330 desoto

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clementine

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I spotted an S24 motor on CL. I have a 34 Plymouth project waiting in wings. I have a 301 poly motor (needs to be gone through) and a 215 (same) buick motor under the bench. For $1300 bucks would you pick up the HEMI for the 34? Right now $1300 is a lot of cash for me, but not impossible. The motor is complete. I know the Desoto motors aren't as desirable as a 354/392/426..... but a hemi is a hemi. Im not looking to make huge power and my builds usually try to reflect period peices ie what would have been built in the 50s-60s.


Just looking for some input.
Thanks.
 
Maybe not a lot of power but you can't beat the "COOL" factor when you pop the hood!!

treblig
 
I’d pick it up and resell the others unless you have a home for them in the future soon. Any old 1st gen Hemi is an excellent thing to have but just so much sweeter when it is in a period correct hot rod build.

I met a guy with a similar early 30’s type year (actually don’t remember the year) with a, IIRC, 331 Hemi in use. What a sweet sweet ride with that awesome look. Truly, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that old Hemi sitting exposed up front had crowds all night long asking questions and getting compliments.

Period correct hot rod parts. Yikes man! Black outside and a saddle inside. He hooked it up to a push button trans that was center console mounted.

Since I’m spending your money I say do it! LMAO
But this is up to you.

I agree, at 301 cubes, it won’t make a lot of power but he won’t need to make it. The ride is light.
 
Rebuild parts are going to be expensive but this is true of any uncommon engine of that vintage. Speed parts are just about non existent for the Desoto hemi, and keep in mind that non of the other hemis (Chrysler, Dodge) share parts with the Desoto.
If it's in the budget I say go for it, it's hard to beat the looks and sound of an early hemi.
 
Ill give it a go then.
Thanks for the input. I've checked out hotheads.com and speed parts are super expensive, oh well. If its all there, i can just get it together maybe with a set of pistons and some machining. Staying positive.
Thanks again.
 
I wish you all the luck in the world. It should/will make a KILLER hot rod that everyone will want to "eye ball"!!

Treblig
 
Thanks Gil,
I won't be getting to it until next year as i have to finish the fastback first. I have two motors sitting and wonder if i should just wait for a different/dodge/354/392 HEMI. These projects tend to change scope. But i guess you can't go wrong having an extra one around. .. just in case We will see what i come up with.
 
clementine. How complete is the 330. I have some Desoto stuff from decades ago.
 
went and looked at it . looks complete. no carb. no cam. will need new slugs.
 
I have an early hemi collection. 331 354 392 Chrysler, 241 270 Dodge, 2-276 291 330 Desoto. A Desoto that needs bored and missing the cam isn't worth near any $1300. Unless there are aluminum valve covers included or trans adapter or something else making the deal special; it's a $4-500 deal. Used pistons from a 341 or 345 would work if it needs bored.
 
I have a 56 Chrysler 331 Hemi on a fresh build almost ready to fire. I don't want to sell it, but it does have a price.

HEMI1.jpg
 
Hey I got an Edmunds 2X4 polished intake for that (51-53 w/integrated water crossover); probably going on ebay this weekend.
 
I actually like the Desoto. The S24 is very fine, too bad someone pulled the cam. It is easily worth $1300. You have the 4 barrel version. Fireflite wire covers, 4 barrel intake all very hard to find. The crank is forged and hardened and the rods are profiled. The coolest part of the Desoto Hemi is it can use the same mounting as a small block MOPAR but is .62 inches shorter in length. So, by the time you use the spacer/adapter you are only .38 longer than a SBM. I am planning to drop one into a 67 Barracuda, hopefully this winter. I plan to use the mostly stock front end of the Hemi. HotHeads has solid or hydraulic roller cams. I have an original S24 running motor to begin with. I am building a 341 with 10:1 forged pistons and a solid roller cam. I love the Hemi heads, and the bottom end is bullet proof.

341 Desoto  Head 2.JPG
341 Desoto  Head 3.JPG
 
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Yeah, I know they can be gotten for cheaper, but the motor seemed complete and the old dude I got it off, very legit. I still talk to him occasionally. We share a Henry J addiction as well. Thanks for the input guys!
 
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