Hemi choice. Need help

[Hemi8me]

As some of you have read, I bought five hemi's. I need to know which of these is the best to start with.

NE56- 1956 354
VT 448- 1956 331
VT348- 1954 331

I think the only difference between a 331 and 354 is the bore. Is this correct?
The 354 has the stamped metal timing chain cover. The 331's do not. Does this make it a better engine for a rat rod?
I have two sets off 354 heads. Cast numbers 1619832 and 1730438. The later is a truck head. Is there a difference between truck heads and car heads? Can the 354 heads go on to a 331?

That's it for the moment. I will have more questions.

[George]

As some of you have read, I bought five hemi's. I need to know which of these is the best to start with.

NE56- 1956 354
VT 448- 1956 331
VT348- 1954 331

I think the only difference between a 331 and 354 is the bore. Is this correct?
The 354 has the stamped metal timing chain cover. The 331's do not. Does this make it a better engine for a rat rod?
I have two sets off 354 heads. Cast numbers 1619832 and 1730438. The later is a truck head. Is there a difference between truck heads and car heads? Can the 354 heads go on to a 331?

That's it for the moment. I will have more questions.

The NE56 354 would be the one to go with. The 354 car heads are way better than the truck heads. Truck heads have fat stemmed sodium filled valve stems that reduce flow. The 54 & possibly the '56 truck block take the big 51-4 timing cover. With the small '56 timing cover you could run the long BBChevy W/P over the OEM cover, you can't with the big cover.

[Hemi8me]

Thanks George.

[Hemi8me]

IF by chance the 354 has a bad block, is there a better water pump and timing chain cover made?

The 354 cars heads have a water jacket on the fronts for the water pump. I am guessing some one sells block off plates?

Is there any reason not to run the factory water pump other than weight? The one on the 354 has ports for the block and the heads. What is the cost to have one rebuilt?

[budmspeeco]

Find someone that will rebuild ONE of these for the rest of them with the best of the parts so you won't have to worry about "which one do I ---- " . Specify forged pistons, good cam, aluminum intake, Sealed Power bgs., adjustable rockers, rebuilt rods, etc.. You will be good to go. Buddy

[George]

IF by chance the 354 has a bad block, is there a better water pump and timing chain cover made?

The 354 cars heads have a water jacket on the fronts for the water pump. I am guessing some one sells block off plates?

Is there any reason not to run the factory water pump other than weight? The one on the 354 has ports for the block and the heads. What is the cost to have one rebuilt?

The OEM W/P is fine if you want to run it. The long BB Chevy pump, with e adaptors will clear the OEM timing cover. Then bolt on a 392 water crossover. Hot Heads (I think) has the block off plates.