should i buy the hemi peply quickly plz!!
06-06-2009 | 06:42 PM
#4
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The early hemis had the distributor in the back the later ones in the front on an angle. Like Omahaguy said the plug wires go right through the valve cover, and sadly these motors never had "*****". but they look great in a vintage hotrod.
06-06-2009 | 06:51 PM
#7
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From: Springfield NE
It all depends what you want to do with it. Sure it is not a 2nd or 3rd gen. type of hemi but it still has some potential. Liker if you wanted to build a replica of an old Gasser or something like that. You know that would look real cool in an old ****** or an old studebaker. Especially with an 8-71 stickin outta the hood.
06-06-2009 | 07:09 PM
#9
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From: Springfield NE
well Im sure anythings possible but what is practicle. I'm not sure how much it would cost to make a 354 into a pavement melter. For practical purposes, you could just find a 400 big block and do just as good, you know with a stroker crank and some aluminum heads and a roller cam, etc. It would be alot cheaper I'll bet. Now if you just want looks and some decent performance, I guess the 354 would be OK. The best part of the 354 would be in the looks department, nothing quite looks like an old style Hemi. But note one thing though, they are EXTREMELY heavy.
06-06-2009 | 09:14 PM
#11
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From: Goffstown, NH
06-06-2009 | 09:26 PM
#12
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From: Michigan: The First Line of Defense From The Canadians!
well Im sure anythings possible but what is practicle. I'm not sure how much it would cost to make a 354 into a pavement melter. For practical purposes, you could just find a 400 big block and do just as good, you know with a stroker crank and some aluminum heads and a roller cam, etc. It would be alot cheaper I'll bet. Now if you just want looks and some decent performance, I guess the 354 would be OK. The best part of the 354 would be in the looks department, nothing quite looks like an old style Hemi. But note one thing though, they are EXTREMELY heavy.
06-06-2009 | 10:46 PM
#14
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From: Michigan: The First Line of Defense From The Canadians!
End of the day......A354 hemi is cool and would look good in a street rod, and I'd try to sell it to one. But parts are expensive and not very available. There are cheaper, and faster ways to go for a 70s muscle ride.
06-07-2009 | 05:45 AM
#15
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From: Goffstown, NH
You need to sit down and figure out what you exactly want out of this car. Do you want it to for cruising, for shows, to go fast on the strip. a mix and match of everything. Once you figure that out, then let us know and we can better help you from there.
As far as a 354 Hemi goes, I'd only put it into a hot rod or 3/5 window coupe. That is a beautiful motor to show off when built and detailed right.
As far as a 354 Hemi goes, I'd only put it into a hot rod or 3/5 window coupe. That is a beautiful motor to show off when built and detailed right.
06-07-2009 | 07:03 AM
#17
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From: South Point OH
A 354 should have the 54 on a pad on the front of the block, pretty close to where it is on a 440. If it's not there, take the numbers off the pad, check with Hot Heads, they will be able to identify what it is for sure.
The valve covers should say Chrysler FirePower on them, anything else and it's possibly a Dodge or Desoto version, avoid them.
We have a 354 in a 56 Ford Pickup, it's strong, but not a monster, has a great sound, tremendous WOW factor and loads of torque. It's driven pretty often, and has been on cruises of 3-400 miles with pretty good reliability. Parts are available from Hot Heads, and a few other places, but don't expect to go to like Advance and get most of what you need. It was rebuilt 3 years ago, for the first time in over 30 years.
The valve covers should say Chrysler FirePower on them, anything else and it's possibly a Dodge or Desoto version, avoid them.
We have a 354 in a 56 Ford Pickup, it's strong, but not a monster, has a great sound, tremendous WOW factor and loads of torque. It's driven pretty often, and has been on cruises of 3-400 miles with pretty good reliability. Parts are available from Hot Heads, and a few other places, but don't expect to go to like Advance and get most of what you need. It was rebuilt 3 years ago, for the first time in over 30 years.
06-07-2009 | 02:54 PM
#18
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well ive made my decision and for right now im gonna use the 440/727 setup untill i get enought money to get a crate or find a decent priced newer hemi
And im going for a brain melting ear shattering ticket getting 50 series mickey thompson shredding sublime green monster that is kind of unpractical to drive on the street but i will anyhow just because i want to(as if that made any sense right) in short i want it to have great throttle response with a VERY throaty rumble that doesnt sound like i just a slapped a cam in it and ran straight pipes ya know
And im going for a brain melting ear shattering ticket getting 50 series mickey thompson shredding sublime green monster that is kind of unpractical to drive on the street but i will anyhow just because i want to(as if that made any sense right) in short i want it to have great throttle response with a VERY throaty rumble that doesnt sound like i just a slapped a cam in it and ran straight pipes ya know
06-14-2009 | 04:46 PM
#21
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well ive made my decision and for right now im gonna use the 440/727 setup untill i get enought money to get a crate or find a decent priced newer hemi
And im going for a brain melting ear shattering ticket getting 50 series mickey thompson shredding sublime green monster that is kind of unpractical to drive on the street but i will anyhow just because i want to(as if that made any sense right) in short i want it to have great throttle response with a VERY throaty rumble that doesnt sound like i just a slapped a cam in it and ran straight pipes ya know
And im going for a brain melting ear shattering ticket getting 50 series mickey thompson shredding sublime green monster that is kind of unpractical to drive on the street but i will anyhow just because i want to(as if that made any sense right) in short i want it to have great throttle response with a VERY throaty rumble that doesnt sound like i just a slapped a cam in it and ran straight pipes ya know
If you are bent on old muscle or you're doing a restomod yada then I'd go with a big RB block. If money is real tight then the 383 with forged internals can go fast with head work you can do yourself or just buy alum heads.
Ask lots of questions. I'm new here but guys who love cars are much alike no matter the make. This is a great place for Mopars which you obviously like. Good luck.
07-10-2009 | 09:31 PM
#25
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07-12-2009 | 06:02 AM
#27
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I have large collectors then 3 inches all the way back on my Chevelle. But it has a 502/502 so torque isn't a problem for it. I think you'll be find more torque but less HP at the higher RPM range so the drag strip is the only place the restriction will be a problem. You'll get a boost low to mid range torque. Probably. I really like your build. You're getting the most from your budget with this build and I admire that.
Have you thought about your rocker size yet?
Have you thought about your rocker size yet?
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