Technical Chrysler 354 Build Thread!!!

[D-Russ]

Originally Posted by JeffreyJames

No I haven't. I basically relied on the the oil having no water in it and the antifreeze looking ok when I pulled then engine. I've actually never pulled the heads or anything because I've been so far from actually using the engine. I do know it was a 60k engine and I was the one that pulled the engine from the car. Other then that I was kinda waiting to be surprised when I actually went to use it haha!!!


Traded off the intake today for Flathead parts!!! I got a 2x2 intake and some finned heads which I'm super excited about. Now if I could just sell that engine to pay for the Lone Star Roundup hotel I booked last night!!

Based on the state of the fluids and mileage, it sounds like a good motor.

Are you driving the 35 to the Roundup?

[fuxl]

Any update from the machine shop on the bore?

[D-Russ]

No Martin, but I haven't called to check either.

[D-Russ]

Sorry to take you guys away from the *outlaw garage* thread, but I've got a modest little update on a real world, common man build.

My pal Dave Hartley ('Mo on here) was kind enough to snap a few pictures of the sleeve installation into my 354 block. It went well and I ended up with just a .040 overbore on all cylinders.

Here's a couple of shots of the boring bar set up to cut the bad cylinder for the sleeve. Luckily they didn't have to cut into the water jackets.








They like to leave a ridge at the bottom of the cylinder so the sleeve can't possibly slide down.




Next, they tap in the sleeve with this aluminum thingy. It's a press fit, but not ridiculously tight.






Then the sleeve and the remainder of the cylinders get bored and honed.






And here's the finished block, patiently awaiting my next chunk of money.

[JeffreyJames]

Awsome Dave!!! I didn't think you were going to get started on that thing this soon but glad ya are! Thanks for the pics bud.

[fuxl]

Looking good Dave.
You're not even able to tell which one they sleeved

Glad your making some head way on your engine.
I'm still in the tear down phase on mine.
That's why you bought yours in pieces, right

[D-Russ]

JJ, the soft timeline I have planned is to get the back seat, seat belts, e-brake, windows and regulators installed and operable this spring. Then do an interior. I hope to have all that done by the end of October (Jalopyrama).

Then if the 354 is ready, I'll pull the Chevy in the winter and fit the Chrysler for next year. Paint might come in spring/summer of 2013.

This is all dependent on time and money, of course.

[farmer12]

Thanks for the pics, looking good!

[scootermcrad]

That's GREAT, Dave! Excited for you!

If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay to have that thing inserted?

[D-Russ]

Originally Posted by scootermcrad

That's GREAT, Dave! Excited for you!

If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay to have that thing inserted?

It was $100 for the sleeve and labor. (and miscellaneous shop supplies, whatever that means )

[Jeff Norwell]

[QUOTE=D-Russ;7651023]Sorry to take you guys away from the *outlaw garage* thread, but I've got a modest little update on a real world, common man build.



Looking great Dave.....

[Just Gary]

Very nice!

[D-Russ]

Originally Posted by fuxl

Looking good Dave.
You're not even able to tell which one they sleeved

Glad your making some head way on your engine.
I'm still in the tear down phase on mine.
That's why you bought yours in pieces, right

Originally Posted by farmer12

Thanks for the pics, looking good!

[QUOTE=Jeff Norwell;7651262]

Originally Posted by D-Russ

Sorry to take you guys away from the *outlaw garage* thread, but I've got a modest little update on a real world, common man build.



Looking great Dave.....

Originally Posted by Just Gary

Very nice!

Thanks guys!

['Mo]

Lookin' good, Dave. A chopped Vicky with a Hemi is pretty heady stuff for this burg, when you think about it.
I can't wait to see it develop....Will it also be getting lakes style headers?

[D-Russ]

Originally Posted by 'Mo

Lookin' good, Dave. A chopped Vicky with a Hemi is pretty heady stuff for this burg, when you think about it.
I can't wait to see it develop....Will it also be getting lakes style headers?

Thank you for the pictures 'Mo – I really appreciate it.

I'm not sure about the lake headers yet for a number of reasons. First, I already have a really nice set of exhaust manifolds, second, the lake headers on the 283 are loud enough (even with baffles) that my son won't ride in the car, and third, my wife doesn't enjoy the smell of the exhaust fumes.

But I really do like the way they look and sound.

[57 HEAP]

Remember this is your car, build it the way you want it to be. And it's not loud and you can't get brain damage from exhaust, only from having the rear wheel roll over your head!

[D-Russ]

Originally Posted by 57 HEAP

Remember this is your car, build it the way you want it to be. And it's not loud and you can't get brain damage from exhaust, only from having the rear wheel roll over your head!

Ha Ha, thanks Sam. I'm pretty sure carbon monoxide can kill you.

[DJM]

Dave,
I am enjoying your thread. Im building a 331. Just so you know. Not opposed to letting the WC3D go. Curious why you dont do a tube style. I know its not vintage but it is cost effective. I am also curious about which machine shop. Like to offset grind crank and use pontiac or chevy rods.
SF
Dave

[D-Russ]

Originally Posted by DJM

Dave,
I am enjoying your thread. Im building a 331. Just so you know. Not opposed to letting the WC3D go. Curious why you dont do a tube style. I know its not vintage but it is cost effective. I am also curious about which machine shop. Like to offset grind crank and use pontiac or chevy rods.
SF
Dave

Hi Dave, please keep me in mind if you do decide to sell the intake. How about a spare 331 with all the fixins in trade?

I'm not considering a U-fab because I don't care for the looks of the runners with a single row of carbs. It looks too much like a giant spider sitting on the engine. On a 6x2 or 8x2 set up, with 2 rows of carbs, I don't mind the looks of the U-fab at all.

I'll run one of those bolt on tops like TR Waters sells if I can't find a one piece 3x2 intake. A 2x4 set up is also in consideration.

Ballos Precision Machine here in Richmond is the machine shop I'm using.

[George]

Unless you're useing modern carbs, 3 three bolts won't really be enough carb.