- 2016
- SEMA Auto Show
Mopar arrived at the 2016 SEMA Show with a handful of impressive concept cars, but FCA’s performance parts and accessory division also debuted two brand-new crate engine kits. Already showcased in the Dodge Shakedown Challenger and Jeep CJ66, the kits were created for the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi V-8s and allow customers to install the said units into classic Mopar cars. Specifically, these two engines can now be adapted to fit in model year 1975 and earlier vehicles, including iconic muscle __cars such as the Dodge Charger and Challenger, and the Plymouth ’Cuda.
So how do these kits work?
First, you should know that they are compatible with the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8 engines built from 2014 on. The 5.7-liter kit goes by the name 345, while the 6.4-liter kit is sold as the 392. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the numbers come from the engine’s displacement in cubic inches. The kits include a power distribution center, a powertrain control module (PCM), engine and chassis wiring harnesses, an accelerator pedal, O2 sensors, ground jumper, charge air temperature sensor, and in-depth information sheets for installation.
As far as performance goes, the 345 kit bumps the 5.7-liter V-8’s power from 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque to 383 horses and 425 pound-feet. The 392 kit, on the other hand, leaves the 6.4-liter engine’s output unchanged at 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of twist. Granted, it doesn’t add much to the 5.7-liter and the 6.4-liter gets nothing, but the purpose of this kits is not to enhance performance, but to offer customers a reliable and easy solution to putting modern engines in classic cars. The kits are also designed and optimized for use with manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions such as the Torqueflite 727 and 904 can also be adapted for use, but Mopar says they are not optional for this kit.
A few options are also offered, including a power steering expansion kit, AC expansion kit, rear sump oil pan kit, and exhaust manifolds, among other components.
Pricing for either package is set at $1,795 and both kits are already available to order from Mopar.
Continue reading for the full story.
Why it matters
The new crate engine kit is great news for Mopar enthusiasts that either want to create a restomod or simply update an old Dodge or Plymouth with a modern V-8 engine. Both packages should also come in handy for shops that either restore or upgrade vintage Mopars. Adapting new V-8s to old underpinnings has just become easier and tuning shops no longer have to come up with their own kits or do all sorts of unorthodox modifications. More importantly, both kits are very affordable and probably easy enough to use so that drivers who build restomods in their own garages can install them without professional assistance. Hopefully these new kits will help save and restore more of those classic Mopars that are waiting for a new life in car graveyards all over the U.S.
Press Release
The Mopar brand announced today during a press event at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas new Mopar Crate HEMI® Engine Kits that provide enthusiasts a factory-backed, efficient option for plugging Gen III HEMI engines into iconic Mopar vehicles from the 1970s and earlier. The new Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit for the 5.7-liter engine and Mopar 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit for the 6.4-liter HEMI can be paired with model year 1975 and earlier vehicles, enabling owners to inject modern HEMI power into muscle-car era machines such as the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Plymouth ‘Cuda and many other makes and models.
“Our new Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kits answer enthusiast demand for a relatively simple solution for plugging modern-day HEMI engine power into their classic Mopar rides,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global. “The engine kits include the hardware to plant a 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter HEMI engine under the hood with the factory-backed confidence that comes when using Mopar parts. They also offer optional front-end accessory kits like power steering or even exhaust manifolds to make installation easier. Starting today, our fans can order the kit online and start working on their favorite project with the peace of mind that comes when using a Mopar product.”
The Mopar 345 Crate HEMI and 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kits, both available for purchase now through FCA US LLC dealers either in-store or online at www.Mopar.com/CrateHEMI, include a power distribution center, a powertrain control module (PCM), engine and chassis wiring harnesses, an accelerator pedal, O2 sensors, ground jumper, charge air temperature sensor and in-depth information sheets on installation. The kits, compatible with respective 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter engines built in 2014 or newer, are shipped in distinctive packaging featuring either the 345 or 392 logo.
A factory calibration is featured on the unlocked PCM. The Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit bumps horsepower to 383 and torque to 425 lb.ft. for the 5.7-liter HEMI engine, while the 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit keeps the 6.4-liter HEMI steady at 485 horses and 472 lb.ft. of torque. Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kits are designed and optimized for use with manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions such as the Torqueflite 727 and 904, while not optimal, can also be adapted for use.
Mopar has also “kitted” together additional engine accessory hardware components enthusiasts will need to suit their individual installation needs, making it even easier to pick a Mopar Crate HEMI Engine kit and install a modern-day HEMI engine. Available hardware includes a power steering expansion kit, AC expansion kit and rear sump oil pan kit, among other components.
The Mopar 345 Crate HEMI and 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kits are available at the same manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,795. The kits can be used with a previously purchased 2014 or newer 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter HEMI service engine, or customers can purchase a new 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter HEMI engine and Crate HEMI Engine Kit together. The Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kits feature a Mopar two-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
In addition, two Mopar-customized vehicles created for the 2016 SEMA Show feature new Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kits underhood: the Dodge Shakedown Challenger and Jeep® CJ66.
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