While Gen III Hemi transplants are all the rage right now, the mother of all motor swaps is still the elephant itself. Flatly, nothing beats a 426 Hemi under hood. Unfortunately, Ma Mopar didn’t exactly make the original a drop-in replacement for its small and big-block brethren.

The 426 itself is considered to be part of the RB block family, but is way different than something like a 440 when it comes to mounting. From the factory, Hemi K-frames were totally unique.

Both sides were specially-designed for the application, which makes original units easy to identify: just look for the passenger side’s massively-wide mounting ear. Because of those differences, however, dropping a Hemi into a non-Hemi car used to require custom mounts or a factory K-frame which would obviously command big bucks.

Mancini Racing offers a third option that’s less time-consuming and less costly in their Gen II 426 Hemi conversion kit (P/N MREBCEH). Straight from the experts, it sounds like quite the turn-key solution:

They said it couldn’t be done: A direct bolt-on Hemi conversion kit that offers factory-correct position and race performance strength — along with a smooth, insulated ride. Our bullet-proof, spool mount Hemi Kit lets you easily bolt a new crate or original street 426 Hemi to your V8 or B/RB k-member — with no additional fabrication, expensive K-member changes, cutting, welding, suspension changes or additional installation parts required. Fits factory Hemi manifolds, works with power steering, power brakes, and automatic and manual transmissions.