Mopar 426 Hemi V8 Engine

The 426 Hemi, famously nicknamed “The Elephant,” is the most legendary engine of the American muscle car era. Produced for the street between 1966 and 1971, its massive physical size, hemispherical combustion chambers, and racing pedigree made it the ultimate “street king.”

In 2026, the 426 Hemi exists in two distinct worlds: the Gen 2 (the vintage original) and the Gen 3 (the modern Hellcat-derived “Hellephant” crates).

Listing Details

• Mopar 426 Hemi V8 Engine
• Reportedly Rebuilt by John Aleman
• ISKY Roller Tappet Camshaft
• Dual Edelbrock/Weber Carburetors

1. The Vintage “Gen 2” 426 Hemi (1966–1971)

This is the purist’s choice. In 2026, original iron blocks are rare and carries a massive premium for numbers-matching restorations of Chargers, Super Bees, and Cudas.

2026 Market Valuation (Estimated USD):

• Original Block (Bare): $8,000 – $12,000

• Complete Vintage Engine (Runner): $25,000 – $35,000

• Full Restoration (Museum Quality): $45,000 – $60,000

2. The Modern “Hellephant” & Crate Era

By 2026, Mopar has leaned heavily into “Hellephant” branding. These are Gen 3 Hemis (like the 6.2L Hellcat) but bored and stroked to 426 cubic inches.

• A30 Crate Engine: The “all-iron” 426 Hemi crate.

• C170 Crate: The 1,025 hp version derived from the Demon 170.

• Price: Expect to pay $20,000 – $30,000 for a modern 426 Hemi crate engine with a warranty.

3. Critical “2026 Health Check” (For Vintage Engines)

If you are buying an original Elephant in 2026, look for these specific issues:

• Main Webbing Cracks: High-horsepower vintage Hemis are prone to cracking in the main bearing webbing. Always have an original block magnafluxed before purchase.

• Valvetrain Maintenance: The 426 Hemi uses a complex rocker shaft system. If the geometry is off, it can snap pushrods or gall the shafts.

• Oil Consumption: Because of the huge valve stem diameters and early seal designs, these engines are known to smoke slightly on startup. Modern Viton seals are the standard 2026 upgrade during a rebuild.

4. Identification for Buyers (The “Numbers Game”)

To ensure you aren’t buying a 440 Big Block disguised with Hemi heads (though that’s rare given the physical size difference):

• Casting Number: Look for 2468330 (standard for 426 Hemis).

• The Pad: On the top of the block, in front of the valley cover, there should be an identification pad. A code starting with “MN” or “PN” usually denotes a 426 Hemi.