I am building a 51 Dodge pickup on an S10 frame. I want to drive primarily on the street but may occasionally put it on the strip. I have collected up a bunch of hemi's over the past few years and am trying to decide which one to build for the truck. My choices are a 241, 270, 315 and 325 Dodge hemi's and a 331 Chrysler (1955 with the big valves and good flowing heads) hemi to choose from. I am leaning towards the 331 Chrysler because the parts are more readily available and you have a better selection of options (pistons, rings, cams, etc.). For example, you can get a good after market aluminum 4 barrel manifold for a 331 but must use the original iron manifold on the 315 and 325 Dodge's. I am considering the 270 Dodge because it has the smallest block (along with the 241) and the engine compartment is not huge. I have gotten a new old stock Offenhauser single, 4 barrel aluminum manifold for the 270. For transmissions I am considering either a Tremec T-5 five speed (600 ft lbs torque) or a race quality 700R4. Which engine and transmission would you use for this build and why. I also have an eight and a half inch posi-traction rear end from a Blazer which, of course fits under the S10 frame without modifications. Will this rear be stout enough for this build? I intend to replace the stock ring and pinion with Richmond gears. Thanks in advance HAMBER'S for your opinions.
325, 315, 331, 270, 241. In that order. The 325 is my number one choice. I've seen parts for all of the hemis. 315 & 325 are great, no issues. The 270 & 241 have problems with cracked cranks, no balancer on some of them. The 331 is big, especially the long tail one. I have 331's & 354's, they take up a lot of space. Good luck. Lucky667
Build one of the Dodges. New cam blanks are available... I think Chris Nielson has 'em or someone here will know where to get 'em. Pistons are no problem either as Ross, Venolia or Egge can make anything you want. I have Venolias in my 354. Dodge bearings are a little pricey but no big deal. A Tremec or "race quality"... (whatever that is) 700R4 are uneeded and pricey. Use a MOPAR A-833 3 speed with OD or an S-10 5 speed. A regular 700R4 will handle anything a little or big Hemi can dish out unless you get stupid with the loud pedal especially with any of the Dodge motors. No need to waste $$$ on Richmond gears, either. the S-10 rear should work just fine... You can get a U-fab intake for any of the Dodge engines and that will give the build a little pizzaz with multiple carbs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKymBCT5-50 Don't build a 392 with a blower , injection & zoomies, way too noisy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Click on the link & you'll see/hear what I mean .
No... those are great BUT he wants to build what he has. Now if you want to DONATE a 426 to a good cause I'm looking for one for a sedan project I have in mind... '63/'67 vintage.
The Jalopy Journal
