Stage V engineering Hemi conversion heads

Any opinions on Stage V conversion heads? What else do you need to make them run?

Ask them!
http://www.stagev.com/pages/hcheads.html

IIRC it's all explained in words and pictures.

R.

Don't even think of doing that
Every thing I've read on here about them has been bad about them

There was a time when Hemi blocks weren't available so there was a need, not so much anymore.

A friend built one of the conversions back in the early 90's (he still has it).

The RB Block isn't nearly as strong in the bottom end as a true Hemi block, no cross bolted mains on a standard RB Block.

Not trying to stir the pot, but where today are Hemi blocks available that aren't $8k KB blocks or used up OE blocks for $6k+ in need of repair??

Slim pickin's out there.

But now that the supply is low, folks are cashing in and who can blame them...

This one sold yesterday (not mine)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MOPAR-PERFORMANCE-DIRECT-CONNECTION-426-HEMI-ENGINE-BLOCK-NEW-/264270095224?item=264270095224&vxp=mtr&ViewItem=&nma=true&si=tyiY2mkj9Xkdqmp63dg2bCg8VL0%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Damn. But, if it's what you "have to" have, then I guess that's the going price. Which brings us back to the OP's question about this conversion.

I had one that Dick Landy built in the 90's pump gas 440 block 496" made 660hp and ran 10.50's in a 69 Road Runner . It was a very expensive build at the time and likely about the same cost as building with a regular hemi block. The heads flow alot of air and they look cool. If you had an industrial 413 block , 440 crank , you could use a standard 426 piston for a relatively cheap build.

I don't blame them at all, if I had one and was selling it I would get as much for it as possible.

So what if you used these on a 400 block? Stronger bottom end,larger bore and if you stroked probably a lighter piston. Any thoughts?

Probably hard to find an intake for that combination.

stage v offers one

A few yrs ago I almost started one with my 400 block. A friend with a machine shop has done a few with cross bolted blocks & has a few cross bolted ones left. Stage 5 told me back then that the total cost for heads, valvetrain & intake was around $5700. I read an old Moparts post about one with a 400 block had pushrod/valvetrain problems but can't remember all the post said. I'd love to do one with a cross bolted 400 block.

All the pictures I've seen of stock Mopar wedge(B and RB) cross bolted blocks had the bolts going through the main webbing on the center three main caps, NOT good

If he's still got one, I'll see if I can get a pic & info.

The way block availability is now, I think the conversion kit is a viable option. If I was in the market, I'd definitely be looking into it.

Anyone remember Steve Magnante's (from Hot Rod magazine, B-J Auction, etc.) red hemi dart? That was a Stage V conversion on a 440 block if I'm not mistaken.

Lets be honest here...most people building a hemi aren't looking to make block breaking power. Less than 600 hp is what most seem to be after and a stock block will last a long time doing that.

Why build a Hemi If your looking for 600 or less

The first answer would be the guy building a hemi clone.

That was my question too, about 20 years ago

While I agree w/ your thinking (mine makes 4 digit HP), there are a lot of car show and cruiser guys that just want the look. Or have just always wanted a hemi. Back when they were available, I bet the "little" 465 hp crate hemis outsold the 600+ hp 528" crates 10 to one.

I asked this question because there is a Mopar Performance wedge block on here for sale. Since hemi blocks are obscene at the moment, my friend who does not do moparts had the idea that the wedge block and stage v stuff would make a good combination.

I think a good set of B1 or a set of B1-MC heads on a good wedge block will out perform and out run a hemi conversion set up

I agree 100%, but some people just WANT a hemi. I was all set to build a B1 engine before I found a real good deal on a hemi top end package. Glad I did, b/c I really just wanted to have a hemi...even knowing a B1 combo like mine will likely be faster.

My engine builder did one a while back. It makes good horse power, and if the block is cheap enough and in good shape, its probably worth it. What is nice now a days that people don't mention is the proliferation of stroker kits, AND the lower end girdles kits.....This I think makes it worth while investment, with the right engine builder. I say that because if I remember right, You have to drill out and re-tap the head deck holes to a larger size. Plus the girdle can be a pain to setup, and getting the right length head bolts/studs can be a pain too. Its all time consuming. More so with all the little oddities this combo brings.

And even if you built a wedge as suggested, everone has one, and they suffer from the same HP limits as the Hemi and need a girdle.

Heck even one of the big magazines built one, and it made 680hp in a street car if I remember......We saw one at the drags last year making passes. I do not recall what it ran. Looks almost like a regular Hemi unless you really are looking at it.

For somthing to tool around town in, and enjoy, I would do it. Hemis are damn cool. The girdle will really help along with a rev limiter. Don't look for Mopar to save you by bringing anything back.

I always wanted to do one of these in a low deck....I here FHO was tooling up to do a low deck, so if he comes out with an intake, man that would be cool...A 400/512 stroker low deck Hemi!

I thought about the low deck 512 hemi conversion for a NSS 68 Barracuda but then spent my money on NHRA D/S 340 6pack which is still in progress. I think the Hemi would have been cheaper.

Personally the wedge setup just makes more sense unless you simply want the look of a Hemi.

Its still on my bucket list to do one. I have a 75' 400 block to use. I think short fill with aluminum main caps on a good block would last a good while on the street. I do street/strip and shows. The Hemi gets a lot of attention at the shows.