Chrysler's performance parts division Mopar Performance (MP) is now selling 392ci Hemi engines, brand-new in the crate. This isn't your Grandpa's 392, but a modern 6.4L Hemi stroker based on current production 6.1L Hemi engines installed in Chrysler passenger cars. The 4.055-inch bore x 3.795-inch stroke aftermarket-only motors just happen to displace 392.1 ci-certainly no mere coincidence, evoking as it does fond memories of Chrysler's early Hemi heritage.
Like MP's previously released 5.7L crate engines, the new 392s are available in both carbureted (PN P5153604) and EFI (PN 5153605) versions. Out of the box these motors carry serious power ratings: 525 hp at 6,400 rpm and 510 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm for the EFI version; 540 hp at 6,500 rpm and 490 lb-ft at 5,400 rpm for the carbureted one. Besides the engine assembly, both packages include a wiring harness, an engine control unit (ECU), an ACT sensor, optional dual wide-band oxygen sensors, and detailed installation instructions to help you swap the engine into classic musclecars. An ECU is needed even with a carburetor because there's no way to install a distributor in the late engine.
Matt Deane, parts manager at Glendora Dodge, got his hands on one of the first of the new 392 EFI assemblies, figuring it would make a perfect update to replace the 383 in his '70 Dodge Challenger. Besides the 392, Deane's revitalization plans included a small-block version of the venerable A-727 three-speed automatic coupled to a Gear Vendors add-on overdrive unit. Although longer, the combo is much slimmer than late-model Mopar integral-overdrive automatics, eliminating the need for major floorpan surgery. Deane beefed the A-727 with a Chrysler overhaul kit and MP shift-improvement package before hooking it to the engine with a B&M Holeshot, 3,000-stall torque converter, which has both the right stall speed for the torquey Hemi as well as the correct 71/416-inch converter mounting bolt-hole pattern. Deane also updated the front suspension with a Unisteer rack-and-pinion steering conversion.
Compared with the previously released truck-based 5.7L crate Hemi, Deane found that the new passenger-car-based 392 has some significant differences that impact retrofit swaps (see HOT ROD, June '07, "Hemi Swap" for what it takes to install a 5.7L Hemi and A-518 automatic-overdrive into a Mopar A-body). One problem area in particular is interference caused by the low-mounted A/C compressor. Read on to find out what these differences are and how Deane stuffed a 392 into his classic Challenger using TTI engine mounts and headers.
Front Accessories
The 392 engine's front cover is compatible with production-based 6.1L SRT8 front accessories, which must be purchased separately. 6.1L accessories are different from 5.7L truck Hemi parts. At present there is no 6.1L/392 A/C delete option.
