TECH The New Generation A MODERN DAY, HIGH …

1 TECH. The New Generation A MODERN DAY, high -POWERED HEMI. This year's amount of new Hemi parts has allowed engine builders to push the limits and find weaknesses. Wiseco's Blower Pistons Specifically designed by Josh Rickards of Vaca Performance and Brian Nutter of Wiseco, these blower pistons feature an inverted dome, a lowered ring pack, and a relocated piston pin, all in efforts to improve on late-model Hemi owner's piston options. With this rod and stroke, these pistons will provide around :1 compression. Written by Jake Amatisto Behind the Lens: The Author & Dimitri Cretikos hen we first heard that a revamped, Despite being housed in such heavy cars, the W EFI-version of the Chrysler's venerable Hemi engine was to be released back in 2005, we wondered how long it would take before Mopars of today still run strong, and recently we heard that the 9-second barrier was broken in just four short years, and it seems these guys drop up to a we started seeing Dodge Magnums, Chargers and second in elapsed times each year.

2 Although only Chrysler 300C's tearing it up on the dragstrip with a couple hardcore guys have gotten into the nines, modded Hemis. Within the first couple years, for the most part, the late-model and late-model Hemi cars didn't really do anything Hemi engines are undeveloped when it comes to impressive, but we can safely say that's not the high -performance and racing parts, but the cool case anymore. thing is that we're starting to see more and more the 411. 4 The late-model Hemi engine block has to be one of the strongest blocks to come in any production vehicle.

3 Between the solid lifter valley, skirted crankcase, and side main bolts, we don't doubt that this block can support 1,200 horsepower. 4 Here, engine builder Josh Rickards of Vaca Performance installs the late-model reluctor ring on the K1 stroker crank. It is important to retain this piece, as it is how the computer senses the relation of the crank to Engine Block Late-Model Reluctor Ring the cam. 32 November 2009. TECH. The New Generation A MODERN DAY, high -POWERED HEMI. Recently we heard that the 9-second barrier was broken in just four short years. It's exciting to write about such a new engine combination, especially when it has parts in it that have not been released to the aftermarket yet.

4 Rickards and Wiseco's Brian Nutter came up with an inverted dome (not a reversed dish) design that provides a much more efficient flame front and provides more quench area than previous dished designs. Rickards explained, The problems with the first generations of late-model Hemi pistons was that they came with a reverse dish, not inverted dome. With the reverse dish you lose a lot of quench area of the cylinder head. With this new Wiseco set, we've developed a piston that allows the flame front in the cylinder to be much more controllable. Rickards continued, The wrist pins have also been relocated clos- Ring Package The ring package was moved down.

5 125-inch to accommodate the supercharger. Since these are specifically designed blower pistons, the ring lands will be less susceptible to lifting under high loads (below). The piston pin on these pistons is way up there, seem- ingly just a fraction of an inch from the bottom of the piston. But surprisingly, the pin boss only intrudes with the oil ring. Totally Square Engine hardcore parts starting to be released, despite this downed economy. This year's amount of new Hemi parts has allowed engine builders to push the limits and find weaknesses, and it seems everyday we're learning about new components that the will make the late-model Hemi run quicker and faster.

6 With a steady stream of new, hardcore engine parts being released this year, these engines may start to be 411. 4 The K1 Technologies taken more seriously when it comes to performance and racing. It happened with crank features a Ford's Modular engine, and now it's become a major threat in some heads-up drag stroke while the block is racing classes. The new Hemi aftermarket is a little far off to support purpose-built also bored to , a totally square race motors, but it's getting there. engine. This provides the Last year we covered a Vortech supercharger install and dyno tune on fellow Mopar-essential 426 cubic- office park tenant Dimitri Cretikos' blown Hemi Charger.

7 This year, Cretikos inch number. wanted to step up the power with a K1 Stroker kit, as well as some trick internals 4 The first Generation of that have yet to be released, so Fastest Street Car was there to check it out. When late model Hemi stroker it comes to late-model Hemi building skills and design, Josh Rickards of Vaca kits required the builder to remove the piston Performance is the man to talk to, and you could even say the and Hemis squirters. With Wiseco's are Rickard's specialty. Rickard's claims this new 426 engine will propel a full new blower pistons, Piston Squirters you can still retain them.

8 Interior Charger into the 10-second range. 35. TECH. The New Generation A MODERN DAY, high -POWERED HEMI. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.. Josh Rickards Vaca Performance er to the crown, and the ring package has been moved down .125. The skirts are coated and they come with priority pin oiling, plus they've been notched for the factory oilers. The piston oilers basically cool the underside of the pistons by squirting a bit of oil though a series of dual-nozzle gadgets that get bolted into the crankcase. The ability to use the piston oilers with these pistons is a big deal because, before, anytime you ran a 426.

9 Stroker crank, you couldn't run the oilers because the stroke. These, however, have notches that permit you to use them. It's nice to know that under high -boost some cool oil is getting directed to one of the hottest, most intense parts of your engine. The K1 Technologies crank we opted to use is a forged 4340 steel piece with a stroke to give our Hemi a classic 426 cubic-inches. K1 Technologies is a company with attention to detail and have regarded themselves as one of the most meticulous when it comes to checking tolerances. The Milodon's Late-Model Hemi Stuff counterweight placements on this crank are designed We originally contacted Milodon for the oil pan, pickup, and windage tray for this engine build.

10 For improved performance and the journals feature a Unfortunately, we ordered the wrong pan for the body style we plan on dropping this beast into. Milodon .125-inch fillet radii. Other features include a does offer a pan that would work with our stroker, we just couldn't get one in time. We could, straight-hole oiling system for better lubrication and however, make the windage tray work with the factory pan with some slight massaging. For more info on the crank has been Nitrided for improved bearing life. their Hemi pans, check out Of course, the crank also has the provisions for the factory reluctor ring, too.