ok, drop tube? still no inner fenders, lol.LOL Yeah Neil the thought fleetingly crossed my mind but it would definitely destroy any illusion be being inconspicuous.
might be desirable for some, but they were never considered a hi-performance street engine. As far back as I can remember, (in the 70's) the Stage 1 Hemis were considered boat anchors. but also the boneyards were full of B/RB Magnum complete engines for cheap.
Early Hemis were outlawed, since Chevy could not be expected to compete. The funniest was when NHRA made their GT class. They forgot to exclude the early Hemis. A guy put a NA 392 in a Duster and cleaned house and took it all. Guess what new rule was added the next year. Early Hemis were limited in quantity and were in expensive cars and trucks. Basically manufactured by Chrysler, Desoto, and Dodge from 1951-1958. The guy I got my Desoto 341 Hemi from was a street rod guy. He had a 50's Chevy with a blown 341 Desoto Hemi in it and drove that car all over the country. He had a pile of SBC, 4 bolt main, forged crank, engines outside behind his garage. He had pulled them all to be replaced with early Hemis. Including 30's Fords to a Chevy pick up. Think what you will. Just remember, Those "turds" and "boat anchors" still bring $1,000 and up for some rusted iron that has been sitting in a barn for decades.
outlawed?....what year was this? Please school me. The only Hemis I am aware of that were outlawed are the Stage II (66-71) Hemis in NASCAR.
you have peaked my curiosity on the Duster with a 392 (Stage I Hemi) in NHRA / GT class. I'm certainly no expert, but was under the impression that cars had to run the same year engine as car in that class????? I do not see how any year Duster could run a pre 60's engine in anything and be legal.
ya got anything to back up your story?
Still looking for an original 392 HEMI/354 Poly passenger car oil pan. They’re center sump. It shouldn’t be too bad to build one if I have to, but would prefer not to.
I’ve got some ideas on the exhaust but that will have to wait until I have the engine at least partially in the car.
Thanks, I appreciate it. You might want to hold up though, I may have located one, I'll know this evening or tomorrow.
When I introduced myself last week and wrote what my plans were the big question was why. I guess the best answer is because it’s what I do. I’ve been a hot rodder and doing engine swaps for 50 years and I guess it’s too late to change now. As far as using a Gen 1 HEMI, I’ve been doing them for the last couple of decades and I know my way around them. That and there’s just something about opening a hood and seeing those big old HEMI valve covers.
This particular engine was built as just a solid, pump gas friendly, cruiser motor and suitable for a daily driver.
From personal experience with the 46RH and likely 4.30 gears it should get between 17 and 20 MPG at 75 MPH.
If anybody’s interested here’s a video of the engine build shortly after I finished it.
If the video doesn't play when clicking on the red icon, try clicking on the "watch on You tube " icon.
.