I have a chance to buy my first hemi and I just want to make sure I'm not screwing myself. OUCH!! Guy says it's a 354 Chrysler. Is there a way to tell? Also, he has "industrial" heads on it, but also has another set of automobile heads, what's the difference? Comes with an Offy dual quad intake with carbs. 2 set's of nice valve covers. What's something like this in good condition worth? Thanks for any help.... Matt
Get the casting numbers off the block, they are under the valley pan. remove the valve covers and get the casting numbers from the heads too. Either post em or get a Tex Smith Hemi book to look em up. Also when you take the valve covers, check to see it the are adjustable rocker arms, industrials had them...good thing to have. True industrial heads are solid and do not have the front water crossover. Take some pics and post em. My 354 was an Industrial motor, but has auto heads on it...from the factory. Sounds cool. Is it running? A complete rebuild and machining can cost you some cash, But they are cool motors. JJ
Get the numbers stamped on the block near the oil tube. I have seen all sorts described as 354's and 392's. The numbers will tell
Chrysler Industrial and Marine 331 and 354 engines will not have anything stamped into the top front of the block. That is where they stamped the automotive blocks. Chrysler Industrial and Marine 331 and 354 engines had a stainless steel tag attached at the back on the left side near the dipstick. An IND20, 20A, 24, 24A or IND56 is a 331 cubic inch engine. If it really is a 354, the code will be IND56A. While most parts are common between the two, the difference is the 354 has a larger bore. Block casting numbers won't tell you everything, as many "354" casting number blocks were only bored to 3-13/16 (331 size). Remember, these things were mass produced so they used what they could to meet production requirements. Heads are another topic - the ones with water outlet connections on the ends are the "automotive type" that people are talking about. They use engine exhaust heat to heat the intake manifold crossover. The truck and marine heads have a taller rectangular heat crossover passage which uses the engine's cooling water to heat the manifold. Many intake manifolds out there will not properly cover / seal this rectangular heat crossover opening. Most if not all of these truck and marine heads have hardened exhaust valve seats as well as larger 7/16" diameter sodium-filled exhaust valve stems. Most industrials DID NOT have solid lifter cams... or the adjustable rockers that go with it - even though their covers have the corresponding clearance "bumps". Value depends on condition and how bad you want to own it.
"Chrysler Industrial and Marine 331 and 354 engines will not have anything stamped into the top front of the block. That is where they stamped the automotive blocks. Chrysler Industrial and Marine 331 and 354 engines had a stainless steel tag attached at the back on the left side near the dipstick. An IND20, 20A, 24, 24A or IND56 is a 331 cubic inch engine. If it really is a 354, the code will be IND56A. While most parts are common between the two, the difference is the 354 has a larger bore." My 354 had both, IND56A and the casting number on the block. Which makes me believe that nothing about the differences or the standards for these type motors is 100% all the time.
should be i think a ne or ce letter code....on a 56 354.....as to value....i gave 300 for one and 350 for my other ... after they both ended up NOT being 392's.... brandon
You're probably looking at 500-1000 depending on condition. Hemi covers with the adjustable rocker bumps are worth a couple hundy themselves. If it's an original industrial engine, it's also got a fixed-speed camshaft that won't be too friendly to automotive use. Rebuild costs are WAY out there. Be sure you want it enough, lots of these things sitting around because the buyers were expecting chevy rebuild prices, then got cold feet. good luck!
I am currently in the finishing stages of building a nost A/Fuel 354 on 80%. You would not believe the cost. Pistons-$1250 Rods-$1000 Rocker assy's-$2700. But it's gonna be FUN!!!!
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