[Hoosier Hot Rod]

I have a 1940 Plymouth sedan that is almost completely stock. A friend of my son has a 53 Hemi for sale and I was wondering if anyone knows the approx. weight of that motor (331). I am planning on keeping the same frame and front subspendon. Will it work? Will it fit fairly easily? Any info you may have would be greatly appricated.
Thanks

[Centerline]

Check my web site for extensive info on Chrysler's early hemis. 331/354 weight is right at 700 lbs which is about the same as a 454 Chevy.

Centerline
HotRodsAndHemis.com

The most important things you learn are those things you learn AFTER you know it all. -- Chip Foose

[poncho62]

Not sure what those cars have for suspension, but you may want to consider upgrading the brakes.

[Hoosier Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by Centerline

Check my web site for extensive info on Chrysler's early hemis. 331/354 weight is right at 700 lbs which is about the same as a 454 Chevy.

Centerline
HotRodsAndHemis.com

The most important things you learn are those things you learn AFTER you know it all. -- Chip Foose

My son told me that it is heavy, but I wasn't expecting that kind of weight. I wanted to keep the old 40 Mopar but might have to hope to a 327 or something simular to that. Thanks for the info.

[Hoosier Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by poncho62

Not sure what those cars have for suspension, but you may want to consider upgrading the brakes.

Yes it has been converted to disc front and back but not power. The suspension is really nice stuff with a arms and anti-sway, but the shocks are about worthless in their present location. Thanks for the come back.

[Centerline]

Originally Posted by Hoosier Hot Rod

Yes it has been converted to disc front and back but not power. The suspension is really nice stuff with a arms and anti-sway, but the shocks are about worthless in their present location. Thanks for the come back.

If your suspension and brakes have already been upgraded then they should be able to handle the hemi with no problem. Like I said its about the same weight as a BBC. If you decide against it PLEASE, PLEASE don't put a small block chevy in it. Keep it all Mopar and go with a 318-360. They're just as reliable and will add value to your Plymouth rather than make it just another old car. There are WAY too many cookie cutter small block chevys in street rods already.

Centerline
HotRodsAndHemis.com

"Remember, if you didn't put it together with your own hands, its not really yours." - Tim Allen

[poncho62]

How heavy is the engine that is in it now?....Some of those old sixes are pretty darn heavy themselves

[dinger]

I had a 331 hemi when I was a youngster, it was a torque monster and a blast to drive, it was in a 55 Plymouth 4 door, surprised a lot of people, they learned what my taillights looked like. 40 Plymouth's are great looking cars and that hemi would be the cats meow. (I would say Bicchin but you know...) It's probably only 150-200 lbs heavier and would look cool!

[Hoosier Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by Centerline

If your suspension and brakes have already been upgraded then they should be able to handle the hemi with no problem. Like I said its about the same weight as a BBC. If you decide against it PLEASE, PLEASE don't put a small block chevy in it. Keep it all Mopar and go with a 318-360. They're just as reliable and will add value to your Plymouth rather than make it just another old car. There are WAY too many cookie cutter small block chevys in street rods already.

Centerline
HotRodsAndHemis.com

"Remember, if you didn't put it together with your own hands, its not really yours." - Tim Allen

Yes you are right about the SBCs out there. I really want to stay Mopar. I wasn't sure it I would need to change the front coil springs for the added weight. I haven't rebuilt the front end yet. I bought the car at a car show in Fairmont, IN. in Oct then we left Indiana for Florida in Nov for the winter, so I haven't done much to the rascal yet. The flat head 6 is kinda cool looking but 84 HP is just to feeble for good cruising. The car is is great condition with only 44,000 miles on it. It must have set in a barn for a very long time. Thanks for your come back and suggestion.

[Hoosier Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by poncho62

How heavy is the engine that is in it now?....Some of those old sixes are pretty darn heavy themselves

I have tried to find the weight on the flat six but so far I haven't been able to find the figures on it. If you know where I might find that info, I would be greatful.

Thanks