Early Hemi Build

[bob w]

They are special, aren't they? Consider a "photo shoot" like the center pic, only with your Coupe in the background instead of the fastback. I'd use that for my background on my computer.

 

[donsrods]

The engine really looks trick, Bill. Having it in your Deuce is going to put the whole car into a different class altogether..........not that it isn't great now, but Hemis are just like the Holy Grail to us rodders.

Have you given any thought to how it will perform vs your Chevy engine? I know performance is not the key here, coolness is, but it also looks like it will run pretty well too with the parts you've installed.

Glad to see you are humping.............Billetproof is 4 months away. I'm going to try to have my Dodge truck there and Dan is going to try to have his RPU going by then.

Don

 

[Tripper]

They are special, aren't they? Consider a "photo shoot" like the center pic, only with your Coupe in the background instead of the fastback. I'd use that for my background on my computer.

Oh yeah... I agree... that would be an AWESOME picture!!!

I've got vultures circling around my coupe already, trying to get their hands on my small block!

Er... circling!!!

BoB

 

[Gastrick]

They are special, aren't they? Consider a "photo shoot" like the center pic, only with your Coupe in the background instead of the fastback. I'd use that for my background on my computer.

Good idea Bob, I'll see if I can pull that off before I ship the engine off to Bonehead.

Here's a few things.

Oil pump and pick up...check


Exhaust studs...check. Note the holes for the exhaust hardware go all thge way through to the inside of the head and will leak oil if not sealed so I used studs.


Pulleys...check. More on the intake tomorrow.

 

[22dodge]

Very Cool....

That engine looks awesome, Gastrick.
Gives a person a BAD case of the "I wants"...
Thanks for the updates and keep them coming.
I look forward to everyone of them. '22

 

[Gastrick]

A few more small details today. My brother (speed racer), made a gallant attempt to avoid getting coal in his stocking for Christmas by bead blasting my intake for me. I retapped the water outlet holes (used for 51-53 engines) so that the pipe plugs would sit flush with the manifold surface when installed. I installed some nice ARP stainless carb studs, most of which I already had laying around. I'm just short a few nuts. I set the carbs on for what may be the last time. I also switched from the frog mouth scoops to some chrome bell air cleaners. Not as racey but I like the overall look better with this engine. I still need to install the filters and adjust the height. A tight fit indeed.


I still need to sort out the linkage and fuel lines. I've had some special banjo fittings on order since August. I was told they were finally shipped this week.


Of course I had to set the intake on the engine for a look see. I am pleased. It's just how I wanted this engine to look. It's hard to notice, but I also shortened the plug wire insulators so they didn't protrude past the top of the valve covers. Look at a previous picture to see the difference. I needed to do that in order to use the wire covers which still need to be painted. The intake won't get bolted down just yet. I have to make my own valley cover to get just exactly what I need. More on that when I do it.

 

[Gastrick]

Have you given any thought to how it will perform vs your Chevy engine? I know performance is not the key here, coolness is, but it also looks like it will run pretty well too with the parts you've installed.

Billetproof is 4 months away. I'm going to try to have my Dodge truck there and Dan is going to try to have his RPU going by then.

Don

Don, I think the hemi should have about 125 hp more than my small block. It's also way heavier. My engine stand is stresed out already.

I sure hope to see that RPU and your truck. We can do some bench eacing at the hotel in Daytona later this week. See ya there.

 

[Coffinmaker]

Did he say..?

Shorts of nuts..??!?!? LOOK AROUND on this site..!!! LOL...

 

[Tripper]

OMG... this is an awesome picture!!! That's gonna look SO good in the coupe! Hell... looks awesome just like it is!!! Have u taken it in u're house just to look at it for hours?!?!

 

[tiny1]

that is just too cool !!

 

[donsrods]

WOW, just WOW!!!!!! That is one of the best pictures I've seen in a long time. If anyone wonders why we hot rodders get all goo goo over stuff like that, we could never explain it to them, we just do.

Can't WAIT to see that planted between your framerails.

Don

 

[hotrod preacher]

Best engine thread i've EVER seen!!-thanks for all those pics, really makes me want to do something with an old desoto hemi i've "aquired" - but like has already been mentioned...a hemi isn't for the thin-wallet type (such as a baptist preacher) but once again REALLY GREAT BUILD!! lookin forward to see you gettin it on the road

 

[Gastrick]

I had a small dilema. My intake wasn't designed to use a factory valley cover. The bottom of the manifold is too low to the deck to clear the center, raised portion of cover and it interferes with both the factory locations for the oil filler tube and the down draft tube. The simple solution was to use a flat, aftermarket aluminum cover but that still left out the oil fill tube and down draft tube. I wanted to use both and I don't want any holes in my valve covers.

I cut up the factory valley cover and took part of the filler tube and removed the down draft tube.


I made a pattern and whittled up a new cover out of eighth inch thick steel plate so it won't warp under the pressure of tightening the bolts. The new one is still lighter than the factory piece.


After some trial fitting, I welded in the filler tube on the bottom side and built a baffle and threaded bug on the bottom side at the rear for the down draft tube. I painted it with engine color.


Clearance was tight but everything snuggled in nicely and I think it helps the engine retain a bit of an early look. Here's a few photos.

 

[Gastrick]

 

[BruceR&C]

Nice bit of fab work to solve a problem. Looks like a factory piece.

 

[Gastrick]

I didn't realize this was a sticky. The engine is in the car now. For more details on the installation and the finishing touches on the engine, go to the below RRR link for the thread covering the rest of the story.

http://www.ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7237

 

[donsrods]

I know "wow" is an oft used word, but WOW!! That engine is just breathtaking. You have two of the Holy Grails there, a Deuce and a Hemi. Are you gonna make Billetproof in March?


Don

 

[Gastrick]

IAre you gonna make Billetproof in March?
Don

I'm sure trying. Even if it starts in time, I have to make sure evrything is stable enough for the 520 mile round trip. You can check the last couple of pages of the below thread to keep up on the latest installation updates.

http://www.ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7237

 

[Barber]

I know this is an older thread, but that is a good looking engine.... good job!

 

[Slinger_101]

Great looking start from a mopar guy

Great looking hemi start. That's a rare motor take care of it. What are you gonna drop of in? I know some great machine shops in my area (tn) that does great work they're most SBC guys but they can do any thing. That would look great in a coronet or charger I hope to have one by next year but I'm gonna drop a 440 I can get for $200 in it.
Jode