54 Savoy project

Which engine would you use

  • Small block 318

    Votes: 10 66.7%

  • Big block 383

    Votes: 5 33.3%
  • Total voters
    15
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M

Mac9

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I’m doing my first build currently doing a 1954 Plymouth Savoy. I’m looking for advice for a power plant, Either thinking of going with small block 318 or should do a big block 383 have chance to snag one for the build. I know it’s preference. Just seeing what would be best. Again this is my first project build. Just seeing what everyone else thinks. I appreciate the advice
 
Those cars are fairly small so a 318 would work just fine for a cruiser. Or one of these.

IMG_20130930_162437.jpg
 
I am a big block kinda guy, but.... since i think you might have to do some floor mods either way, i would lean towards a small block, because of the availability of a bolt-up overdrive auto trans. Or, if you want to go manual, a t5 will live behind a small block, a big block, not so much.
 
33IMP said:
I am a big block kinda guy, but.... since i think you might have to do some floor mods either way, i would lean towards a small block, because of the availability of a bolt-up overdrive auto trans. Or, if you want to go manual, a t5 will live behind a small block, a big block, not so much.
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Thank you for the response. That’s what I was leaning towards as well was the small block 318 because of the availability of bolt up capability
 
33IMP said:
Early hemi would be cool, probably only quadruple the cost of a small block build.
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I was thinking that too but harder to find. I Had a 270 polyspheric But ended up selling it need cash
 
If it's more of a cruiser than an earth scorching hot rod, a 318 with an A500 or A518 OD transmission would be plenty. Just as an FYI, a small block automatic transmission will bolt up to a 331/354/392 Hemi with a simple and pretty inexpensive adapter. Have fun and good luck with your build.
 
For a first build, i would much prefer a 360 with a 518, compared to a big block with a 727. I think the smaller (physically) motor will be an easier fit, and most people are used to overdrive transmission engine speeds on the freeway. Unless you plan on changing the rear end, i think you will find a pretty stiff gear in the back, and you will be happier with an overdrive, auto or stick. The overdrive, and the smaller size is why i would do a small block, a 360 roller block if you can find one.
 
My vote would be a late model Magnum 5.9 roller with all of the accessories, ps, pb, & ac.
 
A little off topic but it may help. I will check for you on the year model but I have a friend who had a ford 8.8 inch explorer rear installed in a '54 Belvedere. It was an exact interchange with the old 8-1/4 third member Chrysler rear axle, the drive shaft even bolted up and did not have to be shortened. Still has the flat head six and two speed Powerflite. It got him into a 3.73 limited slip and away from the press fit rear brake drums. I think he is also looking into a Scarebird front disc setup for it.
But I too am all for the 5.9 Magnum with the A518. Maybe with an airgap or crosswind intake, 750 AVS Thunder 2, and maybe a light cam upgrade. With the Magnum 1.6 rockers, a stock specification LA 360 hydraulic roller would be the first step up from stock with the stock spec 318 LA hydraulic roller would be the second step up. Any more cam than this or the crane or comp computer controlled cams will probably require guide and spring work.
 
Gen 1 Hemi's are heavy, costly and really just eye candy. There, I said it.

Heavy car need torque to move it, a 408 would be a good option for size and off the line grunt. A 408 Poly would be cool or a Slant with a turbo.
 
dano said:
Gen 1 Hemi's are heavy, costly and really just eye candy. There, I said it.

Heavy car need torque to move it, a 408 would be a good option for size and off the line grunt. A 408 Poly would be cool or a Slant with a turbo.
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54 plymouth probably weighs right around what an average a-body weighs, around 3200 lbs. My 49 business coupe is under 3000.
 
A 5.7 Hemi with 46RE auto complete with FEI would fit as well as anything, and they're getting pretty common in junkyards.
 
Mildly built SB, take your choice. Bolt it up to a rebuilt 904 and you gotsa hot rod! 65'
 
dano said:
Gen 1 Hemi's are heavy, costly and really just eye candy. There, I said it.

Heavy car need torque to move it, a 408 would be a good option for size and off the line grunt. A 408 Poly would be cool or a Slant with a turbo.
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I don't disagree. But they are cool.
 
RustyRatRod said:
I don't disagree. But they are cool.
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They are. We built a 392 for a guy. It was built at one time by someone. It had Jahns (SP?) pistons, Isky solid roller lifters/cam an Edelbrock intake that used 6 Stromberg carbs. Damn that things was heavy.
 
65 Dartman said:
A Dodge of a similar vintage had an early Hemi; no reason why one wouldn’t fit in a 54 Savoy
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I had a 55 Plym and put in a 54 Dodge Red Ram hemi. It fit in beautiful, used the Plym 3 spd trans. It was only 241 ci but was sweet combo.
 
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