426 Hemi Firing Order: Mopar Cylinder & Distributor Location
For people tuning their own engine, knowing the firing order of their Mopar is crucial. Let’s find out what is the firing order on a 426 Hemi?
The 426 Hemi firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
This article will inform you where the cylinder numbers are located on the engine. In addition, where they are on the distributor cap, its rotation and how to install it.
426 Hemi Firing Order
Knowing the firing order is not enough. Other specifications are needed for engine builders to set up the timing, distributor cap and spark plug wires.
As mentioned earlier, the firing order of a 426 Hemi is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. The numbers in the firing order refer to the cylinder numbers.
Let’s take a close look at where the cylinder numbers are located on the engine.
Cylinder Number Firing Order Locations
The left side cylinders, from front to rear are 1,3,5,7. The right side cylinders, from front to rear are 2,4,6,8.
Probably the most notable cylinder is #1. It’s located on the left side of the engine towards the front of the car. It starts the sequence.
Distributor Rotation and Cylinder Location
Knowing where to start on the distributor cap is crucial when setting up the spark plug wires. It’s all about finding cylinder number one and then following the firing order.
The Hemi distributor rotation is counter-clockwise.
The Mopar service manual states the following when installing the distributor.
If you’re interested in the distributor part numbers or date codes check out my article, 426 Hemi Distributor Type, Part Numbers and Date codes.
426 Hemi Distributor Timing
Before installing the distributor and oil pump drive shaft, rotate the crankshaft until NO. 1 cylinder is at top dead center on the firing stroke (compression stroke).
The straight line on the vibration damper should be under “0” on the timing indicator.
Coat shaft and drive gear with engine oil. Install the shaft so that after the gear spirals into place, it will index with the oil pump shaft, so the slot in top of drive gear will be parallel with the center line of the crankshaft.
Installation of Distributor: Big Block Vacuum Hose and Hemi Firing
- Hold the distributor over the mounting pad on the cylinder block with the vacuum chamber (vacuum hose) pointing toward the center of the engine.
- Turn the rotor until it points forward and to the approximate location of the NO. 1 tower terminal in the distributor cap.
- Place the distributor gasket in position.
- Lower the distributor and engage the shaft in the slot of the distributor drive shaft gear.
- Turn the distributor clockwise until breaker contacts are just separating, install bolt and tighten hold down clamp.
Install the spark plugs and wires starting with number 1 cylinder following the firing order.
Is it the 426 the largest Dodge or Plymouth Hemi ever made? Find out in my article, The Largest Hemi Ever Made.
Check out more firing order articles:
If you have any Hemi firing, ignition systems or big block engine questions or about the article, you may send us an email found on our contact page.
I learned about Mopar firing orders by tuning my own 440 engine. In addition, reading Mopar books, articles, magazines, seminars and watching videos for approximately 37 years.
Read More Engine Articles Next!
Why the 426 Hemi Distributor Hold Down is Different
How Many Miles Per Gallon Did a 426 Hemi Get?
426 Hemi Intake Manifold Torque Specs
Article Resources
- Google books: How to Rebuild and Modify Chrysler Hemi Engines
- Google Books: Hemi
- Wikipedia: Chrysler Hemi engine
