Mass-produced vehicles, like most airplanes and cars, are engineered as a compromise between strength, weight, and ease of manufacturing. If strength were the only concern, airplanes would barely fly and cars would be lumbering tanks barely able to accelerate out of their own way. But just as the car as a whole is built to this compromising standard of weight versus strength, so is each part that comprises the car. Fortunately, Chrysler engineered and manufactured some of the best parts in the industry, especially in their engines, but even these venerable crankshafts, rods, and blocks have their limitations. Fortunately, there are now viable alternatives to a factory block, as World Products has developed a line of engine blocks that are reasonably priced and able to handle significantly more power than a factory block is capable of.

Having built, modified, and raced many Mopar engines, including big-blocks, small-blocks, and Hemis, we're quite familiar with the limitations of factory Chrysler blocks. While these blocks handle their rated power quite easily, add a good flowing set of heads, some compression, and a power-adder, and you have a recipe for disaster. Most factory blocks can be made to handle high horsepower for short bursts, but in an endurance or high-powered race application a factory block can crack, dumping oil pressure, resulting in catastrophic failure or worse yet, a wrecked car. Luckily, it's a good time to be a Mopar enthusiast as there are viable alternatives to a factory block for your next high-performance engine build. World Products has developed a new line of Hemi and Wedge blocks, available in cast-iron or aluminum, that far exceed the strength of factory blocks, and are easily able to handle the performance of your next engine build.

While visiting Muscle Motors in Lansing, Michigan, engine builder Mike Ware was kind enough to show us one of the new cast-iron wedge blocks from World Products. Up close, the rugged construction of this block is apparent. Compatible with factory engine components, these blocks feature cross-bolted main caps and improved oiling to the rockers from the oil galleys. Additionally, the deck thickness is .600 inch, and the block features stiffening webs and thicker end rails than factory units. Available in several configurations, you can get your World Products block with bronze lifter bore bushings, and even a raised camshaft location and 60mm cam bearings if necessary. Cast from high-density cast iron or 357 T6 Aluminum, these blocks are light and durable, and unlike the 30-40-year-old factory units, they're new and built specifically for high-horsepower applications.