Hemi engine swap

[Moparmodeler]

I posted once on the old forum on this topic. I would like to start this thread here.

I have a 276 desoto hemi that I plan on installing in my pilot-house.

I have seen a 52 like mine with a 440. The gentleman who owns this truck did the swap himself without moving the firewall.

Any suggestions or ideals would be appreciated.

[Jim Shepard]

I've got a '54 Dodge Red Ram Hemi (241) that I want to put in my B2B. During my recent frame off restoration I measured the frame, radiator and cab positions and it looks like it might fit. I've seen pictures of our trucks with Hemis, but never had the opportunity to look at one in person. One of the pictures was from ebay and the guy said his father or grandfather (can't remember which...) had the dealer put it in when they first came out.

I want to stay with the original mounts (both motor and frame). I'm thinking I might have to use an electric fan mounted on the front of the radiator. Also, I might have to notch the firewall because the Hemi, while shorter then the flathead, is wider and the heads/valve covers look like they might not clear the firewall.

[Guest jtw3749c]

I also have a 241 Hemi, that has been sitting around waiting for me to decide what I'm going to do with it. My Dodge truck is a 53 and I do have a rebuilt L6 for it. Only problem I have is the bell housing for the six. Got rid of this stuff along tome ago (dumb, dumb) and now I can't seem to get hold of one. So that is carrying some weight in my decision of which way to go.

From what I can see, it (Hemi) should fit pretty well. The front mount is the Floating Power mount and the bell housing, of course does not have the ears cast on it. So goes the problem with that idea. Guess I will have to make mounts for the bell housing.

But not sure if that's what I want to do with it yet or not. Have a nice dual carb setup for it if I go L6 and just a two barrel if I go V8.

Problems, problems.

JT

[greg g]

Don't know about the particulars of the measurments, but if you go back in the forum there is a link regarding building a n easy to fab easy to install and inexpensive mounting system. I beleive the thread is titled engine and tranny swap guys.

[Reg Evans]

Here's a guy that wants to sell a 54 Dodge truck 241 semi hemi. He's in Wi. I copy/pasted his letter from the 39-47 Dodge truck forum. I did install a 1959 318 into a 59 truck that came with a L6 once. The L6 is longer than the V8 so I had to move the rear cross member forward to catch the rear of the engine mounts.

Here's his letter...wish I was closer.

__________________________________________

I have recently picked up a 1954 Dodge Pickup truck.. This was a very

complete, non-molested truck that is in need of refurbishing. This

engine looks to be in really nice shape. There is a 6 volt battery in

it. I think the previous owner tried to get it running

unsuccessfully. The engine turns over Very easily by hand. (for me

anyway.. I am big fella) The only rust on the engine is the exhaust

manifolds. Everything else has a nice light coating of oil, and my

guess is there isn't any rust underneath it. I cleaned off the

sticker on the air cleaner, and it is perfect!

Anyway, I am selling the complete drivetrain minus the rear end, as I

most likely will use that. This is a 241 V8, but it isn't a Hemi. I

don't know anything of the engine's internal condition other than it

does turn over by hand. This will include the engine complete from

oil bath air cleaner to oil pan, remote oil filter, transmission,

shifting linkage, and driveshaft. I have not taken it apart at all,

and I will not be doing so. I am looking for $550.00 For all of this,

and you will not find a better start, and I am including everything to

help you get it all together for your truck. This is all so far I

will be selling from this truck. It is located in Ripon, WI, and I

can help you load it up in your truck, as I have an engine hoist.

Would be interested in trades. I need a push button big block trans.

Prefer a good one, but I will take a core for a partial trade. I

also have a powerflite and a torqueflite available. Both pre 62 cast

iron units

safetymike1977@yahoo.com

[Jim Shepard]

It is my understanding that Hot Heads has adapters for several different transmission applications for the 241 (among others). I think some of the torqueflites had the bellhousing attached. They also have several intake setups, including a nice three deuce setup. I'll probably talk with them before I get too far into this. I'm also interested in an electronic fuel injection setup, if available.

[Don Coatney]

In 1968 I was working at a gas station in Sarasota, Florida. The owner had a pilothouse truck (I am not sure of the year) with an early hemi installed. I do not have any details on how he did this but I drove the truck a few times (actually at every available opportunity) and it would move out smartly. I think your Desoto hemi would make a good engine to install.

[Jim Shepard]

Here's the installation I was referring to. I think this was listed on ebay a while back...

It doesn't look butchered at all, but it is hard to tell...

[Moparmodeler]

I have visited Hot Heads and talked to Bob walker. He Is really good people!!

http://www.hothemiheads.com/

check out his web sight!!

I can tell you,...for sure,....a early Hemi will not fit in a Wheel horse lawn tracter.

[Moparmodeler]

I hope to start work on the Hemi real soon. I have the machined work done but I ordered the wrong bearing size.