Hey guys i just got a complete 331 hemi out of a 54 chrysler new yorker a month ago. The plan is to do a stock/mild hop up rebuild. She will be going in my 49 plymouth that is running the stock flat 6. Don't need anything crazy as the power difference from the flat 6 to a stock hemi should be noticable. I'm looking to use as many stock parts as possible to keep costs down but would like to do some mild hop ups. Will probably run stock rods, crank, heads, intake and carb. Thinking about going 10:1 compression and a mild cam. Im looking for reliablity for the most part plus a little added performance so i can beat on it once in a while. Have bee doing alot of reading in the Hemi Tech and other threads, but really need some input on what parts and setup i need to be looking into. What works well together and what to avoid. Looking for Cam spec's, hydraulic or solid lifters, pistons, rings, dizzy. Any and all information is greatly appericated. Once i it all planned out i will do a complete stock/mild hop up rebuild thread this winter. Thanks Matt [/url][/IMG]
On my 331 I just went the easy route and ordered a rebuild kit from hot heads, but I upgraded the camshaft and upgraded the pistons to the custom forged Ross pistons.
First stop in rebuilding a early Hemi is the loan department at your local bank. Good luck with the "keep costs down ".
As was mentioned, check with HH & other cam suppliers & get a new 354 cam so you can run an LA timing chain, & custom pistons in the 9-10 C/R range. For parts, gaskets & such check with Rock Auto, Q.E.C.(73RR, Gary, here on the HAMB), HH ect. About the only big thing to think about is the oil pump/Int. shaft/dizzy set up. The modding of the rear cap to take the new Melling 392 pump seems to be a good idea, maybe with a Kent Redd shaft, or a Kent Redd shaft & adaptor for an unaltered 340 HV pump. You can have '55 331/'56 354 or 392 valves put in.
George, thanks for the plug. Just a note about Kent, he died last year in a farming accident. Matt, the main cap mods to mount an M50 oil pump should be considered. Yes, rebuild parts are available for the old pump but the M50 is a proven piece. Carefully inspect the rocker arm shafts and rockers for any wear or signs of galling. If you can feel anything with a fingernail then it's rebuild time. Plenty of forged pistons available, differentiated only by price. Shop around, mine start at $733/set w/pins. There are plenty of cam profiles available, but some shops only offer a couple on new sticks when they are available. Check every cam manufacturer you can find...I was recently unable to locate any 354 cores for a customer. Properly reground 354 cores are plenty fine for your 331. Yes, adjustable pushrods or custom length 1-piece pushrods will be required with a regrind but should be used in all applications. Yes, you can regrind your stock shaft and install stock t-chain and gears and your stock cam parts can also be modified for the double roller. Look for a thread by monc440. If you want to run an LA distributor I will have new intermediate shafts available this week. .
Thanks for the info guys. Maybe its just me but it seems like the more i read about hemis the more confused i get. Just looking to keep the build simple, reliable, and some mild performance. 73RR, i will probablly be bugging you some more. Thanks
Thanks guys for all the info. 73rr has been a huge help and will be as I get going. Gotta little more homework to do and then the teardown will begin. I plan on doing a complete teardown and rebuild thread soon. Lotsa pics and tech. Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app
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