[39chevy]

I have a chance to pick up a early hemi, approx 57.8.9 and my question is are the parts pretty much available even if I have to get new everything? Also is there a hemi I should stay away from? Also the cross member for motor mts what is the distance and are they all the same? Thanks Dana

[poncho62]

Dont know a whole lot about them, but I do know that a Dodge Hemi is different than a Chrysler Hemi and a DeSoto Hemi is different again....They aint no SB Chevy.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by 39chevy

I have a chance to pick up a early hemi, approx 57.8.9 and my question is are the parts pretty much available even if I have to get new everything? Also is there a hemi I should stay away from? Also the cross member for motor mts what is the distance and are they all the same? Thanks Dana

The 'early' Hemi's last year was 1957, the 392 ci Chrysler Fire Power. They were made from the very early '50s, in sizes from 241 ci to the 392. Made by Chrysler, Dodge and DeSoto. Not all sizes were made by all the makes. Be sure of what it is you're looking at- these engines were used in commercial apps (pumps, generators, etc.) and some are better candidates for a hot rod than others.

[RWENUTS]

Here's a link to the old hemi guru's.
Hot Heads Research & Racing Early Chrysler Hemi Home

[WDCreech]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

The 'early' Hemi's last year was 1957, the 392 ci Chrysler Fire Power. They were made from the very early '50s, in sizes from 241 ci to the 392. Made by Chrysler, Dodge and DeSoto. Not all sizes were made by all the makes. Be sure of what it is you're looking at- these engines were used in commercial apps (pumps, generators, etc.) and some are better candidates for a hot rod than others.

I think that the last year for the early hemi was 1958, at least in the Chrysler.

Bill

[bentwings]

You beat me to it. '58 was the last year of the "early hemi".

"Hot heads" has the best info and is a good read.

Be aware that parts are expensive for this motor and cn be hard to get.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by bentwings

You beat me to it. '58 was the last year of the "early hemi".

"Hot heads" has the best info and is a good read.

Be aware that parts are expensive for this motor and cn be hard to get.

Thanks for correcting my tyop. How's yours running?

[1Gary]

Don't get my comments wrong,I'm all about old time classic hot rodding.Those early hemi's are big time heavy.So you going to need to plan out the front suspension accordingly.