426 Hemi

..Is the 426 hemi the ultimate engine?
your thoughts?
Like others here, I'd say :" It depends".
If cost & rules are no consideration & you have reasonable mechanical skills & like messing with engines, I'd say "yes". But notice all the conditions I put on it. Most guys don't want to mess with that stuff, don't have a bottomless wallet and do race with rules. The only other engine I'd say MIGHT be better, based on my friend who has one, is the old 427 Cammer. His is an aftermarket block & heads, but from what I learned helping him, the FE block isn't quite as strong, that chain is a PITA and adjustments on that are even more critical than on a Hemi. And expensive?!?!? foregetaboutit!