a whole bunch of other problems. I don’t want to ruin the car with headers. If I could do anything I wanted to the 383… I wouldn’t. Also, I haven’t bought the hemi stuff yet 😅 but it’s an option. The reason to put a Hemi in the car would be because it’s a Hemi. It would be awesome. But also worse.
@@DeadDodgeGarage
Oh, the frustrations owning a beautiful 68 Charger have caused, LOL!
Yes, only if it's a stroker with dual quad tunnel ram
Well that seems excessive… and I like it
My dream since I was a kid has always been to have 426 hemi. I have a 440 in my charger. Love my 440. I think wouldn’t it b great to have a 426. No brainer to me
I like the 68 the way it is!
Do you happen to know the length of an a body floor shifter? I’m looking at a 8” Lokar shifter for my Dart.
The 8” is simply their measurement of the length I think. You just need to make sure the shifter you get is set up for a 727 / 904 transmission and has the correct brackets, and you’re good to go.
Absolutely yes!
I would definitely put the Hemi in the 68 Charger! I wouldn't put the Hemi badges on the doors though, I always thought they took away from the beautiful lines on the doors of the 68! But if it were mine I'd definitely have to put the Hemi in the Charger! And I'd dress it out with stock parts and air cleaner with the reproduction exaust manifolds!
That would be the plan! It would be as close to a stock appearing installation as I could possibly get. I love the lines as they are. Love the plain look. But I also love hemi badges… see? Decisions are hard.
@@DeadDodgeGarage Yep, I'm the same way, if I were you and installed the door badges, I'd go all the way and put the R/T badges on it also!👍
A block like that needs to be close to the thirdmember o yea refael
sounds like your happy with your 383. Keep the Hemi ready on the side
there's a reason they call it the ELEPHANT... 700Lbs all up>
that said, the 440 is a better day to day motor
I'd do the 64 instead with a 2x4 bbl intake top is that a rat roaster intake
Yes it is. I like the idea of the ‘64 for sure. Definitely would have to find the dual quad top. The block I made the video with has sold, so I’m keeping my eye out for other options.
The red blaster 2 coils like to die when mounted sideways. MSD has a black solid coil that works sideways. Also do the hemi! We grabbed that D60 from Tom for our ‘68 charger 572 18spline build.
Oh yeah, awesome! Not sure if it was you that picked it up, but I was definitely telling whoever did about this car. Haha.
I haven’t heard that about the Blaster 2 before. People on various groups online like to reprimand others for mounting their coils sideways because they think they will fail, apparently unaware that at least Chrysler did so from the factory for many, many years. I usually prefer to leave them in the factory position, but this one came to me as it is. It has been that way for several years at least. I am likely removing the MSD system from the car anyway.
Unfortunately Tom sold the Hemi block. It turned out to be worth a lot more than I could pay. I hope to find another complete 426 at some point in the future.
My old man was the one who picked up the D60 (and a 340 awhile ago) from Tom.
On the blaster 2 I haven’t had any fail since I started mounting them upright but when done sideways some (not all) would give issue. When MSD came out with the ones you can mount in the factory location I went to those when I could to utilize the factory brackets instead of making more holes. (And haven’t had any issues)
What ignition are you planning on using? The new orange boxes aren’t what they once were and we have seen on the dyno the MSD make measurable improvements over the orange boxes. That being said I still have orange boxes on some of our cars that are less performance oriented.
@@rosshud6132 Ahh, gotcha. Awesome.I haven't gotten that far in my figuring. When I want a basic electronic system, I go for an HEI module instead of a Mopar box. On this car, I would hide it somewhere as I don't want to see it (which would be the main reason for pulling the MSD - that, and I could really use it on my other drag car project...) It's that, or a points distributor. I am not at all concerned about giving up a few horsepower on this deal. It's a cruiser, and I don't have aspirations to make it anything beyond that. I don't know what the PO was thinking installing the MSD and a 4.30 gear. It makes no sense. Again, my eventual hope here is to have a stock appearing engine compartment (minus the intake and carb - technically it's a 2bbl car so that's all wrong anyway.)
Build hemi, but keep 383 in charger… nothing better than having the hemi sitting there ready to go. You’ll ‘know’ when the time is right and exactly what it should go in!
I'm doing it! I dont have original engine anyway
If the gas gauge works you are out of gas. Get gas then swap in the hemi.
There are some Hemi cars out there that need that. Hemi ,more than one Mopar is not to many
I put a 440 in my 68 Charger then missed having the 318.
Now I miss my Charger after having it for 32 years and then someone stole it.
Wow. That’s nuts… I love the 383 in my car. I wouldn’t have minded a 318 either. Heck, it could have been a slant six and I would’ve loved it. The hemi is definitely not necessary… but it’s cool
Absolutely
Your charger is beautiful as it is. Love the white top and interior, but if you insist on doing the gas station circuit, why not get rid of the column shifter and put in a 4 on the floor too? Build the hemi, keep the 383. Im jealous enough already.
I like the way you think. The truth is I love the car how it is, and ended up not buying hemi stuff anyway. I am on the lookout for another project hemi - and another car to put it in.
you have my dream car 68 and a hemi plus anything mopar in 68 is my favorite because of the 1 year round side marker lights. So yeah i would do it because what you have in your hands right there is a engine some of us will unfortunately never own because of how rare they are now and they’re as much as buying a whole car now.
I actually didn’t buy the engine, for exactly why you say. He ended up selling the bare block alone for much more than I wanted to pay for it. One will come my way eventually. I can be patient. Haha.
@@DeadDodgeGarage yeah man I’ve seen them long blocks go for 20k. But yeah one day it will show up. But like you said in the video 383 is a good engine. B engines and LA engines are underrated no one talks about them. All everyone wants is either a 440 or 426 hemi which i love, i own a 440 car but i also like the other engines because they’re strong and can make good power.
@@Anthony12valve440RB my entire thing in life is the engines that no one else cares much about. Slant sixes? Good. B engines? Great. LA engines?! Pure gold - my favorite engines in the known universe, and something you'll see all the time on my channel. I love Hemis and 440s as much as the next guy - but I love the ones that are cheap and easy to get ahold of even more.
Don't mess with the 68...
You should implant a BIG turbo Diesel drivetrain with individual tank tracks at each corner with a 6' snowplow and cruise it around Moosejaw Saskatchewan.😃🦌
I like the way you think 😍 but I feel like this is oddly specific enough to have already been done. Lol.
@@DeadDodgeGarage
There's a '68 turbo Diesel powered Charger with tank tracks and a 6' foot plow a runnin' 'round Moose Jaw Saskatchewan?
Well, I'll be damned.
I GOT IT!
You're gonna LOVE this idea!
Put the Hemi,,,,,,,,,,in an OMNI!😃
And TUB IT!🤣
I'm very practical.🤭
Go for it
IMHO, I'd leave the Charger alone and stuff that thing into a 'a '68 Dart to make an L023 clone. Better yet, i'd find a '67 V100 postie and make the ultimate sleeper out of it..a fast granny car.
That is a hard choice! I'd put it in something to party in, personally. Something lest expected. Charger is too nice as is IMO. I don't like headaches though.
Agreed. That’s basically the decision I made. Unfortunately the Hemi block also sold to someone else, so I’m keeping my eyes out for another (ideally complete) engine.
All Chargers should have had a Hemi!!
The only question is, how fast can you do it. Don't want to make a running charger back into a roller project.
Seriously. And that… would happen. Definitely.
The answer to should it put a hemi in my ----is always. “YES”😂
I Would, and.... I Would !
Hemi that Charger. It wants you to. You can tell.
Make sure to put the 2 4 on it
I reeeeeeeeeaaaalllyyyy like option two. But thats me
This is the way my thinking is going…
A 50% loss in milage for no speed improvement? I don't think so.
You know what hemi does say?! HEMI
I would put it in there and run it and there's your regret having an Amy later but I think you would learn to love it and get used to it just like you have it for me 3
If you have the chance for a hemi take it you may never get another chance in your lifetime as far as the 383 winterize it and put it into storage for a later build
Id keep the freeatefree in the charger. Put the hemi in the trash can cuda ...if you still got it.
Oh… I’ve still got it. Now there’s an idea. They definitely don’t fit in those cars without some major sawzall action though.
@@DeadDodgeGarage yes it would require massive hackery but what a cool 4 speed hemi car fenderwell headers side pipes dual quads. Wicked.
Obviously Drop that bad boy in the charger it’s temptation right in front of your eyes.. and with your capabilities..
If I had a 426 hemi and a charger… I simply couldn’t help myself
I have a home for it in my 65 Plymouth Satellite.
That would be a great fit!
Wait, are you the same guy who told us on livestream we didn't need more than 300-350hp to just cruise around? 😅😅😅
On another note, going to be at Rocket on Fri? I'm probably going over there to pick up a lower control arm for the Coronet from Tom.
That’s me 😅 you’ll want to double check with Tom because he’s going to get a charger Friday apparently… but no, I’m not here Fridays. Usually tues-thurs but probably not next week
@@DeadDodgeGarage ah thanks for the heads up Jamie, I'll give him a call.
I think I saw this and a dart today when going to my buds house
Ratty, light blue ‘67 Valiant two door? That would be my brother and I. Haha. We rolled up to Graham for the Sunbust show yesterday.
Hemify that Charger. No question.
We all know you want to, but I’m guessing one or more of your projects would have to make way to fund your Hemi addiction?
Would you not consider the 392? Or maybe a SRT motor for a later model charger?
Well the 426 is long gone so that option is out. At least for now. I am very much considering a modern hemi actually… but I think I would just use a 5.7. 350 horsepower is plenty for my purposes.
I would leave the 383 alone that is in that charger now, definitely respectable engine - save the hemi for the right project, you will just know when it’s right
Done! I just “restored” the 383 in fact. The hemi went away though… I will find another.
Put the hemi in something and see if you like it. Maybe the other car first.
Keep the charger the same. Wait till something happens to current engine. I’m also late to this video so I have no idea what’s happened
Nothing 🙂 Tom sold the Hemi and it’s exactly as it was. I am going to restore the engine compartment to factory-ish as time allows and keep the 383. A different hemi, a different car, a different year is definitely in my plan.
Younger me would. Current me would drop that into something else that would make little sense. Station wagon perhaps?
Right. Younger me would be all about it. Mature me knows that the 383 Charger is great and should be left alone. But it’s a tempting thought… well I’m definitely not allowed to ruin my wife’s wagon with a 426. 🤣 but there are more out there.
@@DeadDodgeGarage Mind you, I'm the same guy that thought putting a 413 cross-ram into my 63 Imperial was an excellent plan.
Put the hellaphent motor in it
Yes you need to build the Hemi and put it in your Charger .
Yessssssss sir !
Personally, I like original engines in cars. Driving an old car is its own reward, even if it "only" has 200-300 hp. A 318 2bbl, properly tuned with dual exhausts can be plenty peppy. Friend of mine with his grandmother's 318 Belvedere could do burnouts all over the place. Heck, I'd be happy with a slant-six Valiant... I just don't care about ridiculous horsepower anymore.
Funny - I completely agree. The Hemi was a cute idea. But I love the car as it’s meant to be.
Hell yeah!!!!!!!!
Dude is this even a question to be asked 😂
I say build it and drop it in the 64 Belvedere. I would not drop it in the Charger. That car is too nice the way it is.
YES!!!
Yes
Hemi time!
Going to pull a Johnny Cash?- need a bigger lunchbox!!
You might say I went down to Tom’s place and picked it up, it’s cheaper that way…
What I want to know is how things like shaker assemblies snuck out of the factory back in the day. Because they did. What kind of lunches did those guys eat?!
@@DeadDodgeGarage I have heard the same stories from that era.
Back in the day- you typically had a pretty good employee discount on parts as part of your benefits- why get fired and/or arrested for something you could legally buy for production cost or less back then??
Went into Olinger Chry/Ply on Mill Plain, whipped out my DirectConnection ID card, and picked up an entire firewall pinch seam to underseat NOS F/M body floorpan with in-system shipping and WA sales tax total was like $95- employee may have done better yet.
Why steal when stuff is that cheap??
Your 383 is numbers matching (?) and you're happy with it. I'd try to find a Hemi car without a Hemi and putting it in that. If you don't want headers and braided hoses, you probably don't want a Hemi H-Code Charger.
I don’t need an actual Hemi car, but I do need something that isn’t my daily driver to put one in. I definitely won’t be taking the 383 out.
@@DeadDodgeGarage If you want to be unique, put it one of your early 60's Plymouths I saw. Maybe even the wagon you burned.
Put the Hemi in it. Unless its a numbers matching car. If not.... Build that Hemi
It actually is, turns out… I think I’m leaving it alone. But I’ll build a hemi for something…
Just build up the heme you know you want and will... come on bro, and have it large..