Over the last two decades, Chrysler has produced millions of third generation (Gen 3) Hemis starting in 2003, a massive contrast to the relatively small number of Gen 2 Hemis assembled. The production of these powerful engines concluded with the “Last Call” vehicles in 2024, a significant event in the automotive industry that marked the end of an era for these high-performance engines. Despite Chrysler’s shift to turbo six-cylinder engines and electric vehicles, the aftermarket is thriving with new Hemi castings, short- or long-blocks, and crate motors.
Above: Little did the automotive industry know that the introduction in 2003 of the Gen 3 Hemi would be such a success. Between 2003 and 2024, the Gen 3 was available in four displacements – 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L, and 6.2L. (David Kimble photo)
To keep up with who is offering what, Mopar Connection Magazine collected a list of manufacturers who will keep the Gen 3 Hemi available for years to come. To manage the list’s size and keep it organized, we will present it in two installments. The first will cover new castings and short blocks, and the second will investigate long blocks and crate motors. We have put the list together in alphabetical order to make it easier for you to find the information you need.
Arrington Performance
Arrington has short blocks in displacements of 5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L, and 6.2L. The 5.7L short blocks come in two versions. The first is the 2003-2008 pre-VVT (variable valve timing) Hemi, and the second is the VVT version of the 5.7L that started in 2009 and ended along with all the Hemis, with Chrysler’s focus on electric vehicles.
Above Left: Arrington Performance offers two versions of 5.7L stroker short blocks (392 CID and 410 CID). Above Right: Moving up in displacement, Arrington has two 6.1L short blocks (392 CID and 426 CID).
Regardless of the displacement, the Arrington ‘Forged and Stroker’ short blocks have each moving part replaced with forged, high-performance upgrades. The result is suitable for high-boost applications (turbocharged or supercharged) or higher-power, higher-displacement custom setups. Each Arrington short block is machined, has a forged rotating assembly, and is ready to add heads and other accessories. It also comes with a one-year/ 12,000-mile warranty.
Above Left: Arrington has two 6.4L stroker short blocks (426 CID and 448 CID). Above Right: For those looking for a few more cubes out of the 6.2L, Arrington Performance has a 426 stroker.
Arrington offers aluminum Hemi blocks for the racing crowd, which offer advantageous weight savings. The blocks are more costly, but they provide the racer with just a little extra, which can put them in the winner’s circle. The aluminum Hemi does not have a mileage warranty.
Bill Mitchell Products
Bill Mitchell Products (BMP) specializes in high-performance engine components, particularly aftermarket blocks, cylinder heads, and other parts for racing and performance applications. The company was founded by Bill Mitchell, who was known for his work in the high-performance and racing industry, particularly with Chevrolet and Mopar engines.
Above: Bill Mitchell Products casts an aluminum block based on the Gen 3 engine.
BMP offers the G3PP aluminum Gen 3 block and multiple Manley crankshafts designed for 5.7L, 6.1L, or 6.4L displacements. The G3PP aluminum block from BMP is designed for engine builds up to 1,800 horsepower. It is stronger than the factory Hellcat, “BGE,” and Demon/Red Eye engine blocks yet offers substantial weight savings. A G3PP block is almost 80 lbs. lighter than an OEM cast iron block.
Above: BMP designed the G3PP aluminum block to handle 1,800 horsepower. It is stronger and substantially lighter than all the factory offerings from Mopar.
Callies Performance Products
Callies Performance Products, a trusted name in the industry, began manufacturing high-performance crankshafts in 1989. Since then, Callies has become the industry leader for state-of-the-art product design. Callies’ employees take pride in staying ahead of the competition with the latest high-tech design and manufacturing advantages.
Above Left: Callies Performance offers two cast iron blocks (6.4L and 6.2L) with multiple fastener options (main stud kits, billet caps, and line honing). Above Right: Callies offers two aluminum block options—the Hellephant and the Drag Pak block. Both blocks have exceptional strength and offer the weight savings of aluminum.
Callies Performance offers Gen 3 cast iron 6.4L “BGE” blocks and 6.2L Hellcat blocks. For those seeking an aluminum block, Callies has two: the Hellephant block, known for its exceptional strength and weight savings, and the Drag Pak block, designed for high-performance racing applications. Callies has a crankshaft for the Gen 3 Hemi, ready for all the power thrown at it. With years of Mopar experience, Callies has created an unsurpassed crankshaft for your Hemi engine.
Race Winning Brands – Dart
Dart has developed the Iron Eagle Mopar Gen 3 Hemi cast iron bare blocks, designed to address the limitations of the original Gen 3 Hemi platform. These blocks are ideal for high-performance applications, including hot rodding, drag racing, circle track competition, off-roading, and marine use.
Above: Dart took a clean slate approach to the Iron Eagle block. It has addressed all the shortcomings of the Hemi Gen 3 platform, making it an ideal short block for hot rodders, drag racers, time attack competitors, drifters, and high-performance street enthusiasts.
The iron non-VVT blocks feature superior strength cast iron construction for enhanced durability. To increase the oil flow, the blocks (A New Foundation) have upgraded main oiling with two lifter crossovers to improve oil flow and control and steel four-bolt main caps in all five positions for increased bottom-end strength.
The blocks (Hellacious Hemi) are available in multiple bore sizes, including 3.927 inches, 4.090 inches, 4.125 inches, and up to 4.250 inches, and deck heights of 9.250 inches or 9.285 inches. Each block has provisions for VVT. These enhancements, such as the revised oiling and cooling passages, aim to improve performance and reliability over the stock Gen 3 Hemi blocks.
Above: Dart’s bare castings (left) and short blocks (right) are offered in several cubic inch displacements from 392 CID to 482 CID. Additionally, the blocks are available with 9.250- or 9.285-inch deck heights. All the blocks benefit from revised oiling and cooling passages.
With decades of experience designing and building engine blocks, heads, and components, Dart is proud to expand its Special High Performance (SHP) offerings with 392-, 426-, and 482-cubic-inch displacement (CID) engines. A Dart-engineered short block will save enthusiasts time and money and deliver a thrilling performance. The quality performance short block packages allow users to build more robust and durable engines at a more affordable cost, promising an exciting driving experience.
Don Schumacher Racing Performance Engines (DSR Performance)
In 2020, DSR launched the performance aftermarket brand DSR Performance to offer racers, enthusiasts, and car builders decades of engine technology and performance parts. DSR Performance, a beacon of innovation and technology, leverages championship-winning technology and innovation in designing and engineering aftermarket products sold through DSR Performance and its exclusive dealer network.
DSR Performance provides products for Nitro, Sportsman, and Gen 3 Hemi competitors, along with an assortment of officially licensed 2015 and 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak parts.
Above: Don Schumacher Racing Performance has short blocks that run the gamut of performance. It has 5.7L, 6.4L, 6.2L, Mopar 426 (aluminum), and Dart Gen 3 Hemi options. The blocks are rated for 1,000 or greater horsepower.
The DSR Performance Hemi short block’s bottom end is engineered and constructed for maximum horsepower and reliability, whether normally aspirated (NA) or with bolt-on power adders, including Whipple Superchargers and Hellion Turbos. DSR Performance short blocks are precision machined, honed, and assembled by expert engine builders utilizing industry-leading parts.
Above: The DSR Performance short blocks are a great leaping-off point for supercharged or turbocharged applications. DSR Performance uses only the best names in the business for the rotating assembly.
The block options include displacements of 5.7L, 6.2L, and 6.4L and Dart Gen 3 and Mopar aluminum 426 blocks. The compression ratio varies for NA, supercharged, and turbocharged applications. The blocks are CNC bored, decked, clearanced, and deburred.
Each block is honed with a torque plate. The short block comes with high-quality components such as Total Seal rings for improved sealing, custom pistons for better performance, ARP main studs for increased strength, Clevite main, rod, thrust bearings for smooth operation, and an MDS delete for enhanced power delivery.
Late Model Engines (LME)
Late Model Engines (LME) offers short blocks, long blocks, valve covers, and billet products for today’s Gen 3 Hemis. Made in Texas, LME products are designed for performance, reliability, and quality.
Above Left: Late Model Engines has two 426 CID short blocks. One can withstand up to 1,400 horsepower, and LME’s proven rotating assembly fits nicely into a BGE block. Above Right: LME steps up the potential with its second 426 CID short block capable of 1,800 horsepower. It takes its stout rotating assembly and fits it into an aftermarket Dart block. With billet main caps, priority main oiling, and a much stronger block design, LME customers will appreciate the short block’s reliability and performance.
LME’s already proven 426-CID rotating assembly for the Gen 3 Hemi sports a new 1400 horsepower “BGE” Hemi block. For even more horsepower, LME has a 426-CID Dart short block capable of 1800 horsepower. The LME-built short block has a proven combination of reliability and performance.
Texas Speed and Performance
Texas Speed and Performance has developed the Brawler Series 426-CID Gen 3 Hemi short block. It is built for high-performance enthusiasts who demand durability and power. Constructed with a new “BGE” block, the Texas Speed short block utilizes premium components and precision craftsmanship like its Custom Engine program.
Above: Texas Speed and Performance has developed its Brawler Series 426 CID Hemi short block, which is built around a BGE block and capable of producing 1000 horsepower, with the high-performance enthusiast in mind.
Each short block includes a set of King main and rod bearings for lasting reliability. A Texas Speed forged 4.050” stroke crankshaft is digitally spin-balanced, ensuring a smooth, trouble-free operation regardless of the power level. With a 1000-horsepower capability, this short block is ready to transform your Hemi into a powerhouse.
Conclusion
While our list of suppliers may not include your favorite company, we provided an array of manufacturers’ bare block and short block options. The bare blocks are designed for a wide range of horsepower applications. The blocks cost up to $8K (depending upon machining processes), and the price of the short blocks starts at around $8K and will climb from there to about $18K or more.
Above Left: In its twenty-two-year run, millions of Gen 3 Hemis found their way into the engine bays of Chryslers, Dodges, and Ram trucks. Although Chrysler has pulled the plug (for now) on the Hemi, the aftermarket will provide a plentiful supply to the Mopar faithful in the following decades. Above Right: The subsequent installment of this series will focus on long blocks and crate motors. BluePrint Engines makes a great Hemi-compatible long block. It is 426 CID with the potential of 610 horsepower. Look for more like this in the next installment.
If you want a stout bare block or short block for a high-performance street or race application, check each vendor’s specifics to find what works for you. In our next installment, we will cover long blocks and crate engines. As a bit of a taste of long blocks being offered, check out BluePrint Engines‘ (BPE) nearly complete Hemi-compatible long block. BPE builds engines for those who want a lot of the guesswork already done. Check back to see who else builds outstanding Mopar long blocks and crate engines.
