1968 Plymouth Valiant First Gen HEMI

Early Hemis were outlawed, since Chevy could not be expected to compete. The funniest was when NHRA made their GT class. They forgot to exclude the early Hemis. A guy put a NA 392 in a Duster and cleaned house and took it all. Guess what new rule was added the next year. Early Hemis were limited in quantity and were in expensive cars and trucks. Basically manufactured by Chrysler, Desoto, and Dodge from 1951-1958. The guy I got my Desoto 341 Hemi from was a street rod guy. He had a 50's Chevy with a blown 341 Desoto Hemi in it and drove that car all over the country. He had a pile of SBC, 4 bolt main, forged crank, engines outside behind his garage. He had pulled them all to be replaced with early Hemis. Including 30's Fords to a Chevy pick up. Think what you will. Just remember, Those "turds" and "boat anchors" still bring $1,000 and up for some rusted iron that has been sitting in a barn for decades.


outlawed?....what year was this? Please school me. The only Hemis I am aware of that were outlawed are the Stage II (66-71) Hemis in NASCAR.

you have peaked my curiosity on the Duster with a 392 (Stage I Hemi) in NHRA / GT class. I'm certainly no expert, but was under the impression that cars had to run the same year engine as car in that class????? I do not see how any year Duster could run a pre 60's engine in anything and be legal.

ya got anything to back up your story?