So I bought a 1937 Plymouth with an updated engine. The value covers say red ram dodge but the carburetor is a gm so I’m a little confused as to what I actually have for an engine. Here’s a couple of photos. I’d like to know what I actually have so I can put an automatic transmission in eventually this winter
I moved this to the main board so more people will see it. You are going to have to find the casting numbers and the stamped ID numbers before it can be completely identified
Go here for checking which size Hemi you have. If those valve covers are the original ones than most likely a 241 http://www.hothemiheads.com/hemi_info/hemi_engine_id.html
You have a little Dodge hemi with a Chevy carb on it. one little trick in this situation, is to use google to search for pictures of Red Ram hemi engines....and you'll see they look just like yours, except for the carb.
No ,no ,no,,,,, That’s one of those rare GM Hemis,,,,,they just painted Dodge on the valve covers to fool everyone . Lol It looks to be a good engine,,,,,should work fine . Like Mark suggested,,,,,get the stamp code off the block and it will tell you everything you need to know . Those numbers and letters will be located ,,,,stamped in the front . In your pic,,,,,right about where the oil fill tube is located,,,,top of block surface . 1953-1954. Red Ram. 241 CID 1955. Super Red Ram. 270 CID 1956-1957. D500. 315 or 325 CID You can get the codes in several places,,,Hot Hemi Heads is one of the easiest to find . By the way,,,those valve covers doesn’t mean that’s what is,,,,they will fit other engine sizes . However,,,only Dodge covers fits a Dodge . Also,,,,Chrysler only fit a Chrysler,,,,,and Desoto only fit a Desoto . Plymouth didn’t have a Hemi,,,,,it was a Poly . Tommy
Well okay, I kinda wondered why it had a gm carb. I do know that the engine was not factory because back then it would have been a straight 6 and not a V 8. Who ever did the work on the car added front and rear disc brakes and a rack and pinion steering. I’m just coming to you guys to get an idea as to what I do have so I can replace the standard transmission with an automatic transmission.
You need an adapter from Wilcap. You can go with any garden-variety GM automatic. Get the starter from them, too. Shifter is up to you. You will need to have a driveshaft made.
The 241 32 barrel was rated at 140 & 150 hp depending on year. As I said in my earlier post go here for all the info you need. http://www.hothemiheads.com/hemi_info/hemi_engine_id.html
That’s a 1954 Red Ram 241 cid. 2 barrel. 150 HP . 68227 is the serial number assigned to the engine . Tommy
Some more interesting reading, history/background www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/chryslers-smallest-hemi-the-1953-57-dodge-red-ram-v8/ www.hemmings.com/stories/article/dodge-red-ram-hemi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine#Dodge
Okay so now we know what engine I have, am I stuck with getting a 727 automatic transmission or can I use something else
Your question was already answered. The 727 was made after Dodge and the other Chrysler divisions finally settled down with their engine and transmission designs, and it won't fit the early Hemis without some effort.
Use whatever tranny you prefer,,,,you will just need the correct adapter . Hemi engines have been used with probably every trans ever built ? Tommy
Hey, what about me ?? OK, some effort, but not massive amounts.... Tap the crank flange, bolt on the block adapter , add the flange adapter, flexplate, converter and off ya go. And a note to the OP, the 904 series does not fit the Hemi engine due to starter location.
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