426 Max Wedge Camshaft Specs for Both Years: 1963 and 1964
Let’s examine the camshaft specifications for the 1963 and 1964 426 Maximum Performance (nicknamed Max Wedge) engines.
The 1963 426 Max Wedge engine had a mechanical cam with a duration of 300°, a lift of .509″ and a 75° overlap. That cam was replaced later in 1963 with another mechanical cam with a duration of 300° intake and 308° exhaust, .520″ lift and 74° overlap. The second camshaft remained for the 1964 production year.
The 1964 12.5:1 compression engine used a cam with .520″ lift, 96° overlap and 320° duration.
Each cam was used for the Plymouth Super Stock 426 and the Dodge Ramcharger 426, Stage 2 and Stage 3.
426 Max Wedge Engine Camshaft Specifications
There were three versions of the 426 Max Wedge. The original which was produced in 1963 and then the “Stage 2” later in 1963 and “Stage 3” in 1964.
The exact names of the 426 Max Wedge engines are the following.
Plymouth
- Super Stock 426 (1963)
- Super Stock 426-ll (1963)
- Super Stock 426-lll (1964)
Dodge
- Ramcharger 426 (1963)
- Ramcharger 426-A (1963)
- Ramcharger 426-lll (1964)
The first 426 Max Wedge cam was different than the Stage 2 and Stage 3 camshafts.
The following table contains the specs of both 426 Max Wedge camshafts in 1963 and 1964.
| 1963 Super Stock 426 Ramcharger 426 | 1963 Super Stock 426-ll Ramcharger 426-A | 1964 Super Stock 426-lll Ramcharger 426-lll | |
| Lift | .509″ | .520″ | .520″ |
| Duration | 300° in./300° ex. | 300° in./308° ex. | 300° intake/308° exhaust (11.0:1) 320° intake/320° exhaust (12.5:1) |
| Overlap | 75° | 74° | 74° (11.0:1) 96° (12.5:1) |
| Tappets | Flat-faced mechanical | Flat-faced mechanical | Flat-faced mechanical |
| Cam Drive | Chain | Chain | Chain |
Dodge and Plymouth 426 Max Wedge Manuals and Guides
The Dodge 1964 Ramcharger 426 sales manual states the following about the engine’s camshaft:
New camshaft has a higher valve lift (.520″), and longer exhaust duration (308°).
Dodge Sales Manual: New 426 V-8 Ramcharger
The same sales brochure also says the .520″ lift is the highest contained in a mass-produced passenger car.
A 426 Max Wedge manual states this about the Max Wedge cam:
The long-duration camshaft provides maximum power output at the expense of smooth idling and low-speed response. Increased piston clearance and high overlap camshaft allow dependable, high-speed operation, but sacrifice some engine quietness.
I love how the Plymouth and Dodge people worded things back then. I’m not sure about you, but I’ll give up the smooth idle and quietness every time! Let me know what you think in the comments below.
If you have any questions about the 426 Max Wedge camshaft, send us an email found specifically on our contact page. In addition, you can comment below.
About 38 years ago I assembled my first Mopar engine. It’s at that time my hands on experience with Mopar engines, including the Max Wedge, started. Although my research of the engines started years earlier.
More Max Wedge Engine Articles
426 Max Wedge Compression Ratios
426 Max Wedge Horsepower and Torque
Article Resources
- Dodge and Plymouth Engine Service Manuals
- Chrysler Max Wedge Service Bulletins (1962-1964)
- Dodge and Plymouth Data Books (1962-1964)
- Google Books: Chrysler Engines 1922-1998
- Ramcharger 426 and Super Stock 426 Owners Manuals
