Although many folks have hogged out their 331 just to save some money and use 354 slugs I do not recommend it. Thick cylinder walls are your friend, besides, other than bragging rights, very little useful power is gained in comparison to cooling capacity lost. Any custom piston shop can make new pieces and prices vary accordingly. Send a PM when you get close and I'll hook you up with some AutoTec units. I can crush the 'other guy's' prices. .
my recommendation is to reverse the fire wall,if your running a vega style box the steering is tight especially if the motor is setting low. i ran into problems with my pedals trying to get it all to fit in the floor along with the steering shaft. its tight!!!
The Jimmy White video is just awesome!! downloaded it as a sound only file shortned it and use it as a intro for my band, letting that hemi roar at 120Db though the speakerset!!
Anyone know how much custom pistons run? Looks like no one sells higher compression pistons for the 331, thats the main reason for thinking about the 354 slugs 23ci is really of little use for the headache and additional machine work
You will pay around $800 for any forged, high compression pistons, with wrist pins. I believe Ross will make them up to 12:1. JE, Arias, and others, will make them as well. I ended up with 10.5:1 Ross pistons for my 331. They're only +.040" over STD bore.
I've seen lots of these engines in coupes, anyone do it in a sedan? (and I mean put the engine in it!)
Here's one (desoto) in a roadster, i'm not reversing the firewall just took a piece out for some massaging. I'm not cool enough for my own build thread, but heres a sneak peak. (radials are for mock up only) Kevin
Mine is a 32 frame, stock wheelbase, stock firewall, used stock oil filter can, 56 DeSoto 330. Used stock fan too. Its tight, but it fits. I really didn't want to reverse or recess the firewall. I was actually surprised.....I though I would have to use an electric fan for sure.
go youtubin and type in jimmy whites hot rod nice 31 with a hemi in it with a decent cam 6 strombergs lakester style headers sounds mean and looks good.
Anyone got a extended bellhousing in an A FRAME? I'm wanting to run the factory firewall, but I'm curious of the motor mounts setup, and the pedals. any pics?
Jimmy's is an extended bell in a Model A frame. I've never taken a close look at the pedals and firewall though. The bellhousings are fairly bulky because of two mounting flanges on the sides that receive the lower starter housing. Depending on where you set the engine in the frame will depend on how much of the firewall you're going to have to cut, same as any engine. More than likely you're going to have to flip the firewall around or construct a recess though. My guess is you'll have to set it back to clear the waterpump, and what-not.
Thank you MRFORD! My '30 Roadster will be on a '32 frame with the 354 HEMI. A stock 30 firewall is a must have for me, glad to see it worked on your car. Another must have item is a CUNNINGHAM intake manifold.
'bout six months ago a customer brought me a '55 331 punched .185" !!!!! (354 bore plus .060") it did NOT sonic check ok. The engine had lots of issues, 40 miles on it when I tore it down, had .005"+ taper and out of round. +.125" (standard 354) would have been WELL within acceptable for this block. He then brought me a 354 block punched to 4.00" bore, it DOES sonic check ok (forget the #'s now, have them written down) anybody ever put 10 to 1 Egge 392 pistons (L2052) in a 354 block?
Many folks have put std 392 slugs in a 354...but, keep in mind that the 392 has a smaller dome volume than does the 354, then, combine that with less swept volume and you get less compression. Many years ago a customer brought in some Egge pistons that he wanted to use (in a 392) so we did all of the usual work right up to and including the downfill check after we assembled the shortblock. No where close to the advertised compression. Customer sent the pistons back and we ordered a new set of forgings in the next oversize. You just have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice if cutting corners is top priority. .
I'll fully admit that I have not yet measured any of the parts going back in this engine, but believe me, I will. This build isn't about cutting corners, it's about a customer who doesn't really know what he's doing, or what he really wants, but INSISTS on bringing me parts. He bought a 354 block bored to 4.00, and then bought the pistons mentioned. he didn't buy them because they were cheap, he bought them because he thought they were what he needed/wanted. I'll find out soon enough what he's gotten himself into, just wondered if anybody else had been down this road. sorry for the hijack, back to the Model A's......................
Cory, we have had plenty of the same customers...must be some sort of genetic deficiency......and most of them already know everything..... If the block is already at 4.0 what is your plan to deal with clearances in the individual cylinders without a custom piston? Gary
EXACTLY the kind of shit we're BOTH talking about!!!! What kind of dim-rod hones a cylinder without a piston to hone it TO!!? And yet.... I measured the cylinders when he dropped off the block, and he has since brought me the pistons, but I have not measured the pistons and compared anything to see what needs to happen. He just off the cuff brings me parts.. "here ya go-this is what I want" He is sure willing to spend the bucks-- over and over and.....retarded!!!! I learn by studying and asking questions- he learns by spending money!!
Ok i'm screwed, I need a engine compartment stretcher, If my valve covers are on the firewall my water pump is in the radiator, I'm curious anyone have one in an A frame (a 32 is 106" an A is 103?) need to make some room, or change firewalls, any good recessed walls out there? also would a sbc pump conversion give me any room?
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