Any Hemi experts here? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #1 02-21-2013, 06:27 AM

While I was delivering my 39 Studebaker Coupe Express to Anderson to have body work and such done there another fellow car nutzo hanging around who suggested a Hemi in it would would be nice.

On my suggestion he called a friend who had some. The fellow offered me a 56 Dodge Red Ram 241. He said the block has been frozen but he says it can be sleeved, needs new pistons along with the usual, says it has good heads, a good crank and includes a bell housing, clutch and FW and the intake and exhaust manifolds.

He wants $2500 for it. Yikes! Is it worth that much?

Any Hemi experts in the house?

catmandoo62 · #2 02-21-2013, 08:39 AM

they are big and heavy.not worth the trouble.

KarTek · #3 02-21-2013, 09:19 AM

Somewhere I have an old Hot Rod magazine that lists all of the HEMI's and the desirable/not so desirable features. As I remember, Chrysler, Dodge and DeSoto all had their own versions. I like them but it seems like one of those things where the engine can be your only hobby if you're not independently wealthy.

With the condition of the engine, it would probably take another $5000 to bring it back into perfect condition.

Edit: After looking at some of the HEMI identification sites, the 241 seems to have been offered only in '53-'54. The smallest of the family it puts out a whopping 140-150 HP!

strelnik · #4 02-21-2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

While I was delivering my 39 Studebaker Coupe Express to Anderson to have body work and such done there another fellow car nutzo hanging around who suggested a Hemi in it would would be nice.

On my suggestion he called a friend who had some. The fellow offered me a 56 Dodge Red Ram 241. He said the block has been frozen but he says it can be sleeved, needs new pistons along with the usual, says it has good heads, a good crank and includes a bell housing, clutch and FW and the intake and exhaust manifolds.

He wants $2500 for it. Yikes! Is it worth that much?

Any Hemi experts in the house?

I consulted with a Hemi guy I have known for 30 years. Thumbs down, both on power and on price, given condition.

t walgamuth · #5 02-21-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarTek

Somewhere I have an old Hot Rod magazine that lists all of the HEMI's and the desirable/not so desirable features. As I remember, Chrysler, Dodge and DeSoto all had their own versions. I like them but it seems like one of those things where the engine can be your only hobby if you're not independently wealthy.

With the condition of the engine, it would probably take another $5000 to bring it back into perfect condition.

Edit: After looking at some of the HEMI identification sites, the 241 seems to have been offered only in '53-'54. The smallest of the family it puts out a whopping 140-150 HP!

Yeah, it seems he is wrong on the year or the CI.

t walgamuth · #6 02-21-2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

I consulted with a Hemi guy I have known for 30 years. Thumbs down, both on power and on price, given condition.

OK, I suspect the heads have significant value and the crank and rods assuming they are as good as he says. I suspect the block has pretty low value with the damage.

t walgamuth · #7 02-21-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catmandoo62

they are big and heavy.not worth the trouble.

Prolly true, but they have a fanatical following....sorta like Harleys.?

Mr.Kenny · #8 02-21-2013, 11:10 AM

Those hemis from the 1950's are gas hogs, they put them in tow trucks, desotos, etc.... as a mild mannered motor...... according to my Dad.

The hot performance 426 hemis from the 1960's I think are a different Animal, but still huge and gas hogs.
The 383 & 440 were much better motors; but I guess that isn't the direction you want to go.

Skid Row Joe · #9 02-22-2013, 05:53 PM

Too many unknown knowns.

Pass.

hill · #10 02-22-2013, 06:28 PM

You can get a old style crate hemi for 7k.

MS Fowler · #11 02-22-2013, 07:46 PM

SBC, or SBF would yield more power for less$$$. Ford had a double dip oil pan that might solve your cross member problem. I think it was used on some Broncos.

I think the Studdy would be best on original power, but that's just me.

Pooka · #12 02-22-2013, 07:52 PM

A lot of Chrysler Corp. station wagons from the 70's used the 440. You might be able to find one in a wrecking yard.

A Dodge nut I know says the hot ticket is the Chrysler 360. He tries to put it in all of his projects, or at least he has for the last 25 years.

t walgamuth · #13 02-22-2013, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

SBC, or SBF would yield more power for less$$$. Ford had a double dip oil pan that might solve your cross member problem. I think it was used on some Broncos.

I think the Studdy would be best on original power, but that's just me.

The original flathead six inthe Ce is rated at about 110 hp, good for maybe 50 mph?

Not for my purposes!

t walgamuth · #14 02-22-2013, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hill

You can get a old style crate hemi for 7k.

I imagine that would be the elephant motor...around 900#. The little dodge hemi is the only one I would consider, its around 650#.

t walgamuth · #15 02-22-2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pooka

A lot of Chrysler Corp. station wagons from the 70's used the 440. You might be able to find one in a wrecking yard.

A Dodge nut I know says the hot ticket is the Chrysler 360. He tries to put it in all of his projects, or at least he has for the last 25 years.

I want some semblence of fuel economy. The 360 is a unmitigated gas hog, the 440 doubly so.