Dodge Direct Connection Now Offers Aftermarket Hemi Engine Blocks and Demon 170 Blower Kit - Hagerty Media

Nov 01, 2024

Dodge’s Direct Connection offers drag racers and horsepower junkies the opportunity to buy the same parts that power the brand’s Scat Pak sportsman racers, including full crate engines. At this year’s SEMA Show, Direct Connection will highlight its latest offerings: a pair of Hemi engine blocks and a supercharger kit featuring a massive 3.0-liter IHI blower.

First up is the iron block used to build the supercharged Hellephant A30 426 crate engine. It uses a larger bore (4.125 inches) and a longer stroke (4.0 inches) than the production 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8 and its derivatives, so now anyone looking to build a mean 426 Gen III Hemi can have a solid foundation to create one of their own. Multiple versions will be available in various states of machining, with prices starting at $8,815. It can handle 1,000 supercharged horsepower, so it sounds like a great foundation for just about any kind of street engine you could conjure up.

Direct Connection will also let intrepid engine builders purchase the same engine block used in the supercharged Drag Pak 354 Hemi. The 354 uses a 4.07-inch bore and a 3.4-inch stroke, but we are not sure how large it can go. Unlike the production Gen III Hemi engines used in everything from Challengers to HD Rams, this one’s cast from aluminum to save weight. It will be available alongside its 426 cohort in multiple configurations for custom builds from Callies Performance Products and can be purchased at DCPerformance. It will be priced at $10,570 and available early in 2025.

Direct Connection will also offer new drive snouts for the 2.4 and 2.7-liter superchargers found on the Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye, but the most interesting news in superchargers is the complete Direct Connection 3.0-liter IHI twin-screw kit. It’s based on the same supercharger used on the 1,025hp Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, with 30 percent more airflow than Hellcat Redeye supercharger. The kit provides flex-fuel capability for those who want to upgrade their Hellcrate Redeye crate engine and includes an ethanol sensor, high-flow fuel injectors, a 105mm throttle body, a 3.02-inch supercharger pulley, and a new belt. MSRP is $11,995.

These engine blocks and supercharger kits will be on display at Mopar’s SEMA booth starting Tuesday, November 5, and you will likely see the fruits of the engine builds using these parts at your local car shows starting next year. If you pick up one of these new blocks for your project, be sure to keep us posted.