I've got an "opportunity" to buy a 56 330" S24 Desoto hemi, complete from 4 bbl carb to pan for $500. Here's the problem(s): 1. Tossed a rod into the pan. Can't tell if the big end broke first or the pin came out the bottom of the piston first. Piston is still in the bore. Everything rotates by hand. Amazingly, no visible damage to the bore, but the underside of the block has some dings around the bore bottom. Inside of the block pan rail is dinged but no visible cracks. The crank has VERY slight marks on the journal, a score on the counterweight and the mate rod is bent. Tossed rod is in pieces in the pan, and the pan wall has a tear. Very clean inside. 2. Guy wants $500. Searched the archives for info and this might(?) be worth the asking price just for the 4 bbl intake and the heads. 3. What say you experts? Besides normal rebuild pieces it MIGHT need a crank and definitely a couple of rods. What do they go for used? 4. I want/need one for my 40 coupe.
The bottom of the piston probably let go. If the rod held on to the crank, it probably spun around in the pan. I have a block hiding in the back of my garage with the EXACT same situation. I found it cheaper to get an unmolested junkyard block and have it rebuilt. These are very tempermental motors. How badly do you need it? It's REALLY HARD to find cranks used. Rods are obtainable but not cheap. Offer 200...
Sound like an O.K. deal IF the block is GOOD. Rods are pretty cheap & you may be able to turn the crank. I just bought a set of rods off EBAY for $48.00 plus $9.00 to ship. 4bbl manifold is prolly the #1 reason to buy it as you can re~coop most if not all yer $$ outlay. Bad thing about 330~341 DeSoto's is the heads are 95% of the time CRACKED between the valve seats. Took me 5 pairs to get 3 good ones, Though the cracks are re~pairable if you arent gonna beat the **** out of the engine. Id say Buy it if you feel the Block is good & doesent need a sleeve. If you do get it & are gonna run the STOCK oil filter, Be aware there is a bleed back ball & spring under the rear main cap.. DONT LOSE IT ! Check & see if the rod hit & ruined the Cam, Cams are the hardest things to get for a DeSoto. If the Cam is bad & the damage you already stated... I would try & get it less.. Bank on ... Rods, Cam, Crank & maybe block Re~Pair & see if he will give you a better deal. How is all the Tin ? Valve Covers & wire Covers ? Thay hold some value also
Valve covers straight with surface rust. Tubes in place. I have a primo set of wire covers on the wall. I'll check out the cam tomorrow. Thanks for the input. Anybody else? I have to make the call tomorrow. BTW, The car is going to the crusher. Anybody need any parts? It's a 4dr Fireflight with all the trim, perfect rear gl***, good bumpers (Ithink), Surface rust on the sheet metal. Looks like it was parked when the engine let go. PM me TONIGHT or in the AM if you need anything and I will check with the guy tomorrow.
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