Mike,

You were correct in saying that the dimpled valve covers do not indicate an adjustable valvetrain. I learn something new everyday!

I removed a V-cover and see a fairly clean situation. No layers of thick sludge or any broken components. The hour meter on the sawmill rig shows 1237 hrs.

Bummer, I was really hoping you would end up with adjustables.

I'm using adjustable pushrods on both of my first gen Hemi's. The one only has a few hours on the test stand, but the 354 in my 57 Plymouth has been going with them for 5 years and 15,000 miles on them with no problems.

If you decide to rebuild your 354 just a word of caution about the Hot Hemi heads HV oil pump. I have heard that there may be some problems with them.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/hot-heads-oil-pump-failures-203640.html


Don't get me wrong, I've had good luck with the parts I have bought form Bob at hot heads, but that post was kind of worrysome (I'm running stock replacement pumps in mine so it's not an issue for me).

I'd also recommend Tex Smiths Hemi book if you don't already have a copy.

I recently purchased the Tex book. it is a good one. I will keep the Hot Heads thing in mind.

That's pretty cool find.

Back when I worked in factory maintenance, an hour of use on an hour meter was considered the same as 30 miles for fork lifts. I'd say you have a pretty low miles motor there. Gene

Very cool. So what are your plans now for my old 315?

I am not sure about the 315 - it isnt hurting me to keep it around for a potential future project. Or, I might use it as trading bait at some point. It is nice that it is complete from carb to pan, unmolested, and I know a little bit of its history.
I might still try to locate some Hemi heads for it.

In the end, I couldnt pass up the 354!

I have yet to see a Chrysler Industrial engine that actually had adjustable rockers.

That had to be one awesome sounding sawmill with a straight pipe Hemi!