I got a 354 Hemi that was built 15 to 20 years ago. It was never started. Are the valve springs that have been compressed all these years damaged? This motor was built with race parts and I'm concerned about it setting for so long un-rotated. I plan on taking it all back apart to relube all the bearings. I also need to mic the cam to see how radical it is. How would I get a cam speic guide to know how to set the timing and all for first start?
Maybe you should leave the old, possibly weaker, suspect springs in to break the engine in, and then replace them later on?
I wouldn't be concerned with the springs. Engines have set for a lot longer and been resurrected with no spring issues. Those springs are probably higher quality than you can get nowadays anyway. And I wouldn't take it completely apart to relube the bearings, just do a normal Mopar pre-lube like dirt t said before starting it. Pull the intake manifold and valley cover off, and use a dial indicator and degree wheel to figure out the cam specs. No reason to do a teardown for that either.
Unlike the others, I see some red flags, not just because it is a Hemi, but due to the age. What, exactly, defines 'race parts'? are they even suitable for your use? The age would be an issue, for me, not knowing how it was stored/handled. Moisture is not your friend on a fresh engine. So, a gasket set will cost about $175. How much is the 'inside' information worth? .
Thanks for the advice on the springs guys!! when i bought it i was told it had a radical Cam. I pulled the heads when I bought it to make sure that the pistons where like i was told. So I will have to buy a gasket set anyway.They are domed. I can't remember the brand how. I have heard about the grease that they use to use 20 years ago to build engines can get hard if not started.I've had it quite awhile just setting in the coner of my shop waiting for the right car. The car I had to put it in burnt in a fire.
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