Editing Rebuilding an early Hemi engine (section)
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==Cost and parts availability== It will cost 2 to 4 times as much to rebuild an early Hemi than it will your average engine. This difference in price has been the cause of many a Hemi just sitting in the corner of a garage somewhere instead of rumbling down the street in all its glory. However, it is very rare to find an early Hemi in a wrecking yard that can be rebuilt. Depending on the size and location of the motor, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1500 for an engine to rebuild. After price, the second item you need to be concerned about when rebuilding a Hemi is parts availability. Stock rebuild parts are widely available. However, performance parts for some of the less popular Hemis can be a real challenge to find. Especially the DeSotos -- performance parts for these motors are virtually non-existent. Some factory equipment was supplied way back when, but it's very difficult to come by, and quite expensive. For example, a DeSoto factory dual quad manifold with carburetors and linkage intact could fetch $2000 or more. Limited performance equipment is available for the Dodge Hemi, but far more parts are available for the Chrysler 331-392 series than any other. The good news is that as these engines are being rediscovered and as they become more popular, manufacturers are beginning to re-introduce performance parts they stopped making 20 or 30 years ago. Newer companies are providing parts and services for the early Hemi enthusiast, and more are sure to follow. The Chrysler early Hemi had a cast iron block. Thin wall casting techniques had not come into practice in the early 50's, so these motors were quite heavy for their size. All were produced with 2 bolt main caps, and forged crankshaft and connecting rods. Most engines came with cast aluminum pistons and hydraulic valve lifters, with the exception of some of the high-performance versions, which left the factory with forged pistons and solid lifters. These motors can be identified by four bumps in the valve covers between the spark plugs.
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