hemi engine identification

I picked this up today. Its supposed to be a hemi.
block #155029-1 or155829-1
intake#1555473-1
crank1523 35
rear mounting plate 1532488

 

Crank is a 354 Chrysler hemi..... Look on the top of the block in front of the valley cover. There should be one of the below casting numbers stamped into the block, to be a 1956 Chrysler hemi CAR block :

NE56-1001 for a 1956 354 New Yorker OR
CE56-1001 for a 1956, 354 Imperial OR
3NE56-1001 for a 1956, 354 300 B

 

Block #NE5546093
Pooch

 

You may have to sand and/or scratch the rust or dirt off to see the stampings in the block....

 

Well "NE" is usually New Yorker, however I do not have NE5546093 listed. The block may be an industrial or marine block which is no problem.... "55" should be 1955 which makes the block a 331 hemi....Try the "Hot Heads" web site, I think they have block identification listed...

 

Will that crank fit that engine?

 

My non-educated guess is yes (????). The stroke for a 331 and a 354 is the same, main bearings are the same size, connecting rods are the same length, just a larger bore on the 354....

 

Thanks for the website. Lots of info.
Pooch

 

If the block# is 1558929 it's a DeSoto 291. Front cover doesn't look like a Chrysler. The #s on the crank seem to be 301/331/354 Chrysler. Intake is for a '55 331 Chr. If it's a DeSoto block the crank won't fit, should be easy to check!

 

NE55 is a 331, the crank is a 331

http://www.hothemiheads.com/hemi_info/index.html

 

So Im thinkin I got a 331 hemi. Is this a good moter to build?

 

Assuming that it is a '55 331, yes! That's what I'm running! The best of the 331s.

 

The best hemi's to build are the "Chrysler" hemi's as the majority of aftermarket parts etc. are for the Chrysler hemi's... You have a great hemi motor.....

 

I just found an Id page and it is a 331 for sure. The crank will fit, now all I need to do is get it checked out and get some heads.

 

As long as the block and heads are good, you can buy everything else new. Get the block and head checked for cracks, then take it to the best machine shop in town to square it all up. Cracks can be welded these days, and sleaves can be inserted to bad bores, so don't put your wallet back in your pants just yet.

 

I have been warned that these are very expensive to build, but I just cant see my merc with a 350 chevy.

 

I havent found any info on the intake yet . I am having pretty good luck so far please keep the info coming.
intake #1555473

 

You can buy a re-build kit which is everything you will need from "Hot Heads" which will give you a nice street motor for approximately $1,600 to $1,800. This kit contains the slugs, rings, bearings, gaskets, oil pump, valves, springs, cam, timing chain and probably a few other pieces. So does the hemi cost more, well yes, however; if you stepped into the hemi for next to nothing, what is $1,000 more for a re-build for a motor when you have a hemi....... The intakes are similar pricing as compared to other motors, except the small block cheby..... Sounds like you scored....

 

Doesn't matter, you can get a nice aluminum one. That thing weighs a ton. But that intake manifold fits a 331.

 

That's the stock intake for the 55 331. An Edelbrock carb will fit the small mount bolt pattern. You can open up the under carb holes, or use a spacer/ squeeze plate.

 

I have a chance to buy a 331 Hemi... But it appears to have water passages in both heads?
Here is a photo...

 

So could it be 331 block with 354 heads? The block ID# starts with NE55?

 

The '55 has front opening heads, the famous triple nickel heads. Block casting number, use code & head casting # will tell the tale.