Thanks Bob I appreciate the kind words! You don't have to tell me about your fascination with the GTO, I'm usually one of the first in line to rib you about it. What amazes me is the vast info you seem to be able to collect! I know you rub elbows with some of the top brass in Auburn Hills so I always count on your info to be accurate. With all your contacts I can't seem to figure out why you don't work for the company! I wish I knew some of the people you do, then maybe I could get off the plant floor! The info I share is just what I know from being on the inside of the plants. I have such an appreciation for the company because both my Dad and myself work for Warren Truck Assy. It sure has enriched our lives to say the least!

Danko,
I suppose I am slightly bitter because I did lose my job to Mexico. Can you say HEMI? I used to work at the other V8 plant, Mack Avenue Engine. The home of the 4.7, and 3.7. The Mack complex was overlooked to produce the hemi because they did not think we could handle the capacity. Boy were they wrong! Now Mack sits half idle and has laid off over 300 people due to lack of sales for the 4.7 because of being overshadowed by the hemi. I'm one of them. Granted I did get picked up at Warren, but I give my right arm for my old job back at Mack. But I'm glad the company was good for your family as well!

Joe

 

I understand everyone's animosity towards DC at this time, but In some way I see alot of good things happening in the last 4 or 5 years... There was No 5 Star Crash test rating Truck, our SUV sucked, our cars were an absolute joke and there sure as hell was no Hemi..... Sorry to say it for the sake of X employees but the new DC Is kicking ***.

 

Kicking *** with what, a couple of station wagons, a mid size suv that can't sell unless its heavily discounted? Please, the only thing saving the sales numbers is the 300. The new dakota is tanking, pacificas are only selling because of the heavy rebates, and the neons and stratus still blow. If we didn't have the ram, 300, and minivans we'd be screwed! I think we are going in the wrong direction if you ask me.

Joe

 

Did anyone see the discussion in Automobile Magazine that says the hemi is no such thing? According to some people that worked on that project, the initial prototype was a hemi and so many changes were made to it that the final product does in fact NOT have hemispherical combustion chambers. Can anyone confirm or dispute based on knowledge, not emotion? Considering the mystique of the new "hemi," I am surprised more discussion about it has not surfaced if there is indeed a reason to question it. Joe, the Magnum "station wagon" is just plain magnificent and not worthy of being included in your otherwise astute slam.

 

so, in all of your infinite wisdom...can you elaborate on the new hemi not being a real hemi??

 

It still does have the hemispherical shaped combustion chambers (85cc I believe is the volume) with the intake valves on the intake side of the engine and the exhaust valves on the exhaust side of the engine, so technically speaking it still is a 'hemi'. It does not have the domed pistons anymore, and the chambers are much smaller than previous incarnations, but it is still a 'hemi' in that sense. It tends not to burn as clean as other head configurations, hence the twin plugs per cylinder in the current production version, to enable more complete combustion to occur, and lower the emissions in the process. Not sure if this answers your question or not.

 

i didnt mean you..i am familiar with the hemi head...even though i am some how "anti-american"...

 

I KNEW ya didn't mean me.... I was trying to answer Danko's question! And how is it that you're anti-American? Did I miss something (and as you know, that doesn't happen too often!)

 

there was a post, seemingly aimed at my cars...about me being anti-american...it has been deleted...but evidently the mirada and ramcharger werent made in this country...

 

Thats right kicking ***, take your head out of the sand and pay attention, DC is having there biggest sales hike in their companies history and is growing faster than even Toyota. Its common sense, you liking the products or not has nothing to do with it. They are selling and thats all that matters.