Hemi which one 331 or 354 price???

I have the chance to buy a 1955 331 fully rebuilt this year with receipts for parts and machining for $5000.00 complete carb to pan and I can hear it run on a test stand is this a good deal or way to much.

Or I can buy a 1956 354 fully rebuilt 2 years ago with receipts for parts and machining but I can't hear it run as its minus ignition and carb for $3800.00.

Which one sounds the like better deal??? if any??

 

If you were to buy a good shaped core and rebuild it (and put some new parts in like cam, adjustable pushrods, etc), you'd be at about 5k or over. If the engine has everything you'd want in it, then that's probably about right (just based on what I have in my own 354).

Some of the 331's had the extended bellhousing, so that's something to consider.

The rebuilt 354 sounds like a nice deal if all it's missing is carb & dizzy too. You're taking the leap of faith because you can't hear it run. Do the receipts include one from the engine shop? That would add some comfort level in my book.


Also, to compare the engines, you really need to know more about each (cam specs, compression for example). I would think that a higher compression 331 would have more power than a lower compression 354. Just depends on what your plans are for the motor.

 

im close to five on my 331 and its not even finished!!!

 

IF it's a '55 the 331 is a short tail block. in original condition the 354 has more comp than the 55 331. He didn't mention what C/R either one was built with.

 

In addition to the other comments . . .

To me, it would come down to the receipts, the quality of the parts and the machine shop that did the work. You should be able to call the machine shop and talk to them about the 'build sheet' as well -- unless you already have it.

I'm very hesitant to buy anything without the receipts, machine shop reputation/check, etc.. Seems that every "engine ran when I pulled it" and other "just rebuilt a couple years ago" story that I get involved in ends up with me rebuilding the motor anyway

I'd say that to buy a core and build a basic high-performance 354, you'll be a ways north of $5,000 in most cases.

Now before somebody slaughters me . . . yes, I know there will be somebody who says "I just built mine from a table leg for $2,000" . . . more power to yah

 

Also . . . if you like building engines, have a good machine shop that you have a relationship with and all that jazz, why not find a 354 core and build it yourself? At least you'll know exactly what is in it and you can select the parts and machining processes YOU want? It will take more time and probably a bit more than $5,000 (especially if you want all the fun and "shiny stuff"), but you'll know it top to bottom.

Just another thought . . .

 

Bored & Stroked is right. If you like to build engines (as I do ) buy a good core, mag it, and build it new. I just finished my 270 and it was way north of $5000 but I know exactly what I have

 

Nice looking engine! I'm sure you have closer to $10K in it . . . but then again, you have all the "shiny go fast stuff" that I like

 

Guys thanks for all the advise!!
I will be sure to put a few calls into the shops that did the work on these engines before making my decision.

Thanks
27

 

Is that an early Mopar alternator? If so, what year and where do you find one?

 

Hey Gear27, since we're both from Ontario, care to share where the hemi that you decide not to buy might be located? You know, for uh, safety purposes...