Tech Notes
What: Mopar's infamous '71 Hemi 'Cuda, with a subtle twist
Who: Justin Helms (and brother Joe)
Hometown: Martinsville, Virginia
Body: It has mild changes for big tires, and a fresh trans tunnel, but otherwise the factory had already pushed the envelope on this body design.
Engine: The displacement is 426 inches, but that's in a late-model 6.1 core. Since this was built at Arrington Manufacturing, prep and meticulous assembly are a given. A K1 stroker crank and rods, 10.25:1 Mahle pistons, and a Custom Cam Co. (one of AMI's subdivisions) roller cam are in here for a true 7.0L package.
Goodies: The top of the engine has a pair of FAST throttle-bodies on a custom intake, covered by a Shaker. AMI did the custom CNC work, including the engine covers over the valve covers. The oil pan gives proper clearance for the front suspension; that came from AMI's metal shop as well.
Heads: More CNC work went into these aluminum units. In the end, the package was good for 585 ponies and 560 lb-ft of torque on the dyno.
Ignition: The sparker uses FAST pieces, set up by Arrington.
Interior: The interior has leather seat covers from Legendary, a custom dash with TPI gauges, and an Impy's steering wheel. A new-gen Pistol Grip comes through the rebuilt trans tunnel.
Paint: The hue is DuPont Silver and Graphite, with a single pinstripe in Hemi Orange, of course....
Rearend: It's a Dana 60, set up by DTS, with a 4.10:1 SureGrip limited slip.
Suspension: It has Air Ride components in the rear, adjustable shocks, and monster 12.25-inch vented rotors at all four corners thanks to Wilwood. An AlterKation K-frame replaces the heavy OEM version and helps facilitate the engine swap.
Transmission: Five forwards and one reverse, courtesy of Keisler
Wheels/Tires: These are custom billets measuring out at a very large 18 inches (8-inch-wide front and 10-inch- wide rear). Soft, low-profile Nitto rubber makes it stick. That is 235 and 285, respectively.