The reason the new magnum V-8 isn’t a magnum is it wouldn’t work today.
The vaunted 426 Hemi was a winner on the race track because the layout allowed the engine to breath at high RPM. It did so with a large overlap of the intake and exhaust valve timing that sent a considerable charge of raw fuel directly into the exhaust. Do not stop at combustion chamber....do not burn. That results in a loss of mileage and would send a catalytic converter into apoplexy.
At lower RPM they didn’t have the power or torque to be quick on the street. Even the pig 440s could keep up with them between lights.
Street Hemi owners were regularly embarrassed by big block Fords that were set up right.
Also, any 427 or square port 396 Chevy was ready to send the Street Hemi back to the Drive-In to impress the car hops that didn’t know any better.
Beware, the sleeper.
