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Mopar has unveiled its new Crate HEMI Engine Kits at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas today, promising to bring factory-backed, efficient option for plugging Gen III HEMI engines into iconic Mopar vehicles from the 1970s and earlier.
The Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit for the 5.7-litre engine and Mopar 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit for the 6.4-litre HEMI can now be paired with model year 1975 and earlier vehicles such as the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Plymouth ‘Cuda amongst others.
The Mopar 345 Crate HEMI and 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kits, both available for purchase now through FCA US dealers either in-store or online at www.Mopar.com/CrateHEMI, include a power distribution centre, 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-litre or 6.4-litre 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 (285kW) and torque to 425 lb.ft (576Nm). For the 5.7-litre HEMI engine, while the 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit keeps the 6.4-litre HEMI steady at 485hp (362kW) and 472 lb.ft (640Nm) of torque. Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kits are designed and optimised 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 US$1795. The kits can be used with a previously purchased 2014 or newer 5.7-litre or 6.4-litre HEMI service engine, or customers can purchase a new 5.7-litre or 6.4-litre HEMI engine and Crate HEMI Engine Kit together. The Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kits feature a Mopar two-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
Showcasing the new crate engines at the SEMA stand are the Dodge Shakedown Challenger and Jeep CJ66.
Underneath the elongated bonnet of the classic 1971 Challenger is a new 392 Crate HEMI Engine kit to help administer a 6.4-litre HEMI V8. It punches out 485hp (362kW) to the wheels via a Viper Tremec T6060 six-speed transmission.
The 6.4-litre HEMI is further augmented by a Mopar concept cold-air intake and Mopar custom dual exhaust with black powder-coated Mopar exhaust tips.
The custom front and rear suspension is lowered, dropping the Shakedown closer to the road — or to the track — creating a capable performer versatile enough to tackle the street or Pro Touring/Drift-type motorsports competition. Braking power is supplied by Brembo-red SRT Hellcat six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes.
The “Bitchin’ Black” exterior is draped over a unique hand-built, one-off frame with a removable body. The car rolls on concept SRT Hellcat Slingshot-designed 19-inch by 9 ½-inch front and 20-inch by 9 ½-inch rear wheels.
Meanwhile, the Jeep CJ66 is built on a Wrangler TJ frame with a 1966 Wrangler CJ body hung over it. It features a Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit-enabled 5.7-litre HEMI producing 383hp (285kW) matched with a six-speed manual, a Mopar cold-air intake, Mopar cat-back exhaust and front and rear Mopar Dana 44 Crate axles.
The Copper Canyon-coloured body rides high on massive 35-inch BFG all-terrain tyres paired with a two-inch lift kit and 17-inch Jeep Performance Parts beadlock wheels.
Part Number/Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) Information
Mopar Crate HEMI Engine Kits
345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit (PN 77072455AC): For use with 5.7-litre engine assemblies; power distribution centre, powertrain control module, engine and chassis wiring harnesses, accelerator pedal, O2 sensors, ground jumper, charge air temp sensor, in-depth installation information sheets MSRP US$1795
392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit (PN 77072454AC): For use with 6.4-litre engine assemblies; power distribution centre, powertrain control module, engine and chassis wiring harnesses, accelerator pedal, O2 sensors, ground jumper, charge air temp sensor, in-depth installation information sheets MSRP US$1795
Engine Assemblies
5.7-litre Gen III HEMI Engine (PN 68303088AA): Requires 345 Crate HEMI Kit MSRP US$6070
6.4-litre Gen III HEMI Engine (PN 68303090AA): Requires 392 Crate HEMI Kit MSRP US$9335
