Rebuilding an early Hemi engine
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The low deck Dodge early Hemi (241 and 270 CI) will accept a later small block distributor with no modifications. This may also be true of the other Dodges. | The low deck Dodge early Hemi (241 and 270 CI) will accept a later small block distributor with no modifications. This may also be true of the other Dodges. | ||
| − | + | [[File:331 CID 1951 HEMI BELLHOUSING DETAIL.jpg|200px|thumb|left|331 cid 1951 Hemi bellhousing detail]] | |
==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 Polys with the extended bellhousing. | 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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==Cylinder heads== | ==Cylinder heads== | ||
Hemi cylinder heads were cast iron, as were the intake and exhaust manifolds. 2 bbl. and 4 bbl. versions were available while the high performance line usually had a dual 4 bbl. low rise manifold equipped with early Carter WCFB carbs. | Hemi cylinder heads were cast iron, as were the intake and exhaust manifolds. 2 bbl. and 4 bbl. versions were available while the high performance line usually had a dual 4 bbl. low rise manifold equipped with early Carter WCFB carbs. | ||
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