Chrysler's first Hemi

Robert Genat, Hemi, the Ultimate American V8, MBI publishing, 2002

After WW2 Chrysler was looking for a modern engine design to take it into the future. For a company used to flatheads, the hemi arrangement with its splayed valve layout and hydraulic lifters was a big leap. This cutaway engine shows the angles involved and locations of components required to get it to work. In early testing the valve train suffered rapid wear but problems were sorted out and the 331 cu. in. engine was released in 1951.