Hemi Colors?

[JMD904]

I have a AMT re-issue of the Trophy Series double dragster kit. I'm building the Fiat with the Hemi. What's a correct color for it? Not specific. I seen them paint it gold or the classic Hemi orange.

[Ace-Garageguy]

That kit engine represents the 1950s first-generation Hemi with the "Chrysler Firepower" script valve covers and the REAR mounted distributor. Those engines were mostly silver from the factory.

The orange you see on Hemis is factory for the second generation engines from the '60s, which have the distributors in FRONT.

That said, engines in race cars were often painted to match or complement the rest of the car, and sometimes particular engine builders painted their engines a particular signature color. Paint it whatever color you like.

[gtx6970]

When it comes to race cars, usually the engine is painted black OR the same color as the chassis it's sitting in

[Ace-Garageguy]

I've always painted competition engines lighter colors to spot leaks easily. Think I got the idea from Carroll Smith in "Prepare to Win", a race-car-prep bible by one of the guys responsible for Ford's successes at LeMans.