going to look at a 392 hemi. its all apart what should i look for and be aware of. i heard they were easily overheated. comes with all the parts to rebuild it supposedly.any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
First thing - if they say it is a 392, then make sure it is. You can grab the numbers on the top of the block (behind the water pump) and then go to 'www.thehemi.com' and check out what it is -- same for the heads (use the casting numbers), same for the crankshaft. You should also have a mic to check the bores and the crank journals. These are strong damn engines - rarely crack, but check it out as good as you can. Make sure the motor mount ears are not broken off - or missing. Checkout the rockers - it probably has non-adjustable ones . . . if they're adjustable, then it is a bonus. Don't worry about crap like water pumps, oil pumps, etc -- you can get all that stuff. The main thing is the block, crank, heads and rockers. Obviously you'll need an oil pan and rocker covers -- the original valve covers look pretty damn good when they're chromed. They are NOT cheap to build - so hopefully you have the scratch to do it and know machine shops that know these old motors . . . not much different than any other motor, you just need to know the parts. Buy "The Complate Chrysler Hemi Engine Manual" by Rod Ceridono - it has a wealth of information. Best of luck - if you have any questions once you see it, drop me a PM.
Yep, B&S hit the nail on the head. Look up the range of 392 #'s and take them with you. The 392 is the "Holy Grail" so to speak of hemis so naturally everybody says they have one. And the good news is, even if it's not a 392, you would then have some real bargaining power for that 354 or 331. Like B&S said, the block, heads, and crank are important, but so are good rocker assemblies. They were known for being full of sludge in the rocker tubes if the owner was not a stickler for maintenance, thus killing the oiling to the rocker arms and causing premature wear. Let us know what you find out and include pics. Steven.
I found a 392 Hemi this past week. It has been bored .040 over, the crank has been ground .010/.010, the block is good to go and has new Venolia pistons on the rods, the heads are there but have not been gone through and have non-adjustable rockers...................all of the machine is done on the block although I don't think there is a new cam...............$3000. Does that sound like a good deal?
With out any work done, 2K-2500 was typical for a core before the recession hit. With new pistons, crank ground & block bored, yeah that's a good price.
As long as you know that the work was done correctly, that is a great price. Hopefully the pistons are the right CR for your intended usage. At that price, by the time you have the heads done and the rest of everything, you'll have $5K - 6K in it . . . which is pretty good for a 392.
Bored&Stroked, If I was to get this for $2500/3000, I assume the heads would be the biggest expense, what would the other major expenditures be. I can certainly assemble the motor myself/check to make sure all is in order.................what if any are the pitfalls in putting a Hemi together from pieces. Thanks John
There are a bunch of threads here, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=7191492 Egge machine, hot heads and others can supply parts. I haven't read all the tech and sold my last hemi 20 years ago. I'd suggest reading up here and then ask about anything that still needs clarifying.
Check the out side of the block on both sides for water jacket cracks around the center freeze plugs I've had at least 5 Chrysler Hemi's with cracks in this area, if there is a minor crack it can be welded but make sure they know how to weld blocks.
Other than the cost of parts, an early Hemi is not really much different than any other engine. If you want to have adjustable rockers (which I sure like), then be prepared to spend about $500 - 750 for a nice set of these. Another expensive area can be with a trans adapter, flywheel, etc. If you want to run a 5-speed or late model auto, call Wilcap or look at their website to see what conversion kits cost. Edit: Should have mentioned TR Waters as well - he is a consistent HAMBer! Things like aftermarket valve covers, manifolds, etc. can cost you some bucks - like most early V8s.. To me the biggest expense of all is the work it takes to fit one of these beasts into an early car. Everybody has everything setup for a SBC or flathead - these Elephant motors take a lot more time, effort and fabrication. Also, things like headers are a pain in the ass, clearance for the firewall, cowl, steering, brakes, etc.. Motor mounts are work . . . . everything is work! But . . . an early Hemi beats the hell out of just another SBC crate motor!
The heads will depend on how much work you wish to have done. A basic rebuild with surfacing will not set you back that much. Transmission adapters are available from myself and others. I would suggest comparing them all before purchasing..there IS a difference. You can easily spend 1/4 again as much as the rebuild on dress up accessories. All depends on what you are going for.
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