Hey guys and girls, I have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. I've been researching and researching serial numbers and casting numbers for 1gn HEMI's but am having no luck in finding any info at all with the numbers my buddy is giving me. His father has a 331 Chrysler Firepower Hemi that I will be purchasing soon. It is in rough shape, and torn apart. But for the price, I cant say no. Pics were sent to me showing the numbers. Even if it turns out UN-salvageable it will make a great conversation piece in my "man cave". Tho, I hope not because I want to use it. I can't find anything, so if anyone can help out and give me info about the engine based off the numbers it will be GREATLY appreciated. So far, I have come to determine the engine is 1954 or newer do to the oval exhaust ports on the head (opposed to the earlier hemi's having round exhaust ports). It has a 4-barrel intake manifold and flat top pistons (7.5-1 compression). All this info lead me to believe it was either a 1954 331 Firepower hemi engine with the rated 235hp + 330lb-ft or a 1955 331 Firepower hemi engine with the rated 250hp + 340lb-ft out of a car. But I can't find anything when I type in the numbers. What I got: Serial Number: C72-278-7C Casting Number: 1618828-1AB B276
first off, please go to the intro section and do an intro per protocol. (just trying to save you from the flack) second, on the back of the engine there should be a plate with the numbers you need near the bellhousing (atleast mine had it)
I'm looking at the Complete Chrysler Hemi engine manual and that number does not come up in the casting number list for the block. I don't see any engine ID with that letter number combination. I see a C51-8, C52-8 and C53-8 and for 1954 the combos are C541-8 and C542-8
That serial number is not here either.... http://www.hotrodreference.com/942/early-hemi-identification-by-engine-number/
Ok, thanks man. I'd hope people have better things to do then give me flack about not introducing myself after joining the website 3 years ago. lol. The serial numbers he got were at the top of the block by the water pump. I'll tell my buddy to check out there as well. Thanks again
I got beat on my reply. lol. Ya, that is the weird part. I've checked a lot of sites and the numbers just don't match. I just don't understand and am dumbfounded. The serial number above is the one he sent a pic of. I didn't get a pic of the casting number he gave me. The pic's he sent were all texted on my cell, so I don't know how I'd get em up on here
How do you know it's a 331 if you can't find the numbers? Or even a Chrysler? I am ***uming that i's a short bell block.
ahh yes the numbers should be up top by the water pump as well. give us some pictures and we will see what comes of it
My buddy told me it is a 331, or at least he thinks. He also told me it has the "Chrysler Firepower" valve covers. I'm just going with the info I've been provided so far, but the numbers just aren't matching up with anything I can find. I'm starting to think the engine may be something else??????????????????????? I'm going to try uploading pics off my cell phone tomorrow if I can figure out how, and that may help.
honestly it would probably be way cheaper to get a more complete engine and go from there, unless you have a source for super cheap hemi parts
I am far from a hemi expert, but I do know they made lots of engines for industrial uses and for marine applications as well. I wonder if that could be the source of the mystery casting number?
It probably would be, but I was offered this engine for $150. So even if I was to get it and have it for parts, a longterm build or conversation piece I don't want to let it go if I can find out what it is. If the block and heads are good, they together are worth more then that
I was starting to think the same thing. Cuz my buddy has no idea what the engine came out of, as it has been in a shed for years. Till the shed recently fell down.
the industrial engines most of the time didnt have the numbers up top like that. they had the tags on the bellhousing
There is a 1956 331 truck block with the casting number 1619829. I'm just guessing here, but if the first and last number 8's in the casting number you give above are difficult to read, they might actually be number 9's, then you might have a match. What are the casting numbers on the heads?
The shed must not have been providing much protection even when it was up because that thing looks like it has been out in the open for years at least. I'd check for some obvious damage to the block before I'd even consider $150 for it. Otherwise real good chance you are just buying some s**** iron there.
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