Search found 86 matches

by dan miller
Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:41 pm
Forum: General Hemi Discussion
Topic: Dart Swinger, hemi swap
Replies: 10
Views: 7965

Re: Dart Swinger, hemi swap

It's a '73 2 door hardtop (I'd prefer a sedan), and (oops) it's maroon with white vinyl top.

Danny
by dan miller
Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:06 pm
Forum: General Hemi Discussion
Topic: Dart Swinger, hemi swap
Replies: 10
Views: 7965

Dart Swinger, hemi swap

A buddy of mine has a beautiful "grandma" Dodge Dart Swinger that is "surplus to his needs". Cherry, low miles, six cyl, vinyl bench seat, very few options. Horrible green with a white vinyl roof - an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT street sleeper. Yahoo, what a neat car for an engine swap. I...
by dan miller
Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:36 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Engine Masters Challenge early hemi
Replies: 22
Views: 19919

Re: Engine Masters Challenge early hemi

Hello guys We had a good time at the EMC, and were very pleased with the result. There's more in the old girl, and we'll be back next year. We believe that the displacement (365 cid, 4.012" X 3.607") is right in the zone for our cylinder head flow. We're going to work on the exhaust port a...
by dan miller
Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:58 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Engine Masters Challenge early hemi
Replies: 22
Views: 19919

Re: Engine Masters Challenge early hemi

Here’s our final pull, corrected, in very good air with a conservative (13:1 A/F avg) tune up. The engine makes best hp and tq at very lean A/F ratios, 14:1 and leaner. Don't ask, we don't have the slightest whiff of a clue. Spent three very full days on the dyno, and came away empty headed. Literal...
by dan miller
Wed Sep 02, 2009 11:22 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Engine Masters Challenge early hemi
Replies: 22
Views: 19919

Engine Masters Challenge early hemi

The engine is coming together nicely. Planning on being on the dyno in a couple weeks. I took some pix of the bottom end, utilizing Tom Waters very nice girdle. I don't know how to post pix, but I've asked Tom to post them here. Heads should be going on over the weekend. Been building headers for th...
by dan miller
Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:41 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Donovan Aluminum heads in a streetable car
Replies: 13
Views: 16884

Re: Donovan Aluminum heads in a streetable car

Hello Paul A couple things come to mind. The Donovan heads might have ports that are a little large for the street. If they're a really nice set, they have good value, and could probably be sold for enough loot to purchase a set of new Hot Heads, which are absolutely perfect for the street. If they'...
by dan miller
Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:13 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Deck Clearance and other Qs?
Replies: 5
Views: 4805

Re: Deck Clearance and other Qs?

What's your name? Zero problem with the questions. We're all learning, and everyone benefits from the questions and answers. I don't believe the large exhaust valves will make any difference. Do you know what heads you have? On 392 heads, the intakes are 2.00" and the exhausts are 1.750", ...
by dan miller
Wed Aug 26, 2009 5:23 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Deck Clearance and other Qs?
Replies: 5
Views: 4805

Re: Deck Clearance and other Qs?

Hello NE57 392 heads? 97cc's sounds about right, depending upon how deeply the valves have been sunk. Sinking them doesn't hurt the flow. What gasket? We use Best Gaskets, which compress to .049". They are very high quality and come in various bore diameters. We've had some water seepage issues...
by dan miller
Fri Aug 21, 2009 11:44 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Gear Drive
Replies: 8
Views: 6695

Re: Gear Drive

Don't underestimate the stock Chrysler "silent" chain. They're very dependable, rock solid, resistant to stretching. And expensive. We utilized a nice quality aftermarket double roller (German) chain, with billet sprockets our first year at EMC. After 60 or 70 pulls, it had stretched enoug...
by dan miller
Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:34 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Gear Drive
Replies: 8
Views: 6695

Re: Gear Drive

The Weber Belt Drive is an outgrowth of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which utilized small block Mopar engines. These engines share a lot of dimensions with early hemi's, so with the change to a different cover plate, Weber offers a unit that fits early hemi's. They are an external belt deal, a...
by dan miller
Wed Aug 19, 2009 6:40 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Valve cover, spring retainer clearance?
Replies: 8
Views: 5031

Re: Valve cover, spring retainer clearance?

This a common issue, and there are (at least) two ways to resolve it. Most cast valve covers can be ground for clearance - Hot Heads cast valve covers require about a half hour of fitting/grinding when using large valve springs and long valves. Valve cover spacers can also be utilized with the stock...
by dan miller
Wed Aug 19, 2009 6:29 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: 55 Hemi 331 NE-55 Estimated Value
Replies: 9
Views: 6105

Re: 55 Hemi 331 NE-55 Estimated Value

Pricing an early hemi is difficult, as so few are sold. Your engine has good value due to the very desirable cylinder heads (1954 and 1955's flow the best and have the greatest potential), but 331's are not in demand. The heads are worth around $300 - $400, and I'd guess the entire engine (of course...
by dan miller
Wed Aug 19, 2009 6:16 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Gear Drive
Replies: 8
Views: 6695

Re: Gear Drive

The Weber Belt Drive is -by far - my first choice for an early hemi cam drive. Light, strong, easily adjusted, cam can be changed without disturbing the crank hub. There is nothing not to like about it. Sold by Hot Heads.

Danny
by dan miller
Sat Aug 01, 2009 7:52 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Compression Ratio?
Replies: 20
Views: 12296

Re: Compression Ratio?

Gene has a new number. (530) 357-5570

Best to call between 0900 - 1500 California time

Danny
by dan miller
Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:14 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: '54 #1486833 331 heads on '57 392
Replies: 10
Views: 7336

Re: '54 #1486833 331 heads on '57 392

We've been using the Copper Coat, and haven't tried anything else, as the Copper Coat seems to work nicely. We had been using silicone, and that's a MESS to clean up. The Copper Coat comes apart nicely, and cleans up quickly.

Danny
by dan miller
Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:08 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: '65 Valiant / 354 Hemi ???'s
Replies: 17
Views: 16584

Re: '65 Valiant / 354 Hemi ???'s

YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!

What a neat deal. Now, that's what I call a clean engine swap.

Hopefully, you guys are still on this site and can respond with some more pix.

I'd love to do something similar.

Danny
by dan miller
Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:59 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Sealing girdle to block
Replies: 11
Views: 8214

Re: Sealing girdle to block

The main caps REALLY move around in an unblown nitro early hemi, even with splayed 4 bolt caps. They also move around pretty good in our Junior Fueler (800-850 hp, 9K+ rpm). On our Engine Masters Challenge engine, with splayed 4 bolt main caps, they were OK at up to around 550 hp. Above 600, we're b...
by dan miller
Wed Jul 08, 2009 5:41 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: '54 #1486833 331 heads on '57 392
Replies: 10
Views: 7336

Re: '54 #1486833 331 heads on '57 392

Hello Low deck heads (331-354) will bolt to a 392 block, but require spacers. Hot Heads makes a beautiful set (billet). You could make your own, or they can usually be found as swap meets. Weiand and several other companies made them "back in the day". I'm just in the process of having som...
by dan miller
Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:46 am
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Sealing girdle to block
Replies: 11
Views: 8214

Re: Sealing girdle to block

I believe that the Waters Girdle strengthens the heck out of things, especially in the X/Y planes (left/right, and fore/aft). For instance, if one main cap wants to move in any direction, it has to overcome the combined stability of all the other caps, and move them also. This style stiffener is wid...
by dan miller
Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:33 am
Forum: How-Tos, Tips and Tricks
Topic: Racing the Early HEMI, by Gene Adams
Replies: 9
Views: 56840

Re: Racing the early hemi, by Gene Adams

On a street deal, it probably doesn't matter all that much. 392 heads are plenty acceptable, however for all out power, the large port 331 heads (1954-55) are superior. The 331 and 354 heads require spacers, so that might make a good case for using 392 heads. Plus, 392 heads are far more plentiful t...
by dan miller
Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:47 pm
Forum: General Hemi Discussion
Topic: DeSoto Roller Cam Help
Replies: 4
Views: 5396

Re: DeSoto Roller Cam Help

We're thinking about a DeSoto for EMC next year (destroked 291 -about 280 cid - with high deck heads). I don't have the name handy, but we found a guy that will make billet blanks for $500. If anyone needs the name, sing out, and I'll advise.

Danny
by dan miller
Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:24 pm
Forum: General Hemi Discussion
Topic: 2009 Engine Masters Challenge Contestants
Replies: 3
Views: 4453

Re: 2009 Engine Masters Challenge Contestants

I've heard through the grapevine that one team started development on a fourth generation hemi, and abandoned the project. We're making good progress on our early hemi entry (4.015" X 3.613"). Fired it on the test stand over the weekend. Sounded good, zero issues. Will be headed for John B...
by dan miller
Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:57 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Sealing girdle to block
Replies: 11
Views: 8214

Re: Sealing girdle to block

Hello Andy Is this the kind of girdle that clamps down on the main caps, or utilizes the main cap bolts? It will have to be machined dry (without a gasket), and you can seal it against the pan rail with silicone. It shouldn't leak. Have you seen Tom Water's girdles? (T. R. Waters Early Hemi Parts) I...
by dan miller
Wed Jun 03, 2009 7:22 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: King Bearings?
Replies: 3
Views: 3420

Re: King Bearings?

We use 'em (A/Fuel, Jr/Fuel, Engine Masters).

Danny
by dan miller
Wed Jun 03, 2009 7:20 pm
Forum: (LEGACY) 331-354-392 HEMIs
Topic: Crazy idea, timing gears
Replies: 15
Views: 7854

Re: Crazy idea, timing gears

Weber makes a VERY NICE early hemi belt drive, which is marketed by Hot Heads. It's a beautiful piece that's a spin off of a Craftsman Truck Series small block Mopar (NASCAR) deal. We're utilizing one on our EMC early hemi, and it makes cam changes and cam timing adjustments a snap. One caveat: ther...