Technical 331 Hemi question

Is a 1955 Chrysler 331 Hemi a desirable motor in todays market, looking at one in a New Yorker. I do not know the condition other than the car looks good. Any thoughts on value as a core would be a big help. And would a later model Torque flight bolt up to it.

 

Better make sure its a 331...most 55s are 354s

 

How do you tell the difference? Why is one better than the other?

 

1955 was the last year of the 331. In terms of desirable, the newer the better. 1951 - 53 331 (least) 54 - 55 331 (better) 56 354 (more better) 57 - 58 392 (best) 64 - 72 426 (most valuable of all).

A late model torqueflite will not bolt up. They need an adapter.

In any case, unless the car is a total wreck, you would get more money for the car with motor than the motor out of the car.

 

there is a huge post here on early hemi engines here. Try the search maybe you will have better luck than I did. Here is one from hot heads.
http://www.hothemiheads.com/hemi_info/hemi_engine_id.html

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/engine-hemi-tech-index.659166/
found it!!!

 

all Chrysler hemis are desireable, they go for 1500.oo and up here on the west coast, getting very hard to find. wilcap makes adapters for various automatics.