ratrodney

Anyone ever drop a 354-392 hemi in a Dakota? Got a lead on one but wondering what all needs done?? Tnx for any help. RR

chlngr1970

What does the early Dak have in it now? What tranny? Your going to need custom mounts, for the motor, and depending on the trans you go with, that too...


Are you going to go crab with it? I would imagine you would have to, but hey, POST UP PIX if you do... that would be an awesome build!


j

moe7404

it would be VERY VERY hard. the early hemi is about as wide as a 426 hemi. AND weighs about 800 - 900 lbs. with the cast iron torqueflite was 1200 lbs. the aluminum torqueflite does NOT bolt up. i use to run one in a 59 ply. the heads bare are 45 lbs ea. and parts are NOT cheap. the dak frame will NOT hold. and the early hemi do not great power till you use a blower, on carbs they do NOT make a lot of power, 600- 700 hp max if you know what you are doing. would be great for an all out race car, with blower.

ratrodney

Was thinkin more of a kool street cruiser so 450 horse range will be fine. I guess i could have some frame fabbin done and use heavy springs to hold it up.
I think it would be a kool project. Blower isnt far fetched idea either. RR

440roadrunner

The aluminum TF doesn't bolt up? That's news to me. Well OK you need an adapter but those are available. ANYTHING to "not use" an anchor for a transmission.

First place to stop by is here

http://www.hothemiheads.com/

But I don't know why you want to do this. If anything put a 3G in there. The big thing about a swap like this is if you wanted to sell it. First, anyplace that requires smog inspections won't certify it, and in any case you have really limited buyer interest in such a swap

Early hemis might be "cool" in a hotrod but they are hardly economical, nor easy to maintain.

Coronet 500

For me the old Hemi "looks" best where it can be seen, like in 30-40's hotrods with the side covers and hood off.

Can't beat that smooth block and the obvious valve covers makes it the coolest V8 engine ever. I just can't see going to all that trouble then covering it up under a hood.

If you do it, it will be cool but had to voice my thoughts.

moe7404

big update. i found this info from hughs engines. hemis chry 331 700 lbs-- 354 720 lbs---392 740 lbs..... chry poly 690-700 lbs NOTE: this chrysler engines only. not dodge or ply.