Crate 528 questions

I haven't heard much about the new MP 528 Hemis. Is it assembled by Barton, now? Are the heads stock or have they been ported? Is the cam flat or roller? And, of course, are they holding up okay? I would appreciate any info on these engines.

There was a big write up in Mopar Action Magazine about the new 528 engines. Yes they are built by Barton, but they have to be ordered through a Chrysler dealer. They are using World blocks, MP/Edelbrock aluminum heads, Diamond pistons, K1 Carillo cranks and rods, and flat hydraulic cams by Barton (.540" lift 242 duration at .050" lift. The rocker gear is the same as before (RAS stands, stock wide pad iron rockers). The intake is a Barton single plane, single four barrel. Not sure if it's taller than the existing single 4, 2 plane intake. If it's not, I sure would like to put one on mine. All the components are inspected before assembly (unlike the past) and it looks like they are built in batches. They also have to meet a horsepower target which the article said that Barton is surpassing the target numbers.

Haven't heard anything about the durability, but it looks like a stout piece, far and away better than the previous version.

The new intake is very tall. If it's close to hitting with the dual plane, the single plane will be crash city. The single plane was debated at great length at MP and ultimately midrange/top end power won out over low end torque and hood clearance. How much low end torque does a 528 need anyway? Even with the single plane one guy told me he could do a wheelie in his driveway!

Not only can Chrysler dealers get it, but the usual WDs/mail order places too.

MP feels the current crate engines are the absolute best they have ever sold. And there are no more backorders.

Thank you for that info. They sound like the way I would like to go. One more question; how about a port job by MCH before installing? Worth the money and trouble? It certainly was on the Eddies on my 499 wedge.