Is an old 331 Hemi worth anything?

[jeryst]

I bought a 331 hemi motor about 15 years ago. It was at an estate sale, and no one knew anything about it other then they thought it was out of a big truck. Has the long bellhousing that is supposed to be for a manual tranny. It had sat in a small barn since it had been pulled, whenever that was.

Anyways, I'm trying to decide what to do with it, and I was just wondering what would I should ask for it if I decide to sell it.

 

[toolmanmike]

There might be someone building a rat rod or restoring an ol' Dodge that needs it. I see on e-bay there are parts for sale for them. You might get a few hundred out of her. Mike

 

[Gryzynx]

Early hemi's can bring some good $$. It sounds like you have an extended bellhousing model. It was the earlier version, not exclusive to manual transmission, but I'm pretty sure all the truck versions were the later design. Here's a link to help ID.

http://www.classichemi.com/index1.shtml

Later design blocks are more desirable as that the early design extended bellhousing makes it difficult to adapt modern transmissions. The later design has a similar bellhousing pattern to the A/LA smallblocks, (alignment dowels are relocated), and uses similar timing chains and distributors. Nothing else interchanges and the later crank flange extends about an inch past the transmission mounting face instead of flush like a modern engine, thus you need a spacer to bolt on modern transmissions. I believe the change year was around '55. Also keep in mind there were 3 different families of early Hemi engines, Chrysler, Desoto and Dodge, all in various displacements and no parts interchange due to different bore spacings although the all look similar externally.

 

[dusterny]

Hot Heads makes parts for these old hemis and hot rodders are into them.
Yes you can turn a few bucks but I have no idea of the market for them as to whats valuable and whats not.

 

[moper]

It's a cool thing to have. Not sure about using it, but it's a great collector item if you're into that. I'd love to get a later 392.

 

[65 Dartman]

Those extended bellhousings can be machine off if need be. Just out of curiosity, what kind money does a 392 fetch these days if anyone has an idea.

 

[dla4567]

Check Hot Heads classifieds to see what there selling for, you could even call them for info (really nice people). The extended bell housing Hemis are 331's. Check the head casting numbers, if there 555 heads there worth quit a bit.If complete and rebuildable worth about $500.00. I paid $1,000.00 for my 354 but it was really low miles(19,000) and running.You may even want to part it out to get more.Or you could just rebuild it and put it in your car.