Customs 1956 Chrysler New Yorker Custom That’s Been 30 Years in the Making

Where? It’s the bottom of the water jacket.

 

That is an unfortunate set back. It is good that they caught it before the motor was fully ***embled. Since they have sonic tested it and know those are the only holes, they should be able to weld/braze up the holes without too many bad effects. I do think I would want to pressure test it for leaks before it gets built though.

 

The problem isn't in the cylinders, it the coolant area of the block.

 

I think so too. Billy is working on it

 

Great idea. We discussed this and ***essed that his isn't the best option here and are going with tig welding the area instead.

 

So we did do a sonic test of the cylinders when we first tore down the engine, but not the bottom of the cooling p***ages. Once the block came back from the machine shop, we did test these areas on the rest of the block and it seems like the core actually shifted downward when the block was cast and is only isolated to these spots

 

that's the game plan. Billy was able to fill one of the holes so far and still praying the others are fillable as well

 

This could be an option if the other holes are not able to be filled. I am pretty confident we will be able to salvage the block and all the machine work done so far

 

not sure what you mean? maybe expand on the idea a bit more. Always open to different ideas just in case plan a does not work

 

It is a minor set back, but I am grateful it was discovered at the point. The plan is to pressure test and even try and run it on a stand before setting it in the car

 

I'm convinced your tig welding approach will solve the issue. You are fortunate that the breach isn't in the cylinder wall, even though a sleeve probably would have fixed such a problem. Pre-heating the block in the general vicinity of your holes might be tricky but if you've got the right welder, he'll know how to approach that challenge. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

 

On any block you'd probably need an oven to get the whole thing up to temp before welding.

 

Quick update. The welding operation is not going to cut it. I am now on the hunt for another 354 block. Going to work with the machine shop and see if they will give me a discount on the next round of machine work, and do a better job at checking the block before doing any machine work.

This is going to slow things down on this project. I was targeting to get it back on the road and make it to the Roundup, but do not see that happening now

 

Damn.

 

Man, that’s disappointing I’m sure, but looking at the big picture, just think about how bad it would have been if the engine was ***embled and back in the car and then you found coolant in your oil. Hope you can find a suitable block relatively quickly.

 

100% agreed. Glad this was discovered before ***embly and installation. Wish they found it before spending $1,800 on machining a block that is no good. But could have been a lot worse

 

Ouch. I have a good friend locally that has a few early hemis. I’m thinking he may have a 354, untouched that he bought a few years ago out of a 55 or 6 Chrysler. I will see him tomorrow and will ask him if he does and if he might part with it. I don’t think he will ever use it. The problem with all this would be the distance between you and me. I’m in southeast Mo. and I was thinking you are closer to Austin Tx. I’m going to the Dallas area the second weekend in February but that’s still a pretty good drive for you to there.

 

Unlike. Sorry to hear this Matt. Hopefully another block will turn up quickly.

 

sorry for the late reply. I’m in India for work and at the airport as we speak, heading home. If you are able to find out if he has a block, that would be amazing. Thank you so much for willing to help out! I’m willing to drive just about anywhere to grab a block when I find one

 

thanks Dave! I’m sure there will be a block out there somewhere

 

funny enough, I will be in Dallas on 2/10 thru Friday 2/13.

 

Oh no problem. Glad to help if I can. We got a good amount of winter weather last weekend and today was the first day my buddy has even been out. I went by his shop and asked him if he had a 354. He wasn’t sure but thought he might. All of his motors and such are in a different building and he said we could go over maybe Monday if it’s warmer and see what we could find. He knew for sure he had some baby hemis and also a couple of poly blocks. Anyway, I’ll be sure and let you know as soon as I find out something.

 

I sent you a pm

 

FYI, I looked and have not received a PM yet

 

Good grief. I must have typed it all out and failed to hit “start conversation “. I’ll try it again.

 

All good Ron. I appreciate your help

 

The good news is, the 354 Hemi was also used in industrial, truck, and marine applications from '57 through about '62. The exact same block was used in the (undesirable and cheap) 354 Poly that was in most '58 Chryslers, as well as some later trucks. There's also the option of boring a '54-up 331 Hemi or Poly block to 354 bore size. What I'm saying is, you don't have to buy an expensive p***enger car 354 to source a good block for your project.

 

Good to know.

 

Thanks for the info. I am currently on the search for a 354 poly and hemi block. I have a solid lead on an industrial engine that came from a generator with supposedly, only 50 hours. The numbers are not making any since from casting numbers I've seen so far. See below. He said it's a 354.

 

just found some numbers and it looks like this is a 331. If it's a 331 bored to take std 354 pistons, that's not going to work for me