in my current project im going to be using pre-52 parts only. its a roadster modified project that im running a 51 331 hemi. i want to know what others have had experience with transmission wise, whether i should try and go 39 top loader or something else early ford, or if there is another early manual out there that is effective with early hemi's. im not opposed to runnin a closed driveshaft either. i just want something that can handle about 250hp and wont kill the wallet when i gotta get the adapter plate. so lets hear what early transmissions u hemi guys are runnin, and how they perform. thanks in advance
I'm sorry, I thought you were talking about the Dodge 241 Hemi as being the "Baby"!! And fwiw, years ago, Toyota copied it and sold it in a non-export car b/c onna the mag's did a story about a guy that, (I think imported), had one in a rod he'd created and the guy said it was almost to the nuts and bolts identical to the Dodge 241 engine.. Isn't nothing sacred................. pdq67
A neighbor had a 331/toploader in his A bone 15years ago. All I remember is that he was always removing the transmission....... If memory serves correct, it had skinny tires and was relatively stock. Conclusion is that it served for transportation purposes, but dont stand on it too much.
First time here. Not a hot rodder in the conventiopnal sense, but here is what the hot set up was 45/50 years ago. A '37 Cad-laSalle . last year as a floor shifter. we used a 30, side shifter in a dragster. Art
While I agree that a 331 isn't a "baby" I don't believe the yarn about the dodge clone. Toyota gets more horsepower out of a 4 Cylinder stock than the Dodge would make injected and on nitro with 50 degrees advance.
ok i realize there is a smaller hemi, but 331's are considered baby hemi's in my small world, so with that said...how about some transmission options from some guys who know whats up with different hemi setups, i dont need help deciding if my lingo is correct
Take a look at the wil-cap web page for what they can adapt to the extended bellhousing: "P/N 392-EFM Adapts the Early Hemi to the Ford 1932-1948 or Merc 1939-1950, Ford Truck 1/2 to 1 1/2 ton 1949-1953 transmission." Looks like that's pretty much it.
The Jalopy Journal
