Alright, let's talk DeSoto Hemi.

I've got a line on a pair of '55 291 DeSoto Hemis for $900.

One is for parts, it has a cast iron 4bbl intake, a broken rod, and a gouged crank.

The other is a runner, it had a 2bbl when it ran, but they put a Weiand cast 4x2 intake on it with 97s to mock it up for a Model A roadster and haven't started it since. It has some linkage pieces, but it's not progressive and it's not complete either.

I want to jump on it, but part of me is saying hold out for a Chrysler. Number one, is this stuff worth it? I believe it is. But I'd rather not store them if I intend to run something else. Is anything interchangable between the 291s and the later 341/345 tall deck engines? The 97s need to be rebuilt.

I haven't had a chance to look at any of it. Give me some advice before I go down there on Friday.

 

I'd take it myself. The 4 barrell intake off the junker will get you 100 bucks (I'm ***uming you're gonna run the 2X4) and they're strong engines. They are heavy f*er's, though. Unfortunately they won't swap the key stuff with the tall decks without modification. They are cool, they can be built up and I think they are undervalued. Versus a Chrysler 331 hemi? I'd take Desoto, though there is more stuff availble for the Chrysler, I like the different. my 2cents

 

Heres my old 56. It had a 330 with a 4-barrell, ran smooth. I miss it...

 

A low deck 291 4-bbl can be sold for $150 pretty easily, maybe even a little more. I have seen a bare 4x2 weiand for the 291 sell for as much as $600. I would say if the carbs are in good rebuildable shape, and the intake isn't cracked/welded/corroded beyond use they are probably worth the 900 asking alone. Plus a runner 291, definetely a good deal. You just need to decide if you want a desoto or a chrysler.

 

I wish you still had it too.

1956 and '57 DeSotos are my favorite finned cars. And yes I do know they are completely different.

Thanks Blair. Kinda the same thing I was thinking. The intake has the bosses that allow for mounting on two different engines, I believe it was the low-deck DeSoto and Dodge?

 

Although they look similar, the Weiand Dodge and Desoto intakes do not interchange. Two different part numbers, two different manifolds altogether. The Weiand Desoto 4x2 intake only fits '52-55 according to my 1964 catalog.

Are you talking about the bosses for drilling and tapping holes to mount the generator bracket?

 

I think that the dodge and desoto weiand manifolds were made from the same casting, and then drilled for the two different bolt patterns. The port spacing is close enough to make it work.

 

That could be, but the seller mentioned it was on every intake bolt hole.

I haven't seen the intake to confirm...

 

Mine had cracked exhaust manifold from a p/o screw up at the muffler shop. I found another manifold on the HAMB for a good price and found small fractures in it too{but it was still better than what I had,all in one piece still} so check the manifolds for heat and stress fractures. seems kinda common on the red rams and desotos
R.R.

 

My dad had a 291 rebuilt in his 55 a couple of years ago. Cost was 2100-2300 $.

 

As everyone has said the intakes are almost worth the $900!!

JUMP on them

 

Yeah, the stock 4bbl intake for a low-deck Desoto is more like $300+ if you've been watching eBay for them, and the dual intake is gold too, just that stuff will get you your money back if you ever have to sell out. I'd say it's a screamin' deal.

 

There are two camshafts in the deal.

Thanks everyone. I believe I'll jump on em...

 

I sold one of the 4 barrel intakes for 400 a litttle while back...Now I wish I had it back...EVILT