1955 291 Hemi complete engine worth?

Yes, that 291 has been on there for over 6 months... still hasn't sold. I did some research and it looks like I am going to p*** on these. I have talked to a couple other engine builders around here and they agree that they can't remember the last time they sold anything for a 291 either.

Thank you for everyone who posted, this is what I needed to hear from both of you as far as parts go.

I have been following hemi's for a couple years on evilbay and also through the cl***ifieds on here and CL... He didn't know anything about hemis when I talked to him and didn't know that he cant sell these cars whole if they are not in his name (has the ***le signed from the previous owner, but not in his name). Technically, he is selling someone else's property until he ***les it in his name... so I will dodge this bullet for now, if any of you are interested in these I can have them sit in my garage until you pick them up or give you all of the contact info for the guy.

I figure if I am going to blow 1.5k or more on a rebuild I will go all out... 392 is what I am going to gun for. thanks guys

 

Thankyou, to those that replied to my inquiry. I too am going to let that one go, as I am unable to use an extended block/bellhousing in my build.

 

He can sell the cars just as parts cars no ***le needed. I didn't know guys were so picky when it came to Hemi engines.

 

'59 Apache, how are you planning on driving the finished car? Is the emphasis primarily on looks? Any Hemi looks good in a 'rod. And if the cleaner, free-turning engine is a Fireflite (see intake and the numbers), it had 200 honest hp minimum from the factory -- not shabby for '55. Anyway, you might be able to dress that 291 up, put the right carb and exhaust on it and make the scene for way less than you think.

But, if you have a dual goal of being able to turn super ETs in the quarter, too, the low-deck DeS isn't a rabbit out of a top hat. And you'd have other systems in the car to consider there, as well. But, 392s command tremendous green. (Costwise, the difference between early Dodge/DeS Hemis and the 392 Firepower is like St. Charles VS Park Place in Monopoly, if you see what I mean.) So, I'd think twice about p***ing on that better DeS engine there.

Is the guy willing to pull it for you as part of the $500? If so, I'd go for it. (If I had a spare $500 lying around, I'd probably drive to Indiana to get it myself.) As Gary and Tom indicated, since it's probably not a pig-in-the-poke motor, you can probably part it out and put the $ toward a 392 fund. Whatever, but it could sit in the corner while you take time to decide the right course.

Since I already have a 291, I'm not seeking another one, but a 330. And, there's one HAMBer who put 330 heads on his 291 (a**** other things) and got a big jump in hp. (RatBastad is in LOVE with these low-deck, fast revving Hemis, BTW.)

If the guy doesn't want to pull the engine for you -- and you have the equipment to pull it yourself -- then get him to include the ****** too (leave it attached) in the package for $500. Even though you probably won't use the trans in the long run, I believe it would be helpful to you in ways that wouldn't be obvious until the project gets farther along.

Gary, Tom and the other contributors have made super points, but the ultimate choice depends on just what your goals are and how much money you want to spend before the car finally rolls out, you know?

Bottom line: For any guy who wants the look of a Hemi, but without the financial pain of a '92 or a 426, I wouldn't turn my nose up at an early low-deck DeSoto, Dodge, or a 354 low-deck, either. And, the pep of the low-decks might actually surprise you.

 

Ouch!!!

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Not real sure where you got the $1500 number from. If you are banking on that for an Hemi rebuild I strongly suggest that you start a spread sheet and build a 'virtual' engine so you can count the 'pennies'...

I have 392 cores available and would be happy to put one together for you but I don't want to be the cause of your myocardial infarction...

.

 

1500 bucks was the cost of a rebuild kit for the 291's that I priced (full engine, including pistons, cam, etc.). If I am going to blow 1500 on a rebuild kit for a smaller hemi that I won't get quite the satisfaction I want out of it.... I would rather just save up for a 392 instead. I already have a 350 chevy in my Plymouth with plenty of hp that I built with my Dad when I was younger, I just want something more traditional and mopar in the near future. Just like with my other work, if I am going to do something I am going to do it in a big way; IF I am going to do the engine swap I am going to go all out.

And I have had a myocardial infarction before, what's another one?

 

No it is not a fireflite, if it was I would have snagged it... 500 bones for me to pull it and its the engine only, it is in a soggy gr*** driveway, so I don't think he thought that through too well. He still hasn't been able to sell them for over a week because now he refuses to pull them himself or move them to a driveway so they can be pulled.

To answer some of your other questions, I am just looking to drive it around locally, maybe to some bigger shows in the states surrounding. I would like to take it to the strip every once in a while. Overall, I am just looking to make a nice investment in an engine and have something that people don't scoff at when they walk by. I agree about tossing a few clams into a 291 and getting closer to I want out of it, but I would be more willing to jump at it if it were a 331/354 (of course if that were the case I would have had a different subject line like "look at what I just picked up!". There are a couple 354's that have popped up in my area, I am going to take a look at those. Overall, I have 300+ hp in this 350 chevy that is in the Plymouth right now and it has like 5 miles on it and since its done it is basically free... If I am going to build another engine for thousands of dollars it needs to have more power to it than what I currently have and something that needs to justify me putting my time and money into, plus being a good investment

 

My Son has a 291 that he paid $400 for a few years ago, saving it for some future project. It turns free but needs totally rebuilt, which isn't cheap for any hemi.

When he bought it I called Hot Heads to ask if it was a desirable engine and they said "There are no bad hemis, some are just better than others." We have found out parts for the 291 are not as available as say a 392, but people like Vintage Speed now sell a 3 or 4 carb intake for them.

Don

 

all the fireflight is is a 4 barrel manifold. it's rated 10-15 hp higher than the 2 barrel. you're not going to run the stock intake anyway, so what's the difference.
the desoto hemis are a bit narrower and shorter than the chryslers, so they might tend to fit better in some applications.

 

Thanks, 59Apache. Literally, you are a gentleman and scholar (of Hemis). The fact that you aren't defensive shows clearly that you really have set clear goals, have adequate budget and expectations, as well ascommitment level for your project. You've already done what the real HAMB Hemi heads told me four years ago. Congrats. You're not one of the guys who'll bog down when unexpected needs and COSTS start to happen.

Once you find your 392, I hope you do a build thread, 'cause you're sure to succeed! Sincere best luck! Work safely, buddy.

 

Just an FYI. You might want to double check the 291 intake sources, as to what is actually available. The Vintage V-8 single 4bbl is the best low deck Desoto intake by far. It is also the only one made with the thermostat housing as part of the intake.

 

Vintage V-8 Desoto intake.

 

Yeah, that is a nice piece, well done. Too bad they don't expand the listings.

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