The 396 and 440 Hemi

[Robert Schaad]

Has any one seen these two Hemi engines? Late 60s, Chrysler was testing two new Hemi engines with the intent of replacing all Big Blocks. The trouble was the new emission rules were coming out and it would cost to much to get them to pass, so they died. But there are a couple out there. Look it up, Chrysler Ball Stud Hemi, or Chrysler mystery hemi.

 

[Photon440]

https://www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/phantom-mopar-muscle-chryslers-ball-stud-hemi-v8/
I remember magazine articles on the 444 inch version, but didn't remember the smaller one.

 

[Aeronet]

Yes, Mopar Action covered it. In fact, the first Mopar magazine I bought in 1987 had an article about it. Basically, Chrysler was going to make a big block Chevy.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Think 396 Hemi was de-stroked for Pro-Stock to run lower weight? Not sure but a possibility.

 

[YY1]

...but better.

 

[vance.dykes]

Has any one seen these two Hemi engines? Late 60s, Chrysler was testing two new Hemi engines with the intent of replacing all Big Blocks. The trouble was the new emission rules were coming out and it would cost to much to get them to pass, so they died. But there are a couple out there. Look it up, Chrysler Ball Stud Hemi, or Chrysler mystery hemi.

what about the A-904 hemi ????

 

[Aeronet]

...but better.

Of course.

 

[69 GTX]

what about the A-904 hemi ????

 

[vance.dykes]

View attachment 924922

dam cant fool some of you .

 

[toolmanmike]

The Ball stud was a 400 or 444. (like the Rat motor) A279 "As the 1960s were drawing to a close, Chrysler engineers went back to the drawing boards to craft a simpler, cheaper version of the Hemi. And while they were at it, they proposed to consolidate all the company’s big-block V8s—the 383/400, the 440, and the 426 Hemi—into a single, all-purpose engine family. Two displacements were initially planned, 400 and 444 cubic inches, and the project was given the official designation A279."

 

[Robert Schaad]

The Ball stud was a 400 or 444. (like the Rat motor) A279 "As the 1960s were drawing to a close, Chrysler engineers went back to the drawing boards to craft a simpler, cheaper version of the Hemi. And while they were at it, they proposed to consolidate all the company’s big-block V8s—the 383/400, the 440, and the 426 Hemi—into a single, all-purpose engine family. Two displacements were initially planned, 400 and 444 cubic inches, and the project was given the official designation A279."

View attachment 924928 View attachment 924929 View attachment 924930

Just for a little more information and not to cause arguments. The two were 396 and 440. Put since the 396 was a popular chevy engine they decided to call it a 400 and since the 440 was already in use, they were going to call it a 444.

 

[dadsbee]

Why is this thread in 71 to 74 mopars?

 

[toolmanmike]

Why is this thread in 71 to 74 mopars?

That's the years they were designed. I can move it.

 

[vance.dykes]

Why is this thread in 71 to 74 mopars?

he started it

 

[Robert Schaad]

Why is this thread in 71 to 74 mopars?

I had heard that one of these hemi engines was put into a 71 or 72 Satellite or Charger and someone might know about it.

 

[YY1]

pic above

 

[Photon440]

Just for a little more information and not to cause arguments. The two were 396 and 440. Put since the 396 was a popular chevy engine they decided to call it a 400 and since the 440 was already in use, they were going to call it a 444.

I thought it was going to have a slightly larger bore than the 440, hence the size increase. Chrysler already had two versions of the 318 and two different 426 engines in the 60's, do you think it mattered to them enough to call a 440 something else to avoid confusion?

Some good old magazine scans with Dick Landy...
http://www.thehemi.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1645

 

[YY1]

My bet is that they would have actually been 400 and 444.

The 400 did actually get built just not a ball stud.

...and put a 440 stroke crank in a 400 and you get 444.

 

[Robert Schaad]

I thought it was going to have a slightly larger bore than the 440, hence the size increase. Chrysler already had two versions of the 318 and two different 426 engines in the 60's, do you think it mattered to them enough to call a 440 something else to avoid confusion?

Some good old magazine scans with Dick Landy...
http://www.thehemi.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1645

One thing you will learn about me is that i do not lie, brag or say things that i do not know are true. I have the Magazine article that tells the complete story to include 396 and 400. I will dig it out and tell everyone about it and take pictures. Thanks for your question. Love talking to other mopar guys.

 

[YY1]

Magazine articles do not necessarily have 100% accuracy, especially with respect to experimental designs.

I remember reading that article when it came out.

If you extrapolate what actually happened, both from the factory in the case of the 400 and by racers in the case of the 444 (and 451) it all fits neatly into place.

Just my opinion, but the evidence is there.