a Hemi in my '32???

[billlsbird]

.....I've decided that not only do I need to go faster but I want something that looks a little 'meaner' than a small block Chev.... At a car show recently I saw a '32 3 window like mine but it had a Hemi in it. Not the new type but the 426 style. It didn't look like it was that big of a thing to get it to fit. I have 2 questions; 1) does anyone know how much the 528 crate motor Hemi's weight??? I've read where the old 392's weighted 790 pounds but they had iron heads & the new 528 has aluminum ones.... 2) Does anyone make an adapter to mate my 400 Turbo to a new style Hemi??? or do I need to use a Mopar transmission??? I saw where PAW makes on to mate the 392 to a Turbo 400.....
Thanks Everyone Bill

[Mike P]

Not sure on the weight on the 426 Style Hemi, but why do you want to run a 400?

The 727 Torqueflights are every bit as strong as the 400s and well supported in the aftermarket.

The adaptors I've seen requre sawing off the bellhousing and bolting on a new one that will mate to the engine. Cost wise I suspect the trans replacement will would be the better way to go.

[Bob Parmenter]

It's "not that big of a thing" when looking at a car built around the engine, it's probably more of a thing in a redo situation. Weight wise I'd say you'll still be in the 650-700# range. You'll need custom headers to clear things like steering, and then you may still need to change the routing on your column pieces. Firewall/floor issues are likely. And of course hood sides are either gone or will need a couple good size blisters. Your current radiator should be evaluated for capacity. But all these things can be done..........better to have been done at initial build, but hey...............this is hot rodding!

[billlsbird]

....Mike I already have a Turbo 400 in the car so that just seemed easier & cheaper.... After I posted this last night I was reading about these aluminum heads for the 392 Hemi. So I was thinking the PAW kit along with the aluminum heads would be a good engine. The $8 grand kit with the blower. Although I had a problem with the block in a PAW kit a few years ago, they did replace it for nothing.... AND they have an adapter to mate the 392 to the Turbo 400.....
....Bob, LOL "this is hot rodding". Yeah, the money I've spent by 'changing my mind'!!! My entire car was together & then I decided to have the chassis powder coated! I had a bare steel front end & then I decided I wanted it chrome!!! ..... Supposedly my radiator is good to 700 HP so I'd be alright there. & I don't have nor want hood sides. Yeah the steering is probably in the way. I'm going to do some measuring! Oh Sanderson makes there Lime Fire Headers for the Dodge 392 {I guess the Dodge 392 is the same as a Chrysler???}

THANKS Bill

[Mike P]

Bill the early style (1951-8) Hemi's are complet;y different than the latter 426 style, and yes there are tranny adaptors available for those engines.

There was no 392 Dodge Hemi. THe largest Hemi made by that division was the 325 CI.

I've often wondered aobut the 392 kit, if you go that route keep us posted.

[billlsbird]

.....Mike, I called Sanderson & those headers are for a 392 Chrysler Hemi. I told them that Dodge didn't make a 392 but they didn't seem concerned.
I will keep you informed if I go the PAW route. As I mentioned years ago {15 or so} I had a problem with an engine kit I got from them {something to do with the machining on the block}. But they made good on it although it cost me extra money for the engine builder. AND just a few months ago I called them, asked if they had something in stock, the guy said "yes, I'll put your name on it to save it for you". I told him I was driving 3 hours round trip & I'd be in tomorrow. He said "no problem". Well when I got there the next day not only didn't he save it for me BUT they didn't even have the part in stock!!! Glad it was he's day off or I'd probably be 86'ed for life from PAW!!! So I do have sort of a 'bad taste' in my mouth for them! .... Anyway, Mike is there a way that's just as easy as the PAW kit to go about an early Hemi build???

[Bob Parmenter]

..... but they didn't seem concerned.
. ......

Sounds like nothing's changed at Sanderson.............

[MAW]

As an alternative to PAW you can try Bob Walker at http://www.hothemiheads.com .

Part of the confusion on the "Dodge" Hemi's was caused by the use of the "leftover" 331 and 354 Chrysler engines in some Dodge trucks after Chrysler had jumped to the 392 motor.

Cheers, Mark

[MAW]

And for the TH400 to 392 adapter you can call Pat at Wilcap in Pismo.

http://www.wilcap.com/Hemi.html#392350

Cheers, Mark

[Dave Severson]

Awww c'mon!!!! Don't worry about the $$$$$, get the Ford Hemi!!!!!! This one is only about $42K as pictured!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pat mccarthy]

it would be cool BUT i think you will have alot in a old 392 as of now i hear getting main bearings are hard to find ? MIKE P would know .but a big rat will do just fine and alot less money and will work much better for bang for the buck .if the 392 is any thing like the old buick nail head i am doing right now parts are VERY pricy but if you have deep pockets ? i will sell this to you 731 CID HC DONOVAN BAD MUTHER F C K E R 11.500 deck this will make all them ford guys run

[Dave Severson]

it would be cool BUT i think you will have alot in a old 392 as of now i hear getting main bearings are hard to find ? MIKE P would know .but a big rat will do just fine and alot less money and will work much better for bang for the buck .if the 392 is any thing like the old buick nail head i am doing right now parts are VERY pricy but if you have deep pockets ? i will sell this to you 731 CID HC DONOVAN BAD MUTHER F C K E R 11.500 deck this will make all them ford guys run

I ain't runnin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really, should be on killer engine!!! Which car you going to put this one in Pat????

Working on a nailhead, huh??? I sold all my stuff to a friend of mine, all I have left is one crankshaft!!!!

[pat mccarthy]

I ain't runnin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really, should be on killer engine!!! Which car you going to put this one in Pat????

Working on a nailhead, huh??? I sold all my stuff to a friend of mine, all I have left is one crankshaft!!!!

yep just throwed that in checking your pulsemove or follow or get run over when them big chief heads start making power hey need one or two rocker arms ???

[Dave Severson]

Well, if I win the lottery tonight I'm gonna get me one of them 815" Ford Hemi's, put it in the Ranchero and then come race you next summer!!!! Making any guesses on the dyno numbers for that monster yet, Pat????

[pat mccarthy]

Well, if I win the lottery tonight I'm gonna get me one of them 815" Ford Hemi's, put it in the Ranchero and then come race you next summer!!!! Making any guesses on the dyno numbers for that monster yet, Pat????

i have the cam that i had made to my spec nothing to big just 800 lift that about all i want to run on the street so it will be low on power but tq should be easly 906TQ at 5000 with one carb .the engine may go in the gto