"big block" V8), rather than on 2 separate rocker shafts as in all 1951-58 Hemis—Dodge, DeSoto, Imperial, and Chrysler "Firepower" and 1964-'71 Plymouth and Dodge 426 V8s. All Hemi-6s share a robust crankshaft supported by seven main bearings, and this family of engines quickly developed a reputation for excellent performance, economy, and durability. The Australian Hemi engines were designed by a five-man team which included the late Maurice Harcus. Versions and variants 245 cu in (4.0 L) The 245 was the initial version of the Hemi-6 engine. It was first used in the 1970 VG-model Valiant, and was available clear through to the final CM model of 1981. Initially, only a single barrel carburettor version was available for Australian built cars but a two barrel version was made especially for the VH and VJ Valiant Ranger XL variants assembled in New Zealand from 1971 to 1975. The two barrel consequently became available in Australia with the VK series update. Specifications (for 1bbl carbureted variant): Bore x Stroke Size: Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Power: at 4600 rpm Torque: at 1800 rpm Intake valve head diameter: Exhaust: 245LC (Low Compression) released in 1977 Bore x Stroke Size: Compression ratio: 7.6:1 Power: estimate Torque: estimate Intake valve head diameter Exhaust valve head diameter 265 cu in (4.3 L) The was introduced in 1971 in the VH. It used a new cylinder block with a bigger bore diameter of —the same as many of the Chrysler small-block V8s—and a new cylinder head, having slightly more hemispherical shaped combustion chambers with larger valves. The standard version of the 265 produced at 4600 rpm and of torque at 2800 rpm. The top-of-the-line performance engine in the E49 Chargers produced at 5600 rpm and of torque at 4400 rpm. The increased power is due mainly to a more aggressive camshaft, high-load valve springs, triple DCOE sidedraught Weber carburetors, tuned-length exhaust headers and a higher compression ratio of 10.0:1. Specifications (for 2bbl carbureted variant): Bore x Stroke Size: Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Power: at 4600 rpm Torque: at 2800 rpm Intake valve head diameter: Exhaust: 215 cu in (3.5 L) This economy-orientated version of the Hemi 6 was released as a running change in early 1971 as the base model engine in the VH Valiant. This engine shares the same stroke length as the other engines but has a smaller bore size of and lower compression ratio of 8.0:1. It