The 2006 Mopar Nationals
This year there were a large number of cars and parts based on the new Hemi engine. You can get one of these in 4 different displacements now. There were also a few fuel injected old style Mopar engines.
Like it or not the "sport compact" or "Rice Racer" scene has produced a few cars that are actually fast. I have often wondered (I used to race a Mopar FWD turbo in the late 80's) what would happen if this "tuner" technology was applied to a reasonably large V8 engine. What better engine is there to "tune" than the new Hemi. This year there were a few cars built along these lines. I did not get to see any of them run due to the unfortunate events that happened on Saturday.
"Old School" motors with New Tech parts:
Here is the new fuel injection system from Mopar Performance for the small block Mopar.
This one lives under the hood of a 1972 Challenger.
This Road Runner has a fuel injected 505 inch big block Mopar under its hood It is also a very well executed car. This one was displayed by Year One.
It also has monster brakes and wheels and.....
a very well done custom interior.
Cool dash, custom, but not outrageous.
New tech motors and parts:
XV motorsports has front and rear suspension components as well as 5.7 and 6.1 Liter Hemi engines and parts
Mopar Performance has a new 392 cubic inch (same as the largest first gen Hemi) version of the new Hemi. This one has a carburetor but it is available with fuel injection.
Indy Cylinder heads offers a 426 cubic inch (where have we heard that number before?) version of the new Hemi. Indy rates this at 550 HP at 5500 RPM and 586 FT/LBS at 4600 RPM as shown. That should make your Challenger run in the 11's. I have Indy heads on my Challenger, their parts perform as stated.
If you put a new tech engine in your old Mopar, what are you going to use for a transmission? If you are going with a new Hemi, the obvious answer is the OEM Hemi tranny. Some tunnel rework in needed to do this. If you are modernizing and older engine (or using a new Hemi) Keisler has another possible solution. They offer this kit. It uses a GM 4L60 transmission (which has a bolt on bellhousing) with a custom controller. The kit is available in 3 different torque ratings for small and big block Mopar engines (Hemi coming), and bolts in with no body modifications.
The cars:
A 1970 Challenger convertible with a new 392 Hemi......
independent rear suspension.......
a cool interior......
with outrageous seats.....
Inboard brakes which make the monster wheels look kind of naked.....
And again did I say Hemi!
Yes, I liked this car.
OK, I will show you a different 70 Challenger with a new Hemi.
Alright, how about a Cuda. I guess that a 6.1L Hemi doesn't make enough power. So even old school racers know that Hemis love blowers. In this case a new Hemi doesn't need a giant Roots blower sticking through the hood. It will work well with a new tech centrifugal supercharger and an air to water intercooler. Yes new tech "tuner" stuff on an old Cuda, cool, absolutely cool. I really would like to see it run!
Blower, intercooler
The usual big wheels.
In the trunk, two Optima batteries, and an audio system.
Note the roll cage. Or more importantly, you don't. The carbon fiber dash looks good, but not my favorite.
Note the remote control on the console.
The area formerly occupied by the back seat now houses amplifiers, speakers, and roll cage.
Again, did I say Hemi!
Tuner style 300 and Charger
Now, for the ultimate "tuner" style car. Take a new 300C and replace the Hemi with one of the Indy 426CI crate hemi (550 HP remember) then add a monster turbo and a large intercooler.
I heard that it ran low 11's, but I never saw it move. I really would have liked to se it run.
Be sure to visit all of the 2006 Mopar Nationals pages:
2008 Challenger concept car page
The main 2006 Mopar Nationals page
Be sure to visit our other automotive pages for more cool pictures