Hot Rods Another "What Hemi am I looking at" thread

I have happened across an early hemi and need a little help. The guy that has it says it's a 392. I don't think so. I have checked it over and strangely enough it has no numbers on the pad right behind the water pump. I found a "W" on the side of the block, both sides. I also have a part number of 1537726 on the intake which is a 2 barrel intake. The "W" tells me it is a 354 truck motor block. The intake number tells me it is a 331 truck motor. Are there any other places I might find block numbers on it? My plans for this engine would be to rebuild it and and make a max effort 91 octane street engine with my 6-71 blower on top. It is presently locked up as it has been sitting in an unheated trailer for the last 20 years or so. It does still have fluids in the oil pan. Not water as it's to cold for water to flow here right now and the fluid is flowing. I think I can get it for between $500 and $1000 Canadian. I was wondering if you would share your opinion with me on what it may actually be, do you think I can make some good horsepower (650-700) with it and what do you think it may be worth? I know these are tough questions to answer without actually seeing it but I was hoping you would take a stab at it. These aren't the best photos in the world but they are what I have right now. I am going to talk to the owner again soon to see if he will let me take a valve cover off to get the part number for the heads.

 

Not much help from me, but the manifolds do have the 4 bolt outlet, which is from a large truck.

 

Truck hemi, most likely a 354. Don't think they made a 392 truck engine? Tell-tale evidence is those L-shaped bosses cast onto the heads. Actually truck heads are really good. Trucks used hot water manifold heat instead of exhaust so the two inner exhaust ports are isolated, not siamezed together. Intake and exhaust ports and valves are as big as they made for early hemis.
there are a couple negatives that need fixed to adapt aftermarket accessories. First, the heat crossover is too tall and passenger car manifolds don't cover them. Need to weld them up and shorten them. Second, exhaust valves have sodium filled stems (pretty hi-tec!) so are larger diameter than replacement valves. That is simple to fix wiht new valve guides and valves. You want to do that anyway.

I converted a set of truck heads to replace the tiny ported heads on my '53 331. Made the mods mentioned above plus cut off those strange L bosses.

 

I think you need to approach the purchase as you are at best buying a core and it may / may not be usable. They are expensive to build so don't overpay for an unknown core.

 

The numbers stamped on the block in front of the valley cover will tell ya

 

That's the problem, there are no numbers stamped at that location. I have scraped everywhere I thought looked like it might have some numbers and no luck finding any on the block.

 

That is exactly the way I am thinking. It will be replacing the 340 that is now in the car, (not numbers matching), and that is why I am wondering about HP potential.

 

could be a 331 as well. probably has the W cast on rh side of block, might be able to punch out to 354. Hotheads sells the "best brand" intake gaskets to properly seal those hot water intake crossovers. Definitely not 392.

 

For sure it's not a 392. It has a "W" cast into the block on both sides near the frost plugs.

 

What’s stamped on the valve covers

 

In my experience, trucks had unstamped valve covers with "Power Giant" stickers, while industrial engines had "Industrial" stamped into them. A lot of the stickers have been removed over the years.

 

There is a casting number between the valley cover & the heads in the back, difficult to see with the intake on. Sometime on truck blocks the use code is on the front of the block below the driver's side head.

 

Was wondering due to “what’s it worth”
Some covers bring more than others

 

I paid $500 Canadian for the truck 354 I’m building

 

Nothing

 

Here are a few more photos I took.

 

A thought occurred to me. Is it possible that it is a warranty block and that is why there are no numbers stamped on it?

 

Possibly, or on front of block as I mentioned earlier.

 

By the way, 500 to 1000 CAD is about $350 to $700 US.
When it comes time to buy parts in US dollars plus shipping, taxes etc. it will get pretty expensive.
While hemis have a lot of power potential, a stock rebuilt truck 354 will have less power than your 340, and be a lot heavier.

 

Industrial oil pan

 

Nope, nothing on the front of the block.

 

I was wondering about that oil pan. I have never seen one like that.

 

It wouldn't be stock when I was done with it. I have a 6-71 I would be putting on top. It's on my 340 right now that is in my avatar.

 

Was listed as a 354 industrial truck engine

 

That sure looks the same as the one I'm looking at.

 

One more benefit for using it on my '52 331. It doesn't have the passenger car water crossover. I converted a 354 passenger 4bbl intake to accept big Holley carb and brazed in a couple pipe stubs to use a manifold located thermostat.

I lived in Bakersfield in the 80s and Ernie Hashim had a speed shop there. He did the machining on my engine! Bored it 1/8" over making it a 354 and balance it all.

 

I have a 331 Hemi, two 392 Hemis, a truck Hemi and a bunch of 340s. My stock 340 has WAY more power than my 331 Hemi! In that beautiful red A body of yours I would stick with the 340 no question. Now if I had a spare 426 Hemi, that would be another question!

@Coyote Jack , Love your car!

 

Yeah but a LA engine will never look anywhere near as cool as an early Hemi

 

Ya got me there @57 Fargo !

Dave

 

If you put the same money towards the 340 that you will put towards the hemi, I believe you'll get a lot more power out of the 340 than you will the hemi. The hemi will look a lot better, but the 340 will run better.

And that's the thing right there. If this was an early Ford hot rod with the engine exposed for all the world to see, the hemi would make sense. Closed inside the engine compartment of a 70's street machine, eh, if looks are what you're going for the hemi will do it. Otherwise, stick with the 340.