Putting a Chrysler Industrial Hemi in a 52 Dodge truck

[DanBabb]

First post here. I'm located in Summerfield, NC (just north of Greensboro).

I own a 52 Dodge B3B Pickup. It currently has a flat6 and I'm looking for more power (so I can use it to tow my 68 Camaro to track events).

I found a motor locally. It's a 1956 Chrysler Industrial 354 Hemi. It was pulled out of an aircraft tug and was running well when the current owner pulled it out. Except for the intake & carb & water pump (seized), it's complete. It spins freely and looks good from what you can see of the inside.

My current plan is for no rebuild. I'll get it running on an engine stand first to make sure it's good enough to drop in. If it runs, then I'd proceed to pull the front clip off my 52 B3B and begin the fun stuff.

After searching online and doing some measurements, it looks like it will fit (with some mods to the radiator position).

So, I'm trying to list everything I can think of budget wise.

Here's my short list...please tell me what I'm missing and where you think my costs are out of whack.

I know this won't be exact because you never stick to a budget...I just want to make sure I catch all the major stuff.




Here's a picture of the truck I'm dropping this in.




I've done searching here and I've seen posts with guys that have used these motors. If there are any pitfalls I need to be aware of...please let me know.

[HemiRambler]

Water pump - Ebay - 100 bucks - swap meets even cheaper
Manifold - Stocker?? 50 bucks
Carb - swapmeet - 75 to 100 bucks - add another 40 for a kit off eaby

I think you can beat the price on some of the bigger ticket items (like the disc brakes) but you're gonna have to work for it.

Obviously if you are in a HURRY - you're gonna pay top buck, If you have some time you can search around and grab a few deals!!!

I run a 392 in my old '47 Truck. Initially it had a factory starter - and was ok in of itself but the steering had to be modified and I didn't like that. So I ended up geting a modern gear reduction starter and put the steering back to origional. It was Cheap (100-125 bucks) on Ebay IIRC.

For the discs I bought a kit off Speedway cause I was in a hurry at the time. A Full size Blazer backing (disc caliper mtg plate) makes for a much nicer conversion - I plan on adapting that to mine when I run across those parts cheap!

BTW - mine tows quite nicely with the exception of backing it ina tight spot - the manula steering has got to go - but other than that - no complaints.

[Boones]

Looking forward to seeing this install. Still trying to figure out what motor I will put into my 48

[Ebbsspeed]

Are there any issues with the crank flange being a problem on the Industrial hemi engines?

[Kerry]

I've got an IND56A (motly) in the coupe and the digger. I've not had any trouble with the flange. The JW Super Bell stuff in the digger needed massaging but that's not an uncommon thing with them from what I hear. Ask Hemirambler about his fun with them.

[DanBabb]

Good question that I didn't think of. Here are pictures of the engine. Can I use this motor without having to replace the crank?

[dirt t]

many years ago (had brown hair and 25lbs lighter) I did this conversion using a 392 and torque flite . only problem was the starter/steering box.

[HemiRambler]

Yeah BTW I run an Iron (pushbutton) torqueflite in my truck. They are admittedly an outdated trans. Rebuild parts are a tad expensive, but as compared to the conversions it can be cheaper. For instance a pushbutton trans can often be had for free. The rebuild kits are around 3 bills. So if you had an inkling to go ultracheapskate - it's an option. Now I'm not sayin' it's a better idea long term - just tossing out an example. Mine in my truck needs rebuilding right now - I contemplated changing over to a 727 - and maybe one day I will, but for now - I'm sticking with the "Iron Monster".

Kerry has a good memory - the JW kit gave me fits. I had to change several things to get it to work properly. I can't speak for any of the other adapters as I have no first hand experience with them. If by chance you go the JW route - let me know - I'll go over my issues - maybe you can avoid them.

The poster mentioning the steering box being tight - is exactly my issue - that NEW Nippondenso starter converted for a 392 is awesome - it is offset and MUCH smaller than a stock unit - so I highly reccomend it. They have lots of cranking uumph as well!!!

Good deal on the Hemi - BTW!!! SWEET TRUCK TOO!!!

[Dzus]

What trans was behind it in the tug?

[Kerry]

Yeah, with the JW Ultra Bell on the digger the Nippondenso starter, small as it was, was in the way of the frame. I cut some of the nose off, welded an additional plate for the mountand reclocked it so the motor is directly below the drive. Fits great and works fine now. I think Bob Walker at Hot Heads has a modified Nippondenso starter that works with stock old hemi transmission and flywheels.

[Tim Keith]

That's a good looking Pilothouse. I found one of these with the
Volare IFS under it. I don't know if it was done right but looks
like a good fit. Tim

[George]

It's usually recommended that the Ind cam be replaced with one that was ground with automotive use in mind. If you were using a QEC adaptor & a 727 the studs in the crankflange would be replaced with bolts & a 426 hemi flexplate.

[George]

What's the tubing on the dist area of the block?

[Hnstray]

Originally Posted by George

What's the tubing on the dist area of the block?

Oil pressure line for manual guage I think.................

Ray

[Kerry]

Nope, the oil pressure hole is in top right next to the hole for the distributor. The line in question goes to a non pressure area. Probably a return line for something like a governer.

[DanBabb]

As far as that line in question, the previous owner said the aircraft tug did have a governor on it...so that could be the ticket.


I bought it tonight.

Hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew?

That's really a rhetorical questions...I'm sure I did, but no turning back now.

Time to start collecting a few of the missing pieces (intake, carb, new water pump, transmission, adapter plates, starter, a lot of degreaser...the list goes on).

I plan on collecting parts and getting it cleaned up. Get it running over the summer, then towards the fall/winter, get to work on trying to stuff it in.

Chug-a-lug Doug (that's what my kids named it) is already saying 'ahhhhhh".

[Kerry]

Welcome to the hemi addiction! You won't regret it. :-)

Go to the following page and start reading the links. Lot's of good info.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=118764

[krooser]

Originally Posted by Ebbsspeed

Are there any issues with the crank flange being a problem on the Industrial hemi engines?

NO.... there's been a lot of info posted about that but every IND I've seen has the pass. car crank... all three of mine have pass. cranks...some marine engines will have a different crank...

There's a wealth of info here if you search for Scooter's "Hemi-Tech" posts...

[George]

You have the standard under carb crossover, so any 55-58 or afterrmarket intake will work. I see someone plumbed a leak into the rear block off plate on the right of the pic, need a new one.

[Kerry]

He can put his temp sending unit there like the one in the pic. Mine's in the left head like that.