I think I'll build a car around this early 331 Hemi

A couple of months ago my wife and I went scrounging through a couple AZ junkyards and I came across 3 early Chrysler 331 Hemi engines (1 -'52, 2 - '53s). I kept thinking about them and finally today I drove my truck down to Maricopa and got the '52 Chrysler Imperial Hemi.

It was complete from air cleaner to oil pan and has the flywheel, distributor, all the pulleys, etc... The only drawback is the fact that it has the extended bellhousing and the starter housing is missing, but after some research it looks like Wilcap and others offer plenty of adapter options.

I had thought about putting this in my '38 Dodge business coupe, but have decided to save it for a new "to be determined" project. So, this project is starting with the engine and going from there

 

Nice score! Okay, I'll toss in a vote for a 26/27 T roadster to showcase that hemi. Enjoy!!

 

hmm while your thinking , you should grab the other two also lol , good luck with your project

 

Gary - I like the way you think. My plans will definately leave the engine exposed.

Captain - you crack me up. It would be something to drag 3 Hemis home in one outing

 

Way cool. I was just thinking about that eng yesterday. Glad you got it!

 

Ah! ... A thing of beauty!!

Maybe you should get the other two ... get 'em runnin' ... put one on each side of your garage, crank 'em up from time to time ... and ... voilà ... stereo!

 

I might have the start housing extra.. i check tomarrow

 

Cool - I'll stay tuned

Tom

 

Did u get the hemi from HVAP just outside of Maricopa, AZ? If so, do they still have all the cars they used to have in the old yard, which was closer to Maricopa off of hwy 238? Haven't been there in at least 4 years.

 

Be careful ! Those engines are addictive, soon youll have a garage full!...lol Nice score!

 

Yes - it came from Hidden Valley. And they still have a ton of old iron back there. Lot's of nice projects and parts. They are great folks to deal with too, and let you walk the yard.

Hemi35 - I know what you mean. I couldn't get this one out of my head since I saw it earlier and had to go back for it.

BTW - I pulled the plugs and the valve covers - very pleased to find no sludge, nothing scary yet. Looks like it was well maintained. We'll see as I go deeper but happy so far.

 

I found a spot in the garage in front of my Jeep for the new Hemi. Here are a few more pics. I can easily read all the casting marks on the heads - a good early sign. I can turn the engine over by hand easily with all the plugs out.

 

Sweet! I would love to find an old Hemi.

 

They have 2 more 331s at Hidden Valley in Maricopa, AZ that I know of.

 

man, i wish i had a way to ship one to me, and a clue how much that would cost. i got the flat 6 in my 52 plymouth, but an old school hemi, would look much better. excellent find. cant wait to see what you stick that beast in.

matt

 

Hey Matt,

I'm sure shipping from AZ would be tough, but you should be able to find some of these old MOPARs locally - look for the big cars like Imperials and New Yorkers. We are blessed with a lot of "cl***ic" junk yards here in AZ. Good Luck! Tom

 

Wow thats a good sign to find a hemi with no sludge under the valvecover, alot had soooo much **** that you cant see the valve springs! Id say thats a keeper for sure!

 

Tom, you did well on that 331. It is amazingly clean.

Matt, shipping by truck is not all that bad. Contact brigrat if you really want a Hemi, he has a rebuilt one for sale.

.

 

Cool little 'big' HEMI .
Something like that would look real slick in a small car...like the 26-27 T roadster that was mentioned up a ways....kinda the HUGE motor small car thing..haha
On a different note, i had to laugh at the pic of you with the HEMI....
Only car guy's would take a picture next to a motor like a proud father...too funny, but understandable

 

Im also looking for the lower start housing, anyone know where i can find one.

 

Thats one of cleanest engines I have seen coming from a salvage yard. Congrats on such a great find. I agree with a few of the guys, I think it would be cool in a T-roadster.

 

I think you guys are right - go the T (or similar) route. I have never built one so I will have to start reseaching it. Is it best to just make my own frame or start with something vintage?

 

Kenobi - "This not the engine you want"
39dodgebiz - " I don't wan't this engine"
Kenobi - "You want to trade it to Daddyfink for a more popular SBC"
39dodgebiz - "I think I am going to trade it to Daddyfink for an SBC, they are more popular"


All kidding aside, great score and yes, it would look killer in a T!

 

You almost had me

 

Wow! Nice score!! Welcome to the extended bell block family!

 

Nice find!!!!

 

Hell.........I would try and fire it up the way it sits!

 

It's tempting but at a minimum I would feel better with new rings, etc... We'll see how it looks as I "dive deeper"

 

im with you man, its so clean, try to fire it as it stands

 

Ok now I have a reason to drive down to AZ, I have a model and contemplating a SBC, but would rather have a HEMI. thats my goal this year find a HEMI in an old mopar and sneak it in my garage!!!

congrats man. I too wish i was closer and available to purchase one.

Nice start on a NEW project by the way!