Is there a cheaper Hemi?

[nitrometal]

I've been surfing on the web lately and can't seem to find a 68-71 style Hemi out there for under $10 grand.

I would like to have a Hemi in my car only for the "looks".  It doesn't have to be numbers matching or a ultra-horsepower torque monster.  In fact I would prefer that it be a tame street motor.  A motor in running condition would be nice but I could take a basket-case if the price is right.

There's gotta be some junkyard or backyard motors out here somewhere.  Has anyone seen something like that?
If so, I sure would be interested in talking to you.

Thanks,
Phil

[Rolling_Thunder]

Stage V engineering makes hemi conversion heads...         $10K ?   drop in a 6.1L and make the same hp and be more streetable?      

[Troy]

There are several threads on this topic. Basically, it is *possible* but only if you're a shrewd shopper. Max has roughly $10k in his and I would have had roughly $11k in mine but it would have looked closer to stock. There is no such thing as a "cheap" hemi but you also don't need to spend $25k either. For Hemis Only starts theirs around $13,500 and they have very good reviews. That's way better than 35-40 year old used blocks and parts.

Troy

[Aero426]

In my opinion, an low price Hemi or basket case will be just that - a beat to death motor, and you will be financially behind what it costs to get a good one right off the bat.   The other thing to consider is all the accessory parts and pieces, all that stuff adds up.   I think you have to be "all in", or not at all on that project.  Personally, I don't think $10k gets you where you need to be.

I know you want the Hemi look for your #43.   Glen Peters in Iowa who built a nice #43 out of a real Bird,  made up some fake Hemi valve covers to fit on a 440.  They were VERY convincing, and would fool most people.  Those they didn't fool would say, "wow, nice job".   

If you do decide to drop the money on the real deal, the upside of a good Hemi, is it will have decent resale on the back side.   There's two kinds of people.  Those who have Hemi's and those who want them.   That's not going to change.

[Ghoste]

I agree with Doug, when it comes to the Hemi, it's all or nothing.   A friend of mine has been trying to piece one together on the cheap for a number of years now and he still has a way to go.  The sad part is that he lives near Larry Shepherd (For Hemis Only) and could have gotten one built a while back.  What price do you put on driving it?  The time he has spent gathering parts can't really have a value placed on them.
But, whatever you have to do I guess.

[Rolling_Thunder]

My boss just pieced one together here at the shop and it cam out to exactly $9,294.43 - this could have been lower but the engine needed custom pistons made...   but it is possible...     that also includes building it, motor mounts, nuts, bolts, carb, flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disk...

[Ghoste]

Of course, your boss, owning a high performance engine rebuilding service and being a Mopar fan, is in a somewhat better position than most to take advantage of any Hemi building cost saving opportunities.

[nitrometal]

Wow, so building up a decent hemi will still cost close to 10k?  I never would have thunk it. 

Stage V engineering makes hemi conversion heads...         $10K ?   drop in a 6.1L and make the same hp and be more streetable?      

I searched on Stage V and they've seemed to fallen out of favor since the crate hemi was released.  The 6.1 might be a great motor but I don't care for the way they look and besides it won't look period correct.

I know you want the Hemi look for your #43.   Glen Peters in Iowa who built a nice #43 out of a real Bird,  made up some fake Hemi valve covers to fit on a 440.  They were VERY convincing, and would fool most people.  Those they didn't fool would say, "wow, nice job".   

I brought up this idea when I first joined the forum and everyone thought it would look bad.  Is Glen still around with this car?  This look would work as far as I'm concerned and it certainly should be easier on the wallet.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Of course, your boss, owning a high performance engine rebuilding service and being a Mopar fan, is in a somewhat better position than most to take advantage of any Hemi building cost saving opportunities.

well - I built the engine for free - not because he is my boss - but as a sort of a trade...   he lets me drive his GTX and his Superbird all the time so I thought i should do it just as a friend...     If you have the knowledge to build a 440 you can figure out a hemi -

[bull]

You never said what size you wanted so if your goal is "looks" you could go with a 392 Hemi. They will cost you a lot less in the beginning but probably the same to rebuild as a 426. You'd probably have more luck finding a 392 Hemi in a car than by itself. The only thing is it wouldn't be era-correct like you want but they look pretty much the same as a 426 IIRC. They look more correct than a modern Hemi anyway.

I don't know man, Hemis just cost a lot of money. That's why I don't worry about getting one.

[kab69440]

There's a 5.7 "Hemi" with tranny and computer for sale here in Marion, Ohio for 5k, if that helps any...