Hot Rods Recommendations for a new builder?

Thanks for all the kind and helpful replies. This seems to be a busy website and it's amazing how fast everyone responds.

 

Interesting. I was given a 392 Hemi block but it's .060 over. Didn't know it could be saved.

 

Thanks. That's an interesting perspective. I picked up the Tardel book today.

 

Just be aware, building an early Hemi can be a bank account emptying experience, especially if it is just a block.

For a first time rodder, I recommend a less costly build.

Oil-down the 392 block, and put it on the shelf, for now.

 

Or sell the 392 to fund a different, less costly engine


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Getting harder to find.

 

FYI. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/max-392-bore-size.522418/

 

I promised my grandfather it would stay in the family. He used to race it.

 

If the block were sleeved back to stock wouldn't that put the engine on its last legs (i.e., prevent from being rebuilt in the future)?

 

I'd stay with a Ford or Chevy that has aftermarket support. Some of the GM cars like Pontiac and Olds are harder to get parts for. Chrysler stuff is the same way, not as much demand. Lots of repoped Ford and Chevy sheet metal out there. As to engines, nothing wrong with the small block Chevy or Ford. Parts are everywhere for them and are affordable where some of the vintage engines like your Hemi can cost a fortune to build.

 

Save the hemi and get a 302 ford or a chubby easy on the wallet and parts are easy to get. Put the most money in the best car you can afford. If its going to be a daily you might think about mid fifties stuff and don’t count out a pickup from that era, beautiful stuff 55 56 57 Chevy pickup or 55 56 ford pickup. If you want a car then 55 56 fords our still going at reasonable prices. Seldom but once in a while you can run into a reasonable 53 54 Chevy tri fives are really expensive now and even the 4 doors are getting up there in price

 

If you want to go the DD route, build the engine on the mild side. It makes it nicer to drive in traffic and is better on gas. Mine is okay in traffic considering, but bad on gas.

 

I do like the older Ford pickups. Are the 302s on par $ with SBC?

 

Yes! The Mustang guys have really helped in the small block Ford market. Prices for most items now are pretty compatible with the SBC.

 

Not trying to be a negative Nelly but: Buy One Done and make the small mods you desire.

 

No it puts the bore back to zero hours, I have no experience with re-sleved and high boost or nitrous but I’m sure it’s fine in small amounts.
If you like the hemi build the hemi , if slow is the go grab the Ford. if your longing for cheap it has to be an SBC.