I need some 354 HEMI advice.

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HemiMerc
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:25 pm

I need some 354 HEMI advice.

Post by HemiMerc »

I will be putting it in my 51 Merc. Compression ratio is 10.5 to 1. Presently has Weiand 2x4 intake with 2 Holley 450 cfm "quick fuel" carbs and an ISKY 280 HYD. MEGA CAM. I have attached photos of the spec info sheets. MY QUESTION IS: With this ISKY cam and 10.5 to 1 compression is this engine ok for highway driving and IF NOT what recommendations would you make to make to make it suitable for highway driving? Car has 700R4 trans and a 3:50 rear. I read somewhere that a 10.5 to1 compression actually may be lower. Not sure why I have a newly rebuilt 1956 Chrysler 354 with 392 pistons that I bought a few years ago .. I really don't want to have to rebuild the engine but I would like it to run on regular pump gas.
I am not a HEMI expert so all help is appreciated. I have attached photos of engine and specs. THANK YOU, JIM
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392heminut
Posts: 488
Joined: Sat Nov 30, 2002 2:16 pm

Re: I need some 354 HEMI advice.

Post by 392heminut »

You should be just fine with 91-92 octane gas.
Owner of the Poor Man's Hemi Cuda
George
Posts: 694
Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2004 4:12 pm
Location: Fl

Re: I need some 354 HEMI advice.

Post by George »

392 pistons in a 354 gives 1 point less compression than advertised, so its 9.5. Hemis can burn gas like a wedge @ 1 point less. So, depending on what effect the cam has, it could run like a wedge with 8.5. You might get by on 87 or 89 depending on the cam. My 9:1 331 ran fine on 87.
HemiMerc
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:25 pm

Re: I need some 354 HEMI advice.

Post by HemiMerc »

Hi George, Thank you very much for the reply and info. JIM
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