I've got a 53 Ford ranchwagon I was gonna put a small block ford into, but then a buddy got me a 331 Hemi. I kinda set it in the space, and I think I can make it fit. Question is, Does it cost a lot more to rebuild and maintain the Hemi??? This is gonna be my shop truck, and I want it to be reliable. Have any of you made a hemi into an early 50's Ford swap? Any advice before I jump into this and waste a lotta time and money?
Hemi parts are expensive. You will get more power from a 351,or a 5.0,for less money. Put the Hemi in a Roadster,for maximum Cool effect.
Unkl Ian got it right. Hemi parts are expensive and hard to find and the 331 is not very powerful. A smallblock Chev is the best choice for cost, parts availibility and power. If you have lots of money, you could put in any oddball engine but Why?? Most people need to do the smartest thing, not the most oddball thing. If you want a real Hemi and Power, get a 392.
Hemi parts are expensive, but if you're that worried about money just get a SBC or something. It's a*****ing hemi! As for a 331 being "not powerful", the main reason the '55 331 made 70hp more than the '51 331 is they gave it more carb. 70hp out of simple bolt on parts, and if you got a better cam and a 2x4 intake you'd be well over 300hp. Used stock hemi parts are NOT expensive and you can get a brand new, even better aluminum intake from Hot Heads for less than $300.
[ QUOTE ] Hemi parts are expensive. You will get more power from a 351,or a 5.0,for less money. Put the Hemi in a Roadster,for maximum Cool effect. [/ QUOTE ] .....bang on!
[ QUOTE ] Hemi parts are expensive, but if you're that worried about money just get a SBC or something. It's a*****ing hemi! As for a 331 being "not powerful", the main reason the '55 331 made 70hp more than the '51 331 is they gave it more carb. 70hp out of simple bolt on parts, and if you got a better cam and a 2x4 intake you'd be well over 300hp. Used stock hemi parts are NOT expensive and you can get a brand new, even better aluminum intake from Hot Heads for less than $300. [/ QUOTE ] More religion....
There's a book by Brooklands books, it's an all MOPAR engine swap book, that details alot of swaps of early engines. I think there might be something in there about it... it's all old HOT ROD articles on engine swaps... Otherwise, I'd say do it. Even though it would look cooler in a roadster, or open engine bay, it's still a HEMI and it'd still be bad even if it was in a VEGA... Fuck the naysayers, do what you want, and can, do. Jay
[ QUOTE ] Unkl Ian got it right. Hemi parts are expensive and hard to find and the 331 is not very powerful. A smallblock Chev is the best choice for cost, parts availibility and power. [/ QUOTE ] Just remember the ABC's of hot rodding. Anything But Chevrolet! Seriously, the Hemi is going to cost more and be harder to find parts for than any of the above motors. So you pays your money and takes your chances. But it would be one hell of a lot more interesting than just another SBC.
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