Current 34 Ford 3w has a 350 SBC but I have a 354 Hemi in the shop. The Hemi is not complete but I do believe I have most of the major parts. The question is, is it worth it to build the 354 and swap out the SBC. Thoughts?
Well, the hemi is a cl***ic, but that's a hefty lump of Detroit wonder metal in the front of a light car. I pulled the Olds 394 out of mine and inserted an aluminum headed 383 dressed like an FI 327. I know opinions will differ but after having had a Chrysler in my '39 a long time ago I just don't care for all that m***.
If you're driving in a straight line or going hoodless or if you wanna impress the Cars & Coffee crowd, then definitely choose the Hemi. But if you're keeping the hood, or if you plan to drive the car agressively on twisty backroads, then the SBC is the better choice. I love my 354, but it adds 100 lbs to the front end compared to an SBC, and as a result, noticeably understeers.
You`d might have to run without the hood sides or modify with blisters, but your car looks perfect as is.
I may get roasted for this but what the heck. I equate old Hemi's to old Ford flatheads. Everybody thinks they look cool. Everybody loves the sound Both are bucket list engines for hot rodders. Both take a whole bunch of money to get half the HP of a mild SBC Your car...your money...your decision.
It's a loaded question. It's sort of like "How deep is a hole?" I guess you need to decide what you are after. What is the goal of changing it out?
If you are a regular at Barret Jackson, you would already know the answer. The Hemi will provide a nice on the investment when and if that day comes. Until then you will have to keep some wet wipes handy if you build it to any level at all. Damn the hoods! Full speed ahead!
What is your "worth it" as far as this is not primary transportation? The others have covered the fit, weight, cost and resale. Is it time to refresh the rest of the car? (BTW, it looks great) What trans? Same use or different too?
It's easy for us to say HEMI! but we dont have to pay for it or drive it. It's your car, build it your way.
Depends if 354 for looks or Performance For Looks 354 , If for performance and NA it needs MFI on Nitro or 13:1 on Alky plus
Hemi's are cool in the right car. I have a couple of them, but I would take your car in a heartbeat with a sbc and sure wouldn't want to remove the hood sides or blister them. If you need a new engine, rebuild the small block and keep the hood closed. Most won't know the difference. Although there are a few like me that look thru the louvers to see what's in there.
Agreed 100% your car your way but in this case you way includes what is going to be and extra 4000 dollar investment over a 3fiddy. I've got a 56 Desoto 330 in the shed in pieces that has a lot of cool factor But the cost of buiding it to be up to it's potential of cool is high. dual 4 intake 1879.99 1956 1957 Desoto Hemi Dual Quad Intake 341 or 330 Mopar 4 Barrel 2x4 Manifold | eBay Just a complete gasket set 423.70 For 1952-1957 DeSoto S-15 276 291 330 341 Hemi Front Complete Engine Gasket Set | eBay I couldn't even find the complete rebuild kit that i had watched for years. Simply put, if you have the coin to do it right the cool factor is there and it has reasonable power but for half the money you can get a lot more power out of a 350. Bubba factor vs dollar per HP.
The Chrysler 300B engine was rated at 340 HP, while the New Yorker and Imperial 354 engine configuration produced 280 HP. Dual 4-barrel carburetors and a more aggressive mechanical camshaft resulted in the increased power. Please tell me where I can get one of these mild SBC that produce 560-680 HP.
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