391 - 392 hemi help?????????

[tommyB]

my 43' chriscraft has twin hemi engines in it, an i'm trying to figure out what they are, no casting #'s on the block but if someone haS A BOOK ON HEMI#'S i would welcome the help i also am asking my self WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO!!!!!!!!

[jwaldin]

OUCH!

[brian.cunningham]

Wish I had your problem! smile.gif

Look into old issues of HotRod (http://www.hotrod.com) and Popular Hotrodding (http://www.popularhotrodding.com)

I remember reading an old article on building early Hemis. There's quite a bit of difference for year to year. They are still quite popular, so you can still get parts.

[Ken Liden]

Likily they are either the 331 or 354 Hemi's. Both were quite popular back then. There are casting numbers somewhere on both the heads and block and if you can locate them let me know and I will look them up in my casting number books. In that era the numbers will be 7 digits and probably begin with 16 or 17.

Not much call for that stuff anymore. They are very outdated and by todays standards very under powered. They are also hard to find parts for rebuilding outside of specialty providers.

[tommyB]

THANKS TO ALL IM SORRY I KNOW SO LITTLE, THEY ARE IN MY 1954 CHRISCRAFT THE ONLY #'S ANYWHERE ON THE BLOCK ARE ON THE INTAKE E-4533-M I HOPE THAT HELPS OR IF ANY ONE CAN HELP THANKS TOMMYB

[brian.cunningham]

Have you contacted any Chris Craft clubs?

[Ken Liden]

If your engines are original to the boat they have to be 331s. The 354 started in 1955 and the 392 in 1957. Look for the casting numbers on either the right or left side of the block between the exhaust manifolds and oil pan. The head casting numbers on most of those heads are under the valve cover.

[Mike Dawson]

Those early hemis are quite valuable in hot rod circles especially if they are 392 cu. in. Here are a few web sites that have good info.

http://www.classichemi.com/marine.gif
http://www.classichemi.com/index1.shtml
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/hemi/oldhemi.html

a google search for "early hemi" will give you more than you will ever want to know.

[Ralph M Bohm]

Originally posted by Mike Dawson:
Those early hemis are quite valuable in hot rod circles especially if they are 392 cu. in. Here are a few web sites that have good info.

http://www.classichemi.com/marine.gif
http://www.classichemi.com/index1.shtml
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/hemi/oldhemi.html

a google search for "early hemi" will give you more than you will ever want to know.If the above links have notm answered your question, perhaps, my friends at my Dodge Charger mailing list can. Give 'em a shout at:

The 1966/67 Dodge Charger Club mailing list (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/66_67_dodge_chargers/)

[ion barnes]

Tom, you might find some help at a public library and Chysler auto repair books. I have an antique Chysler man up the street from me an I will pay him a visit Sunday. If he doesnot know, I will be very surprised. He did some scrounging for my brother's twin Chysler straight eights! By the way, do yours both turn clock wise? or one of each direction? Ion

[tommyB]

Thanks to all for some good idea's they are counter-rotation there are no #'s on the blocks just a big W the #'s i did get are on the intake. BIG ? would it be better to keep them original or go to small diesels thanks tommy

P.S> what did i get myself into argggghhh no numbers anywhere

[brad9798]

Ken's right ... if orig. they are 331.

43'? What model? As a CC enthusiast, I am not familiar, off hand, with a 43' hemi-powered model ...

Diesels vs. gas is a goofy/unique question that only you can answer ... before considering a change, I would:

1) do engines run?
- if so, keep them, as they are original equip ...

2) extended cruising? perhaps diesel

3) expense no worry? diesels perhaps ...

But, depending on the model you have, not need to cut cabin roof, or whatever, if the gas engines are ok.

Keep us posted ...

Brad

[ion barnes]

Tommy, neighbour was not home, but knows I want to speak with him. In the meantime, the question of diesel vs gas can be evaluated with a look at
www.yachtsurvey.com (http://www.yachtsurvey.com) he has a couple of articles. If the boat is to be considered as original or someting close to it, I would keep the hemis, barring difficulties finding parts. Surprisingly, once you turn over a few leads, they uncover others, and so it goes. You will be amazed at the places where parts are stashed. It can be like "I have been waiting for you". Anyway I'll try the neighbour again tomorrow.

Hemmings, the auto manual/catolog/sales mag . Go to a well stocked magazine store and get a copy.