Re: 1957 Truck 354 Hemi Information Needed
[Re: ScottSmith_Harms]
#903492
01/13/11 10:29 PM
01/13/11 10:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,161 DELAWARE
TONY_DAGOSTINO
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,161
DELAWARE
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hi scott
i recently had one of those
from what i recall its not that easy to use in a rod application, the original intent i bought mine for , but learned of the difficulties, so i resold it
it is based on a chrysler 354, but the heads are different along with the waterpump system
yes, all of the parts are available to convert from either hot heads or PAW
but any and all parts needed for the early hemis are very expensive, by the time i was done pricing the items needed to make it usable in a street rod with some mild hot rod parts, it was very expensive, like over 5k in parts alone, not including machine shop work
the valves in that motor are sodium filled and need to be replaced for use, valves are very expensive too
a member here trwaters is into those and makes some parts for them
i think the trans adapt kit is close to $400 alone
its easier starting off with the 56 chrysler motor you have, but still expensive, i believe thats the first year without the built in bellhousing to the block, so thats easier to use
but that 57 dodge truck is just one of the more costly ones to hot rod
i believe it should have a 2bbl motor with a governor on it
you can call hot heads, they are very knowledgible and helpful, but parts are expensive
good luck
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Re: 1957 Truck 354 Hemi Information Needed
[Re: TONY_DAGOSTINO]
#903493
01/13/11 11:04 PM
01/13/11 11:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714 Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms
OP
Mr Wizzard
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OP
Mr Wizzard
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
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Thanks Tony, Yea I called Hot Heads today, pretty much what you said. They said the blocks are good for builders, nothing oddball except that they accept the earlier 331 style timing covers, water pumps, and other accessories rather than the 56 354 style. The heads are fine as well, they said that the sodium filled valves are a must replace deal but that when replacing them to switch to the bigger/better 392 valves which also cost half as much The only other thing that's odd is that this one has a full length oil pan sump (they said much have been from a LARGE truck) could be a good thing depending on the car it's eventually used in, either that or just swap it out for any 331/354/392 aftermarket pan and it's good to go. He said he and the other guy he works with both run 354's rather than 392's in thier Hot Rods because they are narrower, have more low end torque, rev quicker, and can make comprable HP as well. I'm happy because I only bought it for the exhaust manifolds anyway, it came with the larger dia 4 bolt style flanges (pretty desirable amongst Whale Motor enthusist circles) so I'll keep those and sell the long block and just keep the other complete 1956 354 (Imperial engine) I have. As you said, not a cheap build, but the words "Cheap" and "Hemi" aren't normally found in the same sentence.
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