Mopar unlocks new crate HEMI engine kits at SEMA

(November 2, 2016) LAS VEGAS — The Mopar brand has announced  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).

“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 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.

Dodge Shakedown Challenger

The Dodge Shakedown Challenger weaves together design cues from the past and present to create a uniquely original Mopar creation. The blend of yesterday and today is distinctly visible through exterior and interior styling, but comes to throaty fruition under the hood, where Mopar installed its new 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit to help administer a 6.4-liter HEMI jolt to the heart of the classic 1971 Challenger.

The Shakedown Challenger drives 485 horsepower to the pavement via a Viper Tremec T6060 six-speed transmission, and the Mopar 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit-enabled 6.4-liter 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 merging of old-school muscle with the 21st century is quickly evident on the “Bitchin’ Black” exterior, hung on a unique hand-built, one-off frame with a removable body. The Dodge Shakedown Challenger rolls on concept SRT Hellcat Slingshot-designed 19-inch by 9 1/2-inch front and 20-inch by 9 1/2-inch rear wheels, providing a “coiled” stance. A heritage-inspired 1971 Shaker hood scoop is added with help from select parts from the Mopar brand’s modern-day Shaker hood kit, feeding fresh air to the HEMI® powerplant.

The Shaker hood scoop is accented on top with a black “Shakedown” badge outlined in red, tying in neatly with custom gloss-black and gloss-red stripes that hug the scoop and flow down to the fascia and also up and over the roof to the tail, extending around and underneath the valance.

The 1971 Dodge Challenger body is shaved, deleting the door handles, drip rails and fuel door, which is relocated to the trunk. The Dodge Shakedown Challenger incorporates concept front headlamps and taillamps from the 2017 Dodge Challenger “massaged” to mesh seamlessly with ’71 Challenger proportions. The headlamp bezels are Satin Black, as are the housing and surround of the tail lamps, which feature lenses trimmed in red.

The modern Challenger grille and surround also get the Satin Black treatment, set off by gloss-black grille bezels. Satin Black also colors the concept rear spoiler and chin spoiler, fog lamp bezels and mirror caps. Matching red Mopar 392 Crate HEMI Engine Kit logo decals on the front fenders complete the exterior.