The Max Wedge engine is a legendary powerplant in Chrysler's performance history, known for its dominance in drag racing during the early 1960s. The Max Wedge was part of Chrysler's RB (raised block) engine family and was offered in two displacements: 413 cubic inches and later, 426 cubic inches. Let's explore the history and development of the Max Wedge engine and the cars it powered in detail.
Origins and Development
The Max Wedge program began as part of Chrysler's effort to dominate drag racing and high-performance street racing. In the early 1960s, the competition in American motorsports, particularly drag racing, was fierce, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac all vying for supremacy.
Chrysler, known for its engineering prowess, responded by developing a series of high-performance engines, culminating in the Max Wedge.
413 Max Wedge (1962)
- Introduction: The first Max Wedge engine, introduced in mid-1962, was a 413 cubic inch V8. Officially known as the "Super Stock" engine, it was designed specifically for drag racing and was available in both Plymouth and Dodge models.
- Specs: The engine featured a dual four-barrel carburetor setup, high-rise intake manifold, and large port heads with 11.0:1 or 13.5:1 compression ratios. This setup allowed it to produce between 410 to 420 horsepower, depending on the configuration.
- Cars: The 413 Max Wedge was available in lightweight Dodge Dart and Plymouth Savoy models, stripped of unnecessary features to reduce weight and improve performance.
426 Max Wedge (1963-1964)
- Introduction: In 1963, Chrysler expanded the Max Wedge lineup with the introduction of the 426 cubic inch version. The displacement increase was achieved by using a 4.25-inch bore and a 3.75-inch stroke, which became the standard for Chrysler's RB engines.
- Specs: The 426 Max Wedge came in two stages of tune: Stage I and Stage II in 1963, and later Stage III in 1964. These engines featured improved cylinder heads, revised intake manifolds, and larger exhaust ports. The power output ranged from 415 to 425 horsepower, with torque figures exceeding 480 lb-ft.
- Cars: The 426 Max Wedge was available in several models, including the Dodge 330, Dodge Polara, Plymouth Belvedere, and Plymouth Savoy. These cars were often ordered with lightweight options and were a dominant force in NHRA Super Stock drag racing.
Key Features of the Max Wedge Engine
- High-Compression Ratio: The Max Wedge engines were available with extremely high compression ratios (up to 13.5:1), making them incredibly powerful but requiring high-octane racing fuel.
- Cross-Ram Intake Manifold: One of the most distinctive features was the cross-ram intake manifold, which positioned the carburetors away from the engine block to reduce heat soak and improve air-fuel mixture distribution.
- Exhaust System: The Max Wedge engines used special large-diameter exhaust manifolds, which were a key part of their performance, allowing for better exhaust flow and higher horsepower.
- Durability: The engines were built with heavy-duty components, including forged steel crankshafts and high-strength connecting rods, to withstand the extreme stresses of drag racing.
Performance and Legacy
The Max Wedge-powered cars quickly gained a reputation as some of the fastest quarter-mile machines of the early 1960s. They dominated NHRA Super Stock classes and became feared competitors on the street and track. Their success solidified Chrysler's reputation as a builder of some of the most potent engines of the era.
By 1964, the introduction of the Chrysler Hemi engine began to overshadow the Max Wedge, but the Max Wedge cars had already cemented their place in automotive history. They are now highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, representing a golden age of factory-backed drag racing.
The Max Wedge engine and the cars that housed it are iconic symbols of early 1960s American muscle. Designed for maximum performance in straight-line racing, these engines helped establish Chrysler's dominance in drag racing and contributed to the brand's performance legacy. The Max Wedge remains a celebrated chapter in the history of Mopar and American motorsports.