Magnum VS Hemi

Wow, a lot of half truths and misinformation in this thread.

Here's a list of problems I see in the thread.

1. People say that the 5.9L Magnum is cheaper, no doubt. But then they say, "I'm building a 408" with RPM Heads and a whole host of other aftermarket parts. By the time you've done all of that to your motor the Hemi starts to look a lot cheaper.

2. Fitting the Hemi. Yes it's tight but TTI makes a nice set of headers (you're going to run headers on your 408, right?) It's basically bolts in. If you buy TTIs and a borgeson power steering box you can have power steering. Getting the motor in the car doesn't require surgery.

3. I like the people who compare a set of 03-08 stock 5.7L heads that flow 260 CFM to a pair of CNC ported after market heads that flow, wait for it, 260 CFM. 6.1L Stock Heads flow 300 CFM before porting and 350 after porting. 09 and up 5.7 Heads flow 300 CFM while 392 Heads flow over 325 before porting. 375 CFM out of stock heads is not unheard of and if you want to get fancy you can get over 400 CFM out of a set of Thiteks.

4. The bell-housing of the Hemi is essentially the same as that of the LA/Magnum motors. Your 727/904/A833s will all bolt up with minor adjustments. The bell-housing has a .060 offset so you can either add a spacer or use a different flex plate. Not a big deal.

5. If you are running fuel injection the fuel system is going to be essentially the same whether you're running a magnum or Hemi. The only potential difference is if you run throttle body injection on the Magnum the fuel pump is a little different, but again the price is essentially the same.

6. Power output, there simply isn't any comparison in power output between a STOCK Hemi and STOCK Magnum. We're talking over 100 HP difference. A set of headers, cam, and a tune puts the 03-08 Hemi at around 480 HP. 500 HP for the 2009 and later. A stock 6.1L Hemi starts at 425 HP, again with a cam and headers you're knocking on 500 easy HP. Again this is out of only 372 cubic inches. 500 HP out of 372 LA cubic inches is a beast.

7. Drive-ability, A stock 09 to present Hemi with a set of headers is right at 425 HP NET not gross, and will idle smoother than a stock 318 with a 2-barrel. Remember this is a motor that only has 345 cubic inches.

8. Fuel Mileage. Assuming you keep the fuel injection 25 MPG is not unheard of assuming you can keep your foot out of it.

9. Speed. Stock Hemi's with only a Cam, Headers, and a Tune, in A-bodies are running 11s. Let's see a cammed 360 stock, run 11s. Not going to happen.

Finally, if you want to run an LA/360 motor great. If you want to build a Hemi Great. But before you start buying parts, do your homework. The key is to sharpen you pencil and add up your costs OF BOTH MOTORS. The numbers may surprise you.

If your goal is 400-425 HP a stock 5.7L Hemi will serve you well. You can pick up a used truck motor for $1500.00 (car motors are more). You could probably buy a used 5.7, throw in a cam and spend less than a rebuilt 360 with forged internals and ported stock or aftermarket heads. If you want 500 or more HP you'll need to either buy a 6.1 or 6.4 or spend some money upgrading your internals of a 5.7. If you want more than 650 HP you'll need to start upgrading the internals of a 6.1 or 6.4. The point is that when you buy a Magnum motor, and a stroker kit, and a head kit, and an intake, headers, cam. You might be at the same cost as a Hemi.

The key is to do your homework.

Regards,

Joe Dokes