The Chrysler HEMI V8 engine has been discovered within the engine bay of a large number of Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Plymouth, and Chrysler automobiles. “Iconic” and “prolific” are phrases which are too weak to explain the HEMI. Though the V6 variations are definitely ample, the Dodge Charger and Challenger would not be the identical if it did not have HEMI V8 energy below the hood. HEMI-powered Mopars like the Plymouth Cuda or Dodge Coronet of yesteryear are staples of the muscle automobile scene.
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Even with the HEMI calling many automobiles residence, there are a selection of Chrysler merchandise that by no means bought an opportunity at V8 glory for one motive or one other, and that is a disgrace. Whereas it won’t make a ton of sense to shove a HEMI right into a small automobile like a Dodge Neon or the latest model of the Dodge Dart, there are a terrific many automobiles that appeared tailored for a V8 however by no means bought one.
The Plymouth Prowler wants extra energy
The Plymouth Prowler was the epitome of all bark and no chunk. It regarded like one thing straight out of the Thirties with its open entrance wheels and wacky entrance fascia, but it was decidedly fashionable with its aluminum building. The Prowler had all of it within the appears to be like division, however was hampered by its weak powertrain and slushbox automated transmission. It was solely ever geared up with a 3.5-liter V6 that output a reasonably unhappy 214 horsepower. It by no means bought a guide transmission and was caught with a four-speed automated.
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A 5.7-liter HEMI V8 would have made the Prowler stand out rather more. North of 300 horsepower is what the Prowler wanted to really stay as much as its hot-rod appears to be like. However alas, the Prowler did not survive lengthy sufficient for the fashionable HEMI period, getting the axe for the 2002 mannequin 12 months and seeing the closure of Plymouth as a model.
The Dodge Journey solely had unhappy engines
When you wished a V8-powered SUV from Chrysler at any level throughout the final decade, you’re restricted to pick variations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango. That is about it. A smaller, entry-level V8-powered household cruiser won’t have bought in extraordinary numbers, however it could have accomplished wonders for the model’s avenue cred. The Journey would have been a perfect candidate, on condition that its drivetrain was principally forgettable, culminating in 2.4-liter four-banger for the final mannequin 12 months in 2020. That unlucky engine may solely churn out 172 horsepower.
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Because the outdated adage goes, there is not any substitute for displacement, and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 might have been capable of get the Journey out of the doldrums. Even when it was solely bought as a particular SRT version, some V8 iron below the hood of the Journey may need saved it from being practically solely forgotten within the fashionable SUV dialog. A wacky SUV with an enormous V8 below the hood that did not promote very effectively is far more memorable than one more bland crossover.
A lighter V8 Dodge Viper for observe day
Placing another engine than a gargantuan V10 right into a Dodge Viper may seem to be heresy, and to an extent, it’s. But, increase your thoughts for a minute and picture a lighter V8-powered Viper made to tear up the pavement on observe day. Dodge may have gone loopy (greater than it already did) with a observe monster utilizing the enduring safety-last bodywork of the Viper mixed with the time examined upgradeability of the HEMI.
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Dodge would not even should name it a Viper if individuals bought actually labored up. Prior to now, the model experimented with the “Copperhead” title for idea automobiles. A HEMI-powered Dodge Copperhead observe automobile has a pleasant ring to it, and MOPAR-enthusiasts can be mendacity in the event that they did not suppose {that a} V8 go-kart made to humiliate Corvettes and souped-up Mazdas on the native observe did not sound like a good suggestion. Add in the potential for a Hellcat derived drivetrain, and you’ve got the elements for a good time.
The Chrysler Pacifica turns into a tow rig
As automotive historical past has progressed, no marque has had the braveness essential to drop a V8 right into a minivan. The Chrysler Pacifica might be the primary mannequin to interrupt that unlucky pattern. The Pacifica’s present V6 Chrysler Pentastar drivetrain in precisely ample for the duty of ferrying individuals and pets round in relative model and luxury, however consider the added functionality when two additional cylinders are added to the combination.
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With all the additional energy a contemporary 370 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI offers, out of the blue, the standard household hauler turns right into a towing rig or perhaps a utility van with some panache if the necessity arises. A low-slung seven-seater with sufficient grunt to tow a ship out to the lake virtually sells itself. Not everybody desires the heft of one thing like a Chevy Tahoe. With the fitting additional styling touches, a HEMI Pacifica would ooze cool with an unmistakable V8 growl.
A correct Chrysler Crossfire grand tourer
Means again in 2006, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 was virtually there with its supercharged V6 that generated a wholesome 330 horsepower. Nonetheless, that solely ensured the Crossfire’s place as a bizarre footnote in mid-2000s Chrysler historical past. A correct V8 engine may have made the Crossfire rather more than the half-baked Mercedes that many noticed it as. A giant V8 may flip the goofy little roadster into a correct grand touring automobile. German engineering with American energy would not precisely sound like a nasty recipe.
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Someplace within the neighborhood of 350-400 horsepower can be greater than sufficient to make a GT automobile quick sufficient to have enjoyable and get into somewhat little bit of bother with out changing into outright harmful. Supercharged hand-built V6s just like the Crossfire SRT6 had are undoubtedly cool, however there are few appropriate facsimiles for the actual deal of a correct HEMI below the hood. A finicky weekend cruiser turns into a mile eater with the fitting engine.