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How to identify an Aussie HEMI engine
by Trevor Hedge
The Chrysler HEMI six cylinder engines formed the backbone of the Valiant's performance reputation  in Australia.

Introduced in the VG series Valiant of 1970, with the notable endorsement of motor racing legend Stirling Moss, in its highest level of development the HEMI produced an astounding 302 horsepower.

HEMIs were built in three different capacities - 215, 245 and 265.

So, you think you own one of these legendary engines - but how can you be sure?

The engine number can be found stamped on the block next to the distributor.

  • All Hemi engines have a "D" prefix
  • The second digit refers to the size     1=215      2=245    3=265
  • The third digit refers to the performance level

                       1= low compression
                       2= standard performance (1 BBL)
                       3=high performance(2 BBL)
                       4=premium performance (Pacer, 2 bbl R/T & 770, 218 hp)                        
                       5=six pack (E37 & E48, both 248 hp)
                       6=six pack (E38-280 hp & E49-302 hp)

  • The fourth digit refers to the gearbox type

                       1=auto
                       3=3 speed manual
                       4=4 speed manual

  • The fifth character is the year of manufacture. A=1970 B=1971 and so on.
  • The remainder of the digits gives you the sequential build number.

As an example we will use this engine number - D364C00010

We know it is a HEMI due to the "D" prefix.

The next digit is "3" which tells us that the engine is a 265.

Followed by a "6" which gives us the specification level which in this case means a Six-Pack in either E38 or E49 spec.

We now get to the next digit, "4", which tells us that the engine was designed for a 4-speed gearbox.  This in turn tells us that is an E49 engine as no E38s came with 4-speed gearboxes. 

Next is the "C", which gives us the year which is 1972, followed by "00010" which tells us that this was the tenth E49 engine produced.


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