It’s 4/26.
Many people look at that date and see April 26, but Mopar enthusiasts simply see 426–as in 426 HEMI. As a matter of fact, this date has been dubbed HEMI day by the Mopar crowd. Since we never like to shy away from an opportunity to celebrate (it should’ve been a three-day weekend, we say), we’ve put together a gallery of HEMI engines. It includes HEMIs of varying sizes (not just 426 cubic inches) and styles from different shows we attended throughout the past year.
Happy HEMI Day–from OnAllCylinders!
I will never, ever forget my 1st 1970 Challenger R/T 426 HEMI, which I bought in late 1970 from the original owner just a few short months after they had purchased it. From the way the motor ran to the 4 spd Pistol Grip Shifter nestled between the Bucket Seats in a nice Center Console. To the 9.75 inch Dana 60 “SureGrip” axle with 4.10:1 POSI rear end (Super Track Pack (A34)) and everything in between & reading all this on the Rallye Gauges, with 150 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges for oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel. The chrome flip open race style cap with the word “Fuel” on it. The R/T Hood came with two air intakes which I did connect directly to the air filter, vs the HEMI Shaker Hood which the original owner did not order. It was with a Red Body (matching red interior), White Vinyl Top & White Rallye or “BubbleBee” Stripes wrapped across the rear end with the optional Rear Deck Spoiler (similar style as the Mach1 Mustangs) Slotted Rallye Wheels, 15 X 7.0- with E60 X 15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. While 99% of my friends at the time running Chevelles, Camaros or Mustangs, or whatever, I was the only Challenger guy among us. And, enjoyed beating them every chance I got. Mind you, with me nothing automotive is ever left stock for long. BTW, my other Challenger’s were of the T/A variety 340 Six Pak. I kick myself in the patooty everytime I think about how much I wish I had it today.
I will never, ever forget my 1st 1970 Challenger R/T 426 HEMI, which I bought in late 1970 from the original owner just a few short months after they had purchased it. From the way the motor ran to the 4 spd Pistol Grip Shifter nestled between the Bucket Seats in a nice Center Console. To the 9.75 inch Dana 60 “SureGrip” axle with 4.10:1 POSI rear end (Super Track Pack (A34)) and everything in between & reading all this on the Rallye Gauges, with 150 mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges for oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel. The chrome flip open race style cap with the word “Fuel” on it. The R/T Hood came with two air intakes which I did connect directly to the air filter, vs the HEMI Shaker Hood which the original owner did not order. It was with a Red Body (matching red interior), White Vinyl Top & White Rallye or “BubbleBee” Stripes wrapped across the rear end with the optional Rear Deck Spoiler (similar style as the Mach1 Mustangs) Slotted Rallye Wheels, 15 X 7.0- with E60 X 15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. While 99% of my friends at the time running Chevelles, Camaros or Mustangs, or whatever, I was the only Challenger guy among us. And, enjoyed beating them every chance I got. Mind you, with me nothing automotive is ever left stock for long. BTW, my other 2 Challenger’s were of the T/A variety 340 Six Pak. I kick myself in the patooty everytime I think about how much I wish I had them today.