Over the years I've collected some pretty decent samples of both ford and chevy small blocks and big blocks. I have the chance to pick up either bonestock 348 that needs rebuild or 276 desoto hemi that needs rebuilding, Can't find definitive numbers on the hemi, but i know the 348 was only built a few years in the early to mid 60s, and both look great in a 30s rod. All things being equal, which engine would you suggest I buy now?
For what? If it was me I would take the baby Hemi because I like them and they are a sweet little motor. But only an idiot would chose one over a 348 if he was restoring a 1958 Chev. The 348 was basically a truck motor, when introduced it would not outperform a stock 283, no kidding. 1958 road tests bear this out. The hi perf 283 would beat the 348. Today, you would be hard pressed to make one outrun a good 350 no matter what you did to it. The DeSoto hemi was little brother to the legendary Chrysler Fire Power. They were as close to a racing engine as you could get in a stock Detroit car at that time. They had good success in racing cl***es broken down by displacement but of course, had to bow to larger engines. Would make an excellent street engine in a light car but once again, you would have to spend at least twice as much money to get the same performance as a stock 350 Chev. So, to my mind the DeSoto is a much better hot rod motor but for street use, it is more or less a matter of which you prefer. Frankly I don't think there would be much between them performance wise. The Chev's displacement advantage is counter balanced by the hemi head's breathing and BMEP advantage. Now if you were building a dump truck motor I would say the 348's displacement and torque gave it the edge. By the way the 348 was introduced in 1958, it and the very similar 409 were built until 1965 when they were replaced by the 396 - 427 big block series of engines. The DeSoto hemi was introduced in 1952 and was made until 1957, then was replaced by the Chrysler corporate big block B and RB engines. (Incidentally there were NO replies to this question when I started typing. It seems we are all in agreement on certain points anyway)
Depends on what its going in! If you can run sans hood or hood sides, the hemi is the natural choice. Now, I love hemi's. But putting a hemi under a hood and not being able to look at it seems like a bit of a waste. So, if its going to spend most of its time covered up, why not the 348? And if its going in a '58 Chevy, go with the Chevy! Also, while Desoto hemi's were made from '52-57, the 276 was only made for 3 years, from '52-'54. The 291 came out in '55, and it was quickly replaced with the 330 and 341 in '56. 345 was '57 only.
The Top 4 dressed up engines for hoodless cars are: 1. The flathead Ford V8, 32-53. 2. The Chrysler/DeSoto/Dodge Hemis, 52-58. 3. The nailhead Buick V8s. 4. The W-series 348 and 409 Chevrolet, 58-65. Any of these is as good as the next when it comes to appearances, performance is another thing altogether.
I love Hemi's so I'd go for the 276, but if you're just collecting them, the 348, or both...yeah both. Scotty.
the hemi doesn,t have to cost a lot to rebuild, long as the cranks not hammered they are forged steel but slightly on the soft side, as far as which motor? well they are both very cool, guess you should buy both and plan to build two rods.
If it's about looks you're screwed... They're both insanely good lookin engines. The 348 has the edge in the "different" department - go count how many Hemis you see next time you hit a show, them walk around again and count W-motors.
Wow guys. thanks for the advice. Sorry for the delay in responding, but I had a new 8 pound addition to the family last night at 3:33 am. I really want the hemi, but Im afraid to let the 348 p*** because of the price. I agree both look good in an open hood car. Also, I cant afford both, and the hemi is closer to running. Do I get banned if I add a 700R4 via adaptor to the hemi?
Go for the Hemi. No one will care if it's got a 700r4 for a trans,that's why they make the adapter at Hot Heads.
You have not said what its going into yet did you? For a rod, nothing says hot rod like a hemi. I am putting a 348 in my rod but its because I already had it. I would go hemi if I could.
Awe hell get them both, rebuild one and run it. Rattle can rebuild the other and keep it on the stand or coffee tableize it until you are ready. Be careful though, them hemis are highly addictive. Seems the first is the hardest and before you know it you are tripping on them.. Either one is expensive to build right?
Im going to put it in the 32 Pontiac 5 window i have. I've set the car up and prepped it for moderate channel and 3.5 " chop. I still have some body work to do,but want to drive and fix this project.
What year is the 348? The 58 engines are slightly different than the 59-61's. Even if it is a 58 block, I'd still go with it. There are alot of parts availably for these engines, including new aluminum heads. With modern technology the weak points of 348's, (heavy pistons and weak valve train componets), can be easily fixed. Plus you can always say that it is a 409.
This is truth!!! Hemi's are an oddity of nature, they only need one to multiply. Once they start multiplying, it goes exponential until you're out of space AND money! Hemi. Open hood or no sides and the 276, hands down!
The Jalopy Journal
