Thread: 331 Hemi Info

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Hi Don, things have changed a bit since I originally wrote those things.....for one thing Hot Hemi Heads now does offer a couple of adaptors fo the extended bell 331s which gives you a couple of good transmission choices. The Chevy 3/4 speed looks to be the easiest while the 727/518(od) looks like a bit of work for the trans to mate (cutting the bellhousing.

http://www.hothemiheads.com/transmis...vy_manual.html

http://www.hothemiheads.com/transmis...o_727.518.html

As far as what to look for, the obvious any damage to the block or heads, and completness, especially rockershafts and head/main bolts/etc. A good set of valve covers (especially if they are able to be chromed) is a plus. You might also want to look around and see if he has the factory windage tray (there should be a picture of what it loooks like in the last thread Bob posted.

Good luck and let us know if you pick it up

While I will bow to Mike's expertise ( I read and agree with his post's that were link too here) I will add something here. I am a early Hemi guy, I have owned 7 Hemi powered Hot Rods over the years have,I have 5 Early Hemi's now and my Model A is Hemi powered. But $900.00 for a 1953 Hemi 331 "CORE" is not a real good deal. Hot Heads has changed the whole deal on Hemi's, parts are available now not just from Hot Heads but from severeal sources. But an Early Hemi-- any Early Hemi is a pricy rebuild when compared to just about any other engine. I have a very good 392 that was a easy rebuild, another words no bent or broken parts, still cost a little over $4200.00 just for the parts and some machine work. They are not cheap to build.

The 331 has one big draw back and that is the extended bell housing, Big Pain!! I have never found the 331 to be rare or hard to find. I also don't have a big problem with the Desoto or Dodge and find the smaller displacement in the Red Ram's to be a cool thing if all out speed and power isn't needed.

But without a doubt the easy ones are the 354's and the 392. Parts are no problem, either one will produce enough power for anyone. And they both are so cool they just hurt. That is if you are a car guy. And you should not have a problem finding a 354 Core motor for your $900 and there are 392's out there as well, some even in that price range --- Maybe.

Roland