I'm looking into buying and using a Dodge 241 for a future project which would be a fenderlesss '30 Model A Coupe. This thread has been going a long time and the Hemi-Tech thread and all of the sub-threads have been very educational! I went to look at a 241 Dodge Red Ram today that a friend hoarded away as a possible rebuild candidate. It appears to be pretty complete. Engine is currently stuck but barring it having a broken crankshaft or cracked block it seems it would be worth taking a gamble at the $400 price. Somewhere, in one of the Hemi-Tech sub-threads there were a couple dimensioned drawings of various hemis. If the one drawing I saw was indeed for a 241 it showed the length at 30 1/2" or 31 1/2" from the rear of the block bellhousing surface to the flange of the water pump. As difficult as it was to get to the 241 today, and being as careful measuring as I could be, I only came up with a length of about 28 3/4"! If I were to buy and rebuild the 241 I would likely make the change to a SBC short water pump to possibly save space, and reduce the weight a bit. I'm not certain now though if the SBC short water pump and the adapters needed would actually shorten the overall length any. Could someone with a 241 confirm the length from the back of the block to the water pump's flange for the fan, and note what pump is being used? I'd really appreciate it! I'm still on the fence about buying, rebuilding and using the 241. Barring any really unexpected problems it seems by the time I'd buy an aftermarket aluminum intake, and a transmission adapter it would get into my pockets to the tune of about $4000, and maybe $5000 is actually more realistic. I'd be considering a basically stock rebuild but add a reground hydraulic flat tappet cam and either a single 4 barrel or 2 X 2 intake and carbs. The Hemi-Tech thread has to be one of the most helpful and longest-running threads on the HAMB! Thanks! Lynn
This probably should be a seperate build thread. IDK if it can be moved. So, what do you plan to use the little guy for? Yes, it is a Hemi but, it is also 241 inches. A high-er performance rebuild can produce 1hp/in but...probably not for $4k. It might be possible to do a basic rebuild for $4k...maybe...but the aluminum stuff will add alot to final cost. The oem water pump is very efficient and I have rebuilds on the shelf if needed. Yes, a trans adapter 'package' adds some cost, and some are more money than others depending on the trans used. If your stock-ish rebuild includes oem style cast pistons don't complain about 7:1 c/r not liking a peppy cam grind. ...options...options...options.... .
I had no idea my post and question might be off topic for the thread. If it is I'll delete my post #123 and this one. Lynn
I wouldn't say it off topic for this forum, but you will get more replies and advise if you start your own thread with the same information you posted here. In this post it will not get as many views without having to read through 5 pages of other post before yours.
A few posts back I asked some questions that I understand were a bit specific for the intent of this thread, so I hope this question in general enough. I recently bought a relatively complete 241 and have been tearing it down to evaluate for rebuild. So far it looks promising but in disassembly I found a few things that seem a bit wonky. I've been more organized during disassembly than I usually am and have bagged up bolts separately by their use and in some cases positions in the engine. I'm not looking for specific technical information here, and my real question comes later, but here is an example of what I found that has raised many questions. This engine apparently has been apart before since a quick bore check appears it has previously been bored +.020". During disassembly I noticed several things that would suggest improper prior assembly. A few examples are: rods installed 180 degrees off so that the slot in the rod to lube the cam was facing down rather than toward the cam, arrows on pistons that I assume indicate the front (normal by my experience) are facing forward on one side and rearward on the other side, at least two lengths of head/rocker assembly bolts that were installed at seemingly random positions. I'll stress again I'm not asking here for answers to assembly questions but would like suggestions on a book that would give info specific to the 241/270 Dodge Hemi. One was recommended to me but the copy I found online was over $300.00! I could spend that amount if that's absolutely necessary, but I'm hoping someone could suggest a book or books that are more affordable but still provide accurate information. Thanks, in advance. I hope this post is appropriate for the spirit of the thread. I looked in the resources thread but it appeared those were mostly parts suppliers. Lynn
I bought a 55 Dodge service manual on eBay for about $40 brand new. It is a reprint. All the specs and assy procedures are there.
Thanks Andy. I had been considering a year specific manual. I just looked, found and ordered a '53 Dodge manual on Ebay. I look forward to receiving it and seeing if my 241 was previously assembled correctly. Lynn
You might like my build thread. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/poly-begets-a-hemi.1194565/ It became a Hemi about page 2. 'Tho mine is a 270 it's "essentially" the same engine as the 241 except for the bore dia. And yes, your looking at some serious money if you want spirited performance.
A couple years ago I had a nice 392 all done and I thought it was too big for my 33 5 window. I listed it here for cost at $4500 and it sold very quickly. The buyer sold it for $6000 after changing the intake from a hi rise 4 barrel to a dual quad. I decided I made a mistake and will be starting all over with another Chrysler 392 so I am posting so I can find this again. Thanks all!
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