Rebuilding an early Hemi engine
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*Hemi heads will fit poly blocks of the same family, but will not fit "A" series poly motors. | *Hemi heads will fit poly blocks of the same family, but will not fit "A" series poly motors. | ||
| − | *Chrysler 331 | + | *Chrysler 331 Hemi heads can be used on the 301 and 331 Polys, and 354 Hemi heads can be used on 354 Polys. |
*No camshafts will interchange between low and high blocks of any engine family because of differing lifter bore angles. The incorrect cam can be installed, but the engine will run badly. | *No camshafts will interchange between low and high blocks of any engine family because of differing lifter bore angles. The incorrect cam can be installed, but the engine will run badly. | ||
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==Transmission choices== | ==Transmission choices== | ||
| − | The '51-'53 Chrysler 331's (and some of the '54s) had an extended bellhousing cast into the back of the block, which limits transmission choices. Some outfits have reintroduced adapter kits which allow the GM 4-speed to be bolted to these blocks. These adapters are a welcome addition to the parts bin for many enthusiasts. For years, these extended blocks were considered useless (except for spare internal parts) and many of the blocks were trashed by shortsighted hot rodders. DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth never produced Hemis or | + | The '51-'53 Chrysler 331's (and some of the '54s) had an extended bellhousing cast into the back of the block, which limits transmission choices. Some outfits have reintroduced adapter kits which allow the GM 4-speed to be bolted to these blocks. These adapters are a welcome addition to the parts bin for many enthusiasts. For years, these extended blocks were considered useless (except for spare internal parts) and many of the blocks were trashed by shortsighted hot rodders. DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth never produced Hemis or Polys with the extended bellhousing. |
In '54, Chrysler fell in line with its other divisions and introduced a more conventional bellhousing design, making the installation of modern GM and Chrysler automatic transmissions much easier. However, adapters are still required; they're available from several sources, but be prepared to pay between $300-$400 for a good one. | In '54, Chrysler fell in line with its other divisions and introduced a more conventional bellhousing design, making the installation of modern GM and Chrysler automatic transmissions much easier. However, adapters are still required; they're available from several sources, but be prepared to pay between $300-$400 for a good one. | ||
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