I found a 52 331 in a yard and a 57-58 354 poly motor, in the same yard. I am trying to figure out what I can do to get the 331 up in HP. Can I use anything off the 331 other than the heads to bolt up to the 354 block? I thought the bore was different as well. Stock on the 331 is 180 horses Stock on the 354 is either 290, 295, or 310. I am still trying to find out which engine it is, It's out of a Saratoga, but the numbers I got when looked up, only state that it's from a 1957-1958 Saratoga. So basically can I mix any of the poly block and stuff off the 331 to get me more horses in the 331?
Speedo you are correct about the poly and hemi interchange. Buy the book about chrylser hemis from the hot rod library. It has all the info in it. Tim
I do have it, that's what I was unsure about. If I get the 331 and the 354, is the only thing I can use from the 331, the heads? If so, I think the price for the hemi he wants is a bit steep, well what I have to trade for it I should say.
The early heads don't have the water crossover in front. Take a different intake. They are rare,expensive and low power. You would be better off finding later heads with the crossover provision.
Speedo--are you getting the 354 Poly (or have it already)? I'm going to start looking for one to go gasser on my '57 Chevy wagon. How much does this guy want for the 354? I'm actually coming up to Columbus in two weeks, and if you're not interested/using the 354, it'd fit real nice in the back of my Dakota for the return trip to Georgia. Thanks, -Brad
Speedo, If I'm not mistaken, the 331 your looking at has the trans bellhousing integral to the block. This can be a pain if your not going to use the original tranny. I would hold out for a 55 or later 331, 354 or perhaps 392 hemi. With these you could get an adapter to use a 727 or probably just about any other more common trans. Intakes are plentiful for these too. I love the polys also and they're great motors, but hard to get HiPo parts for.
I already "kinda" have both, I guess that's what I shoulda asked, should I finish the deal, or hold out for a post '53 331, 354, or 392. I am leaning more toward the post 331 or the 354. The Spitfire engines, (the guy has 2, that I know of) If I take one, he still has another for sale. Both out of Saratogas, not the Winsor ones. I think he wanted 350.00 for the 354's that's with the tranny.
Speedo, Try calling Bendtsen's Transmission Adapters 763-767-4480. They may make an adapter for the early 331 to a chevy trans. SoS
Did the wife approve this? Must be an even trade, cuz I don't think she'd let go of the pennies! hahaha I wouldn't do it, but that's me.
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