I have been getting some pressure from one of my Mopar buddies to not crossbread a GM 4.2 liter 6 cylinder into my '52 Dodge truck. Out of respect for him I am entertaining the idea of using a Dodge engine. The first one that comes to mind would be an Early Hemi. Can anyone give me low end and top end budgetary numbers for an engine like this? Looking to build a solid engine but nothing over the top. 10:1 compression or less with cast pistons, if available, a small cam, and either some sort of port injection manifold or multicarb. Thanks for any opinions or advice you can offer on this subject.
I have a hemi already, and from other posts I have read it is pretty pricy. Cant wait to see exact figures . MINE
You can go to Hotheads.com and price some stuff. The Dodge is probably twice the cost of a Chrysler. The 241/270 engines are available. The 315/325 engines are rare and expensive.The adapters to hook a trans to them are expensive.My top pick of an engine is the 55 331 or the 56 354. Call me some time. I'm in Kerrville. 830 895 1643. You might have seen my roadster with the 241 sometime.
Dodge hemi's (red rams) can get expensive, the cheapest early hemi out there is the desoto firedome, pretty much the same engine, just less popular.
The Dodge parts are the highest new..but the engines are cheaper. I know a lot of guys are going to think I'm nuts but I've got a budget 331 going into a '56 F-100..I either do the engine cheap and have a driver OR go 1st cl*** on the mill and have it sittin' on the engine stand 'cuz I ran outta $$$ for the truck. So, I'm budget building my motor. I redoing a 331 Industrial (really a '55 331 p***. car engine)...stock bore (these things don't wear very much) re-use the stock pistons, new rods/mains (if they are needed..otherwise I'll re-use 'em)...genuine Howard cam, Cirello DGM magneto, 6-71 put together from scavanged parts and ebay buys (new drive kit, though), 8-1 compression, stock pan, modified front cover, used Chevy (did I say THAT?) water pump, some HotHeads stuff..I should be rolling, machine work, blower and all for about $2,500.00. Now I've really gotten some deals ($20.00 for the blower!) but it can be done. And when finished, which is worth more...a run of the mill Chev/Ford/318 or the Hemi? Make up your own mind... but if you want a belly-****on car, buy a Honda!
The Jalopy Journal
