1959 dodge 318 polyhead is it junk/worthwhile?

found a 1959 dodge 318 polyhead a block engine that was running when pulled has a 3 speed tied to it. fresh rebuild. guy needed it gone $50. is it a decent engine? I figured for the price it was worth pickin up either way.

 

In 2bll carb. form their usually rated at 230 h.p. I know Isky still makes cams for them and Weiand did make a dual plane 4 bll. intake as well. I think the 4 bll. factor rating was 260 h.p. A pretty reliable motor and can't think of any reason not to run it in something. They also have adjustable valves so you might need to go through and do a periodic valve adjustment. Had one in a 61 Dodge Phoniex, did great for me and delivered good gas milage.

Michael

 

I just really figured for the price i SHOULD pick it up. I really have no use for it right now, but i'm sure it will find a home somewhere eventually

 

here it is

 

They're good engines. "Panic" & "Abomination" are both big fans of them. They could be stroked & bored out as much as 402. A number of threads on the "A" Polys.

 

$50??? You're asking if you should pick up a running poly with the trans for $50??!

 

strong engines and can be built up, as previously mentioned, lots of hop up stuff still available.....why not for the price of a tank of gas, do it.

 

If you don't want it, send it to me

 

Yeah, I'd be all over that if it was close!

 

Buy it now. Some port work, a decent cam, weiand 4 barrel intake and some headers and you will have a very solid great performing engine that looks absolutely nothing like a small block chivvy - that is to say it looks cool.

 

Buy it for $50 and then i'll give you $100 for it, bam, you just doubled your money

 

Great engines!! Always thought they had high "cool factor" in the looks department as well.

 

I have one in my 49 Dodge Wayfarer. I'll give you a few bucks if you decide to sell.

 

Since Jason hasn't jumped in I'll offer a couple of thoughts.
All of the A series engines up to 1962, share the same bellhousing layout as the EarlyHemi, and they also share the same 8-bolt crankshaft flange arrangement. What does this mean to you? If you were to put in a '63 or later crank then you will be making a one-off trans adapter to 'fix' the now short crank. Or, if you wanted to use a later Torqueflite or 4-speed with the engine as it is, you will need the 'usual' EarlyHemi adapter.

If you use the engine & trans as is you are good to go, just keep the block/crank issues in mind.

Gary

 

A rebuilt V8 with a manual trans for $50?

I'd be looking for an A or similar to build around it - even if it was a Toyota motor.

 

Buy it!!!!

 

I already bought it as soon as I saw it for sale. I was actually asking if it was a decent motor. I know of a 41 dodge pickup and a 30ish Victory 6 4 door sedan. Either would be a cool home for it. I'm glad to hear there are some speed parts. Thats more what I was looking to find out.

 

Count me with the lovers, just 'cause its a Mopar and it has cool valve covers. There are better engines to go fast with, but a Poly just looks a lot cooler than a lot of 'em!

 

318 Poly "A" Yahoo group The 2X4 intake is cheaper than the 4 bl intake, the Wieand 4 bl intake is pricey & hard to find. There's a build chapter in Tex Smith's hemi book by Ron Ceridono.

 

i'll ask an ignert question.

I thought I had heard that hemi heads would bolt on to a poly because they are the same block. I know I read this somewhere, yet no one has mentioned it in this thread. Is it possible? If so, why hasn't anyone mentioned it?

 

The '59 318 is a totally different engine than the earlier poly/hemi engines and cannot be converted to a hemi by changing the heads. The A series 318 is the predecessor to the LA family of small blocks eg: 318, 340, 360.

 

FRANK - is that avatar a RAT ROD???? sorry, couldn't resist

 

LIKE 'em?

Hell, George - I sleep with one.

~Jason

 

If ya don't mind my askin' .....

How was it?

Did it expect ya to snuggle afterward .....???

Inquiring minds want to know!

 

He gets head X 2!

 

It's super hot.

One night, I burned my fuckin' weenis...

~Jason

 

Jason, so nice to see ya back fielding bone-headed questions...


Gary

 

$50 is chump change for a mill and transmission id even run the 3 speed ,

 

I have dealings with 2 of these 318's they great relieable motors , one a '67 fury wagon one ina '67 dodge p.u. . They had lots of grunt stock so hopping them up would be interesting. I have seen the 2x4 dealer installed manifold on a '64 belvedere hardtop and it went very well. Rob.

 

It's good to be back.

~Jason