426 Max Wedge Horsepower: How Much and the Torque
There were two different horsepower and torque ratings for the 426 Maximum Performance Wedge (nicknamed Max Wedge) depending on the compression ratio of the engine.
The 426 Max Wedge engine with 11.0:1 compression ratio (1963-1964) has the following power ratings:
- 415 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm.
- 470 ft. lbs. of torque @ 4,400 rpm.
The 426 Max Wedge engine with 13.5:1 compression ratio (1963) has the following power ratings:
- 425 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm.
- 480 ft. lbs. of torque @4,400 rpm.
The 426 Max Wedge engine with 12.5:1 compression ratio (1964) has the following power ratings:
- 425 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm.
- 480 ft. lbs. of torque @4,400 rpm.
| Year | Compression Ratio (Ramcharger 426 & Super Stock 426) | Horsepower & Torque (Ramcharger 426 & Super Stock 426) |
| 1963 | 11.0:1 | 415 H.P. @ 5,600 rpm 470 ft. lbs. @ 4,400 rpm |
| 1963 | 13.5:1 | 425 H.P. @ 5,600 rpm 480 ft. lbs. @ 4,400 rpm |
| 1964 | 11.0:1 | 415 H.P. @ 5,600 rpm 470 ft. lbs. @ 4,400 rpm |
| 1964 | 12.5:1 | 425 H.P. @ 5,600 rpm 480 ft. lbs. @ 4,400 rpm |
Dodge and Plymouth had their own versions of the 426 Max Wedge engines. Dodge called their engine Ramcharger 426 and Plymouth called their version Super Stock 426.
Both engines were exactly the same and had the same horsepower and specifications.
426 Max Wedge Horsepower and Torque
The 426 Max Wedge engine was produced for two years:
- 1963
- 1964
During its production the engine had some modifications favoring an increasing in power. When the changes were made, the power ratings, horsepower and torque, remained the same according to Chrysler.
It’s difficult to imagine this to be true, but it’s not surprising as many people know power ratings were manipulated during this time for various different reasons.
426 Max Wedge Compression Ratios and Horsepower
The 11.0:1 ratio (415 horsepower) was standard for the engine. The 13.5:1 and 12.5:1 ratios (425 horsepower) were available as an option. The bump in the compression ratio resulted in a 10 horsepower and torque increase.
426 Max Wedge Real Horsepower and Torque
Much evidence exists of car manufacturers reported lower power ratings for their muscle car engines.
A few reasons why they may have done this includes the following:
- Car insurance premiums.
- Competitive race class qualifications, especially for the NHRA.
How did the manufacturers, including Chrysler, report lower horsepower ratings and get away with it?
Record and report horsepower at a lower rpm than the engine was capable of achieving. For example, the 426 Max Wedge horsepower is stated at 5,600 rpm. It may have been capable of more horsepower at 5,700 or 5,800 rpms.
A great example of this is the 426 Hemi with 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Of course the mighty engine could generate more power at rpms closer to 5,800.
Another way manufacturers could get away with reporting lower numbers is placing an engine on the dyno without it’s timing and carburetors at their optimal tune.
I was able to find numerous bone stock Hemi horsepower examples of this to be true. I’m unable to find a dyno of a factory spec and cubic inch displacement Max Wedge engine to prove a higher horsepower at higher rpms.
Even though, I’m sure it was higher than the reported 415 and 425 horsepower numbers.
If you have any questions about the 426 Max Wedge, send us an email found specifically on our contact page.
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 than that.
More Max Wedge Engine Articles
426 Max Wedge Camshaft Specifications
426 Max Wedge Compression Ratios
Article Resources
- Dodge and Plymouth Engine Service Manuals
- Chrysler Service Bulletins (1962-1964)
- Dodge and Plymouth Data Books (1962-1964)
- Google Books: Chrysler Engines 1922-1998
