In March, Mopar Performance Magazine displayed several aftermarket companies’ exceptional expertise and offerings of Gen 3 Hemi bare and short blocks. With their profound knowledge and skills, these companies developed short blocks based on the 5.7, 6.1, and 6.4-liter blocks; a couple even built them around the 6.2-liter block.
Above: The Gen 3 Hemi has proven to be an excellent stock-form engine. It readily accepts modifications, including turbo and supercharging. The Gen 3 is also a great engine to swap into earlier Detroit Iron Mopars.
Each company has taken a unique approach to building a foundation for power and longevity, offering an extensive range of customization options that match your desires. Whether it is a stock or increased stroke length, these manufacturers value and cater to your tastes, which puts you firmly in the driver’s seat for purchasing and empowering you to make the best choices for your Mopar.
Above: The Gen 3 Hemi works well with factory superchargers, and it works equally well with aftermarket superchargers. The aftermarket crate engine manufacturers have embraced superchargers for most of their Gen 3 Hemis.
This story provides an overview of long blocks and crate engines, just like the short block story. We discuss several manufacturers in no particular order and provide links to each business’ website to ensure you are well informed and knowledgeable about their offerings.
Arrington Performance
Arrington has two 5.7-liter Hemi long blocks, stroked to 392 and 410 cubic inch displacement (CID). Moving up to a 6.1-liter block, Arrington offers three versions, with CIDs of 392, 426, and 440. Lastly, Arrington has three 6.4-liter long block options, with 392, 426, and 448 CIDs. Each long block has a custom-engineered high-performance cam package and Arrington’s proprietary ported head and valve set with performance springs and lifters.
Above Left: Arrington Performance offers multiple long block cubic inch displacement options of the Gen 3 Hemi, ranging from 392 to 440 CID. Above Right: Arrington also has complete crate engines. The 448 CID Hemi pushes 630 horsepower without the aid of a supercharger.
Moving up, Arrington has a 390 horsepower (hp) 5.7-liter and 470 hp 6.4-liter Gen 3 Hemi if you are interested in a stock crate engine. Arrington can add additional performance parts for those looking for a little extra before the engines are delivered.
When additional performance is required, stroker engines are available from Arrington. A 392 and 426, based on a 6.4-liter, can be built to manage boosted performance. The 448-crate engine can easily pump out 630 naturally aspirated horsepower. Arrington relies on properly matched components and 11.0:1 compression ratio pistons to achieve that number.
BluePrint Engines
BluePrint Motorsports has a series of Hemi-compatible Gen 3 engines that will satisfy all enthusiasts. BluePrint has a 610 horsepower Gen 3 Hemi that utilizes a pair of Apache aluminum cylinder heads and a pump gas-friendly 10.48:1 compression ratio if a long block is desired.
Above: BluePrint Engines offers a Hemi-compatible long block engine with a 10.5:1 compression ratio long block. With a few bolt-on parts, the engine will be ready for duty.
BluePrint Engines has many options for crate engines that can be purchased with or without a transmission (4L65/70E automatic or T56 manual transmission). Whether it is a Pro Series or Standard Edition Builder Series, BluePrint Engine’s 426 CID (based on the 6.4-liter block) packs a punch. The crate engines are available in naturally aspirated or supercharged form and range in horsepower from 610 to 872.
Above: The BluePrint Engines Hemi-compatible crate engine offerings are based on the 6.4-liter engine. The engines can be naturally aspirated or boosted with horsepower ratings of 610 and 872, respectively. Additionally, transmissions are also available with the crate engine.
BluePrint Engines uses quality components to balance each engine’s rotating assembly within two grams of specification. Each crate engine is dyno-evaluated and certified to deliver the advertised horsepower and torque, ensuring the quality and reliability of their products. Additionally, BluePrint has the best-in-class warranty for 30 months or 50,000 miles, which applies to individual or professional installations and is fully transferable.
Proformance Unlimited
Proformance Unlimited’s Gen 3 Hemi performance crate engines, including unique blends of the legendary Hemi architecture and refined engineering, are the perfect solution for those looking to breathe new life into their classic hot rods. With their distinctive raw power, these crate engines offer a range of displacement options, allowing aficionados to choose the perfect engine to match their needs and driving preferences.
Above: Proformance Unlimited has several Gen 3 Hemi crate engines, rated at 450 horsepower (left) and 550 horsepower (right). These engines are an excellent option for late-model Chargers or Challengers, as their drivelines are strong enough to withstand the additional horsepower.
The crate engines, 450, 550, and 650 horsepower versions, are meticulously assembled with top-tier components, which is a testament to the expertise of its seasoned Proformance engineers. The Hemis are designed to withstand the rigors of high-performance driving, guaranteeing your hot rod maintains its classic charm while delivering a sweetened driving experience.
Above: For those looking for a little more punch, Proformance has a 650-horsepower crate engine. The Hemi is still streetable but has plenty of power on tap when needed.
Don Schumacher Racing Performance Engines (DSR Performance)
DSR offers a 6.2-liter (Hellcat Variant) or 6.4-liter (392 configuration) using a BGE or DART Gen 3 Hemi block for its long block and crate engine foundations. The Hemis are precision machined to achieve over 1200 horsepower, and they can be supercharged or boosted with twin turbos.
Above: Don Schumacher Racing is one of the most experienced companies with Gen 3 Hemis. The company has done extensive testing of the engines, including on track in the NHRA Factory Stock Eliminator class. DSR has developed Gen 3 Hemi engines that operate on 93-octane pump gasoline and wilder higher-octane requiring twin-turbo configurations.
Each engine design sports a 10:1 compression ratio developed by CP Carrillo Pistons and Total Seal Performance rings swinging on H-beam rods and a forged crankshaft. The Hemi relies on Hellcat aluminum heads and valvetrain components.
ARP bolts and studs are used throughout the Hemi. The heads and the mains rely on studs, while the rest of the engine uses quality ARP fasteners. Manton Performance pushrods actuate the rocker arms. Rocker shaft stabilizers are utilized to control valvetrain harmonics.
Edelbrock
The Edelbrock 426 CID Hemi crate engine is not just about power but convenience. The Hemi produces an impressive 808 horsepower and 762 ft-lbs of torque. Crate engines can be ordered with or without accessories and electronics. Edelbrock starts with a casting based on a new iron Mopar 392 block with a forged Manley crankshaft, forged Manley H-Beam connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons.
Above: If desired, Edelbrock’s crate engines can come with all the accessories and electronics. With accessories and electronics installed, the engine is a plug-and-play event to get your ride up and running. The 426 CID Hemi is filled with quality Edelbrock components throughout.
The Hemi is topped with an Edelbrock supercharger system with Eaton TVS R2650 rotors. Also included are an electric intercooler water pump, intercooler plumbing, intercooler recovery tank, fuel rails, fuel injectors, coils, mass air flow sensor housing, and a reusable air filter. The supercharger features a driver’s side throttle body orientation for easy intake routing.
The engine specifications are 426 CID, resulting from a 4.090-inch bore and a 4.050-inch stroke. The Hemi has a 9.9:1 compression ratio. A new Mopar iron block has a 4340 crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons, a 226°/234°, 0.619/0.612-inch lift camshaft, and a 114 centerline. A pair of Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads are fitted with stock Gen 3 rocker arms.
Modern Muscle Xtreme
Modern Muscle Xtreme (MMX) offers a top-tier performance engine that pushes the limits of the contemporary Gen 3 HEMI platform. The 1,500 horsepower 426 (CID) Demon crate engine with a 3.8-liter Whipple supercharger is designed for extreme street or dragstrip builds and promises an exhilarating driving experience.
Above: Modern Muscle Xtreme has a 1,500-horsepower ready long block. Additionally, MMX has the highest horsepower-rated Hemi, with power numbers rising upwards to about 1,800 horsepower.
An MMX Hemi starts with a Demon block fitted with 4140 billet main caps. The 1,500 hp stroker kit utilizes a Callies 4.050-inch crankshaft and a pair of OEM Demon cylinder heads with a PSI 1516 valve spring package and tool steel retainers. An MMX custom camshaft with a VVT lockout kit actuates the valves via Manton 11/32 .120-inch wall thickness pushrods. Throughout the Hemi, ARP fasteners keep the engine assembled.
Above: MMX has a solid performing 1,500 horsepower 426 Hemi based on the 6.2-liter Demon block. The block is fitted with the best parts, and a 3.8-liter Whipple Supercharger packs in the atmosphere to make the engine extremely efficient and powerful.
The supercharger is a 3.8-liter Whipple unit with billet fuel rails, a high-capacity intercooler, and a 130mm Whipple throttle body. An MMX Max Effort 15% overdrive pulley assembly optimizes the engine boost. A Metco billet idler kit hangs on the front of the engine. MMX also has more cost-effective alternative crate engines and long blocks.
Direct Connection
Direct Connection offers high-performance engines and components under Dodge’s performance parts brand, focusing on modern Hemi platforms. When it comes to crate engines and long blocks, Direct Connection has you covered. The Direct Connection 1500 Hemi crate engine delivers performance, achieving 1,500 HP and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque.
A Direct Connection 1500 is a reliable engine combination for enthusiasts and racers, offering industry-leading performance and drivability. This engine is compatible with the Hellcrate wire harness and is a plug-and-play platform for pre-1976 swaps and custom builds.
Above: Direct Connection is Mopar, so the company has the inside track to the performance parts and pieces to make the Gen 3 Hemi a strong performer. The Direct Connection Hemis come with a wiring harness and the control module for a plug-and-play calibration, which will get the engine up and running quicker and build a database of parameters to maximize the Hemi’s performance and efficiency quickly.
Each Hemi crate engine comes as a fully assembled long block, which includes a rotating assembly, cam, heads, an induction system, an accessory drive, and a fuel injection system (if applicable). A wiring harness and control module is available for plug-and-play calibration. In most cases, the crate engines are ready to run, which is ideal for engine swaps.
Another option is a Direct Connection long block with an assembled engine block, a rotating assembly, cylinder heads, and valvetrain components. The Hemi long block is ideal for rebuilds, budget builds, or replacements for worn or damaged engines.
Blackbird Performance Products
The Blackbird Performance Products 1,600 HP is a complete Hemi developed to provide reliable power at a high level. The engine is assembled and dyno-tested in the USA. It has various options, including the Blackbird Performance lightweight front cover, supercharger drive system, and Blackbird Performance Billet or Cast valve covers.
Above: Blackbird Performance Products has developed a 1,600 horsepower 426 CID Gen 3 Hemi. Blackbird Performance has built several components for the engine, which uses cast iron or aluminum blocks as its foundation. Not only are the Blackbird Performance engines extremely powerful, but they are also highly reliable and maintainable.
The 426 CID Hemi comes with a high-strength BGE cast iron block or a Callies aluminum Hellephant block (for an extra charge). A Callies magnum forged crankshaft swings forged rods and pistons. The Hemi utilizes a Blackbird Performance Mach 4 solid roller race cam. A pair of BES CNC ported Hellcat Redeye cylinder heads top the block, and a Whipple 3.8-liter supercharger forces air into the engine. The stroker Hemi is designed to be highly reliable and easy to maintain.
Above: Blackbird Performance developed a 1,450 horsepower Gen 3 Hemi, a quality alternative to the Drag Pak Hemi. With that many horses, a nearly two-ton late-model Challenger could drop solidly into the 7-second range at the drag strip.
Similarly, Blackbird Performance initially developed its 1,450 HP Hemi as an affordable and reliable alternative to factory-equipped Drag Pak engines. The Hemi has proven capable of propelling 3600 lb. Challengers into the 7-second range (quarter mile) with repeatable reliability. Like its 1,600 HP Hemi, the 1,450 HP engine has several options to develop the desired engine.
Conclusion
There are way more aftermarket manufacturers of quality crate engines than we could cover in this editorial, and the manufacturers we did cover offer many more Gen 3 Hemis than we discussed. The costs of each engine run the gamut from mild to extremely wild. Some crate engines will come with everything, including the electronics and accessories, and are turn-key ready. In contrast, others will still require additional components for a ready-to-run engine.
Regardless of your needs, you will likely find a long block or crate engine to motivate your Mopar while still meeting your budget. The aftermarket greatly supports Gen 3 Hemis and will be available for years, so take the plunge and pick one for your next Mopar project.
