Well, the statement is slightly incorrect. The Hemi was obliterating the competition since the 50's with the cast iron 392 cubic inch block.
The 426 Street Hemi was born in 1964. Don Garlits was sponsored by Dodge at the time. Dodge requested Don to switch to the 426. He was happy with the 392, and wanted to stick with it. But they insisted, so he came up with a plan to get his way. Installed a 426, advanced the timing, and increased the nitro percentage more than had been run in the past. Don just knew this would destroy the engine, and Dodge would back down. Instead the car blasted to a new track record (or national record with a backup run....I don't remember) and the rest is history.
Jess, I'm grinnin' from ear to ear.
ReplyDeleteWell, the statement is slightly incorrect. The Hemi was obliterating the competition since the 50's with the cast iron 392 cubic inch block.
ReplyDeleteThe 426 Street Hemi was born in 1964. Don Garlits was sponsored by Dodge at the time. Dodge requested Don to switch to the 426. He was happy with the 392, and wanted to stick with it. But they insisted, so he came up with a plan to get his way. Installed a 426, advanced the timing, and increased the nitro percentage more than had been run in the past. Don just knew this would destroy the engine, and Dodge would back down. Instead the car blasted to a new track record (or national record with a backup run....I don't remember) and the rest is history.