Thread: 2nd time Hemi

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Hey all! New to this forum, found it in researching what to do with a 392 hemi basket case I picked up. Game plan so far is after the build it will go in either a 55 Plymouth or 64 Dart GT, simply because I like the looks of both and they're both kinda light weight.

The build I have in mind is...3/8 stroker, still undecided about which rods to use, although Don Garlits said in an email, (yup he actually responded!) he used stock 392 rods for years in Swamp Rat I at 750 HP blown on nitro so my gas stroker street motor should be OK with stock rods. But I hear diffrent from other sources, so we'll see what it winds up being.

I'd like maybe a sixpack carb setup(4 webers is just TOO $) just for looks mostly but people seem to think a single 4bbl is better for the street. I admit, the way a hemi looks is at least part of the appeal. And with mutiple carbs, it'd look sweet for sure.

The funny thing is, this project got started with a merc grand marquis 4.6L, haha. I was looking into what performance mods people were doing and it finally hit me, WHY would I go thru all that to have a 300hp 4000lb sofa??? The I fondly remembered the 64 Dodge I built up when I was a kid, 354 Hemi, 4spd, 4.56. There were other cars but the 64 was like my first girlfriend, if you know what I mean. So call this my second midlife crisis if you want but I'm forging ahead with it and will have questions for sure.

So hey once again.

Welcome, sounds like a fun build.... The old Hemi's do have the looks. As to the 4.6 Ford's, they make very good power with just a supercharger...and still retain great fuel mileage. But, the Hemi is kewl. If long distance cruzin' and good mileage aren't a consideration then the Hemi is way ahead in the Kewlness department!!!!!

Welcome to CHR

A '55 Plymouth with a Gen I hemi would just be too cool. Seems to me that a '64 should have a Gen II hemi, but either way would be cool.

Hemi's are cool looking with multi carbs, but I like my Hilborn with 15" stacks!

Pat

Got to agree with Pat Hemi's with a bunch of carbs are a good thing, but I'm a bit bias.

Also agree with rICHARD (Tech) on the 55 but I'm also old

If you keep your expectations reasonable Don Garlets is probably right, the factory parts were really of pretty high quality to start with.

Thanks all, for the welcome. looks-wise I think Hilborns have it over a supercharger, if nothing else its unexpected and exotic. So, seeya, I'll be pickin yer brains!