Mopar will offer an emissions-compliant “Street Spec Hemi” crate engine, and Chrysler has given its blessings to two aftermarket tuner companies for late-model engine-calibration performance upgrades.

“We know there are many Mopar enthusiasts out there looking to get into performance,” says Pat Dougherty, vice president of Mopar sales and product development, helping make the announcement with Mopar CEO Pietro Gorlier at the SEMA Show. “We got an agreement internally that said we really should be doing this because it’s the heart and soul of what we do.”

The 5.7-liter "Street Spec Hemi" comes with all the necessary emissions equipment, including catalytic converters.

The 5.7-liter V8 can be mated to either a manual or automatic in 1995 and older vehicles. The Hemi is rated at 375 horsepower with 400 lb-ft peak torque. The kit includes exhaust manifolds, ECM, engine wiring harness, four oxygen sensors (2 upstream, 2 downstream), electronic accelerator pedal, EVAP canister and two catalytic converters. The engine does not feature the production Fuel Saver Technology that deactivates four cylinders in the economy mode.

MSRP on the engine kit is $6,800 (Part# 77070065), and it comes with a 2-year, 24,000-mile limited warranty. The kit also includes an instruction manual and emission certification label. Mopar is currently seeking an EO that will make the swap legal in all 50 states.

In addition to the Hemi crate motor, Mopar is offering 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi conversion kits for the JK series Jeep Wrangler. The big engine is rated at 470 horsepower with 470 lb-ft torque and carries a $18,599 MSRP (part# P5156162). The smaller engine is priced at $15,599 (part# P5156213) and is rated at 375 horsepower with 400 lb-ft torque.

Comedian Jeff Dunham discuss the styling of his 2012 Dodge Challenger with Chrysler chief of design, Ralph Giles.

Mopar also announced that late-model owners of Chrysler products can receive performance upgrade calibrations from Arrow Racing Engines and Arrington Engines.

“Why not allow consumers to take their cars to the next level?” asks Dougherty, noting the upgrades apply to 2011-2013 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and SRT customers. “We went to several potential partners, and in the end chose Arrow and Arrington. We expect others will be coming who can meet the same qualifications.”

Finally, Mopar unveiled a new Dodge Challenger SRT8 show car conceived with comedian Jeff Dunham. It features a 515-horsepower version of the Mopar 426 crate engine tuned by Arrington Engines. The car has extensive body work and is sprayed with a custom ultraviolet finish.