mrwrstory

Here are a few more that may be of interest

I'm excited for your project! Hope I'm not contributing more than you want to know/hear. The Hemi book is your best source or comparative info. It's outta print but can probably be found used. Stress contacting http://www.hothemiheads.com/ ----In my opinion, everything you need to consider has nothing to do with valve/lifter angles. It is what it is on your engine and any mod for waterpump or engine mounting has nothing to do with that subject. BTW, Speedway Motors has an engine mount that will work for your custom installation. ----Re-reading your original post,,....I believe the '54-'55 heads are the same as your '51-'53 heads. Hemi heads all flow exceptionally well. Yes, later heads, like '56-57 flow better but not to the point that you would notice the diff. unless you have a really big cam and are racing your car to a high RPM. Save your money. Buy some headers. Maybe spend your time matching ports. Your 2x4 Weiand manifold should be aluminum and worth something. The factory 4 bbl is likely iron. Save the weight. Learn how to rebuild the carburetors on YouTube. Also one of our forum members "Wayfarer" is very knowledgeable and may be able to provide some parts and references. Good luck,...keep posting,.... send me a "private message" if you wish. Where you at???????

The last pic shows the adapters and the Chev water pump with the timing cover I modified.

Be patient and talk to Hot Hemi Heads in real time next week. I think that area of the engine is pretty much the same as my Dodge Hemi. If so,... there is a kit that adapts a SBC water pump which is what I did. It requires that you modify the front cover. I retained the original thermostat housing and cut off the old water pump housing. In your case, you will also need to address the early motor mount. Again Hot Heads has kits for that or you can do a lot yourself.

I had a 331 bored to 354,....back in he day. I used stock 354 pistons. No problems. Most, if not all blocks back then had lotsa meat because of early casting technology. That said, I agree that a sonic check would confirm if there is any core shift. Also, Hot Hemi Heads is a generous source of advice and info. Also,...a local friend purchased an adapter that mates a 331 to a Chev/GM transmission.

will update when I get to fabricating in steel.

Rainy day project,....decided to adapt a vintage heater from my stash, into my Roadster. Lotta head scratching to shoehorn it into the limited space available. Had to "hack" the original plumbing, 86'd the 6 volt fan and will fabricate a plenum to mount a couple 12 vdc muffin fans. Took forever to visualize a path to the solution. It's a wood and cardboard mockup so far.

I miss the Fall colors experienced in Connecticut and Michigan. But I get some nice sunsets looking out of my garage in California.

Coupla thoughts,..... $6500.00 is not a lot of money these days, nor is $4000.00 If your looking at a straight across trade and the bike has lost it's appeal, just go for it and relish the new adventure. If $6500.00 is too much, (in some's opinion) just amortise the diff. into the years of new fun,...like $500.000 per year for 5 years. Less than playing golf or bowling ?

Count me in.

All of the advice above is valid in my opinion. For a first time project, the package you describe can become overwhelming before you get to the joy driving it. Although I am a Hot Rod guy, starting with a fairly complete and running stocker may be a better starting point,....still plenty to work on and things to learn. It's not rocket science to make a car of this vintage reliable, driveable, safe and enjoyable as a project. Lotsa good reference is available as well as help from forum too. Good luck!

Just East of Ogden, Utah. 27 degrees F

Really like that side trim. This WAS mine a few years ago.

Pomona is really light on vintage Mopar stuff. That said, it's always fun to shop if you've got a good pair of walking shoes, like Rod said. If you're inclined to skip the VW stuff, start your shopping at the opposite end of the venue near Arrow Hwy. That's where the fun junk is. As you progress to the lower Road Numbers, you'll find more commercial vendors. Also as Rob said, The Mopar Fall Fling would be a good one. Concentrated Mopar stuff for sure 'tho the last I went vintage stuff was thin.

Very tasty and creative resolution of your air duct modification. You should be proud.

Somewhere along Hwy 19A on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada after lunch on the way to the ferry to Powell River. Our P15-D24 bud 40Plyrod could elaborate. 'Twas his lead.

Isn't it a bummer when all the new parts you've collected don't go together. Similar situation when installing a reman'd transmission. 'Sposed to be a bolt-in. Clay told me where the interference was.

Doah!!!

Putting together clean new/refurbed parts is just the best, eh!

cool!

That progress?

Hi Nick, Ya know there's a Round Lake in the lower peninsula too. I spent time there in the 59's