Desoto Hemi Advice

I am going to look at a Desoto 345 Hemi this week. The engine has been disassembled for many years. It was supposed to be a good running engine before disassembly. It is supposed to be complete but in boxes. I have always been a big block Chevy guy so I really have no experiance with hemis. Can someone tell me what to look for with this engine. What parts are hard to replace and need to be in excellent condition, Where should I look for typical wear and damage to this engine, etc.. anything I really need to look out for with a Desoto hemi. Thanks.

 

All of them.

They're not as popular as the Dodges and Chryslers, so cool old goodies are hard to find and are expensive when you do.

And JMO, but I've never taken apart an engine that was in fine running condition.

 

start by finding out if it's a 341 (biggest hemi DeSoto built) check out all the pieces (parts are expensive and sometimes hard to find) and don't pay big money (its apart because someone found how much it costs to build a Hemi) use your head. I wouldn't pay more than 400-500 for a perfect disassembled hemi.
DeSoto's are the bastard Hemi as far as parts go, but running thay are as good as any hemi out there
after saying all that I would buy it without hesitation but not for the 1500-2500 that some think they're worth

 

The biggest one is the 345 cube. If it has a factory 2x4 manifold it is the rare 345 horse model which there were very few made.

1957 motor

345 Cubes
Bore (in) 3.80
Stroke (in) 3.80
C-R 9.25:1
Horses 345 @ 5200
Torque 355 @ 3600

 

This is a 345. It was taken apart so he could move it into his basement for storage. He says it is complete with 4 barrell manifold, carb, distributor, valve covers, exh manifolds, etc.. It will cost me $400. so I think no matter what it is a good deal. What I want to know is, what in particular is important for these engines. When I am looking at these parts what do I need to make sure is included and in good condition. What would be almost impossible to replace on this engine? Thanks.

 

Actually, everything is important, since DeSoto hemis aren't dropping out of trees. For $400, though, if all the major parts are there, you'd better buy it.

 

If it's the original 4 barrel amnifold then it's not a 345 but most likely a 341 or smaller, 345's did not come with a single four barrel.........get the number off the front of the block and you will then know everything about the motor

 

So what you guys are saying is as long as all the parts are there and the block isn't cracked or a solid block of rust there is nothing else to be concerned with? Rockers, pushrods, valves, oil pump, cam & lifters, pistons, rods, all these things are available?

 

If the pad is not readable there should be casting #s between the head & valley cover on pass. side toward the back.

 

Rockers are important as well as the crank, rods, main caps, you can still buy a lot of parts either through hot heads or Kanter auto parts. you can buy new lifters, valves, push rods, pistons, oil pumps. Just try and get the outside bracket stuff and pulleys the more the better.

 

Thanks. I am going this weekend to make the deal. I will do a follow up post after I get the engine and report what I find. Thanks again.

 

I picked up the Hemi today, man is it heavy, Haha.. Anyway it is not a 345 it is a 341. The id number is S26. It is complete with the 4V intake & carb, starter, dist, engine mounts, fan, pullys and even a brand new gasket set. Seems to be in pretty good shape. The only thing missing are the ignition wire covers. So if anyone out there has an extra set let me know. I am also now on the hunt for a project car to put this motor in. 1920's-1930's Desoto, dodge, Plymouth....

 

If you scored that for $400. You done real good.

My 341 is a torque machine! Bob Walker at Hot Hemi Heads has been a wealth of knowledge and help.

 

Yep. $400. Now I just need to find something to put her in.

 

DeSoto Hemi, where do I find the engine ID number?
thanks, Ric

 

Ric, check out the "use code" section of the Quality Engineered Components website. Should be stamped on the top front of the block I believe.
-Dave

 

Thread is over 12 years old..... Damn shame he didn't post any pictures.....

 

On a flat in front of the valley cover.

 

Ric Dean, here you go.

 

Thanks all, I'll let you know what I come up with. Ric

 

Hey guys that was a tremendous help.
Joe: I found the engine with the Chart you posted #S21-7562 it’s a 1955 4V 291ci. Seeing that 4V still on the engine I was hopeing for a Adventurer.

Thanks much! Ric

 

Desoto is the least popular hemi. No speed parts to speak of. I would pass.

 

You don't need a lot of speed parts to run a Desoto Hemi unless you plan to go racing or just want to impress the mouthbreathers. Rebuild kits are unreal expensive though. The cool factor of having Hemi in the right hot rod outweighs having the need to load it down with speed equipment.
It's a real debate price wise between the 330 Desoto I have and the Flathead I have which is going to be more expensive when done.

 

… Do you think I’m the guy that started this thread in 2006, a recent HAMB search came up with the Thread and it was a fit.


It is too late to pass on it, my 55 DeSoto engine was in a 51 Ford Convert field car that I have had for 40-50 yrs, I think I paid $15. To a Low-bucker like me a Hemi is a Hemi and its 4V, it will likely go into a light weight 1930s car and it ought to move along ok.


Thank you for your advice I’ll try to keep cost down till I find a 392.

 

That's what happens when people play in the Dead Threads!