BLOWN UP! 1959 Dodge 315 Hemi Engine Teardown And Inspection (And How To Un-Seize A Rusty Engine)

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

ATTENTION COMMENTERS! I am fully aware that Hot Heads is the spot for early Hemi parts. In fact, they are the source I checked hoping to find .030/.030 bearings for this unit - but they don’t exist. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

their is that thar thang called welding the crank if one can find a shop with their head on a bit straight

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

@@overbuiltautomotive1299 Yeah, see the thing is though, I've had cranks welded (with only one bad journal) and I happen to know what that costs...

[@LyonsLyons]

Would like to see that hemi run again.

[@sethbarnes7608]

Maybe try Kanter Auto Parts, or Egge Machine

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Hart's in Cecil Ohio welds up and grinds cast cranks at a reasonable price... and found me high priced bearings at a low price... and many places do forged cranks...

[@steves9905]

Growing up in north Seattle during the cold war years of the 60's, in North Acres Park there was tower with an air raid siren that would be tested every now and then. A badge of courage for us kids was the claim we had gotten past the barrier and climbed the tower. I did it once, and low there was a Chrysler FirePower hemi powering the siren, no doubt one of those industrial engines. I was a young car crazed kid and knew what it was.

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Back in 1950s our farmer neighbor had Chrysler Fire Power Hemi powering their irrigation pump around the clock in summer... no mufflers on it...

[@RevolutionMuscle]

You are quite funny and amusing, in a quirky kind of way. Dont listen to the negative people.

[@kellycassutt3165]

Keep on building your niche! MOPAR or no car.

[@Silvangreen]

I like teardown videos. I grew up near Detroit and would often hear the phrase “rebuild the engine.” Now I can watch it happen, have it explained, and not freeze my ass off. My childhood memories of auto repair all take place in winter on cold concrete floors in a small unheated garage.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m very aware of how unheated my garage is currently… either way, happy to help. Haha.

[@Moonman63]

I think the sardonic side comments make the videos much more entertaining while I learn so much about engines and cars I’ll never own, Very cool

[@dennislarsson1723]

I have a 1959 Dodge 325 Hemi. The bores were all bad so I sleeved all 8 bores and made it into a 315. I can get 315 pistons, 325'5 are special order. My Hemi also has the non-adjustable rockers. I suspect that Dodge went to hydraulic lifters for the last couple of years in the truck line but kept the rocker covers. The new LA 318 oil pump will fit with an adapter and longer drive shaft. The drive gear is the same. I also machined the water pump housing to take a B block water pump. The heads have tiny valve heads but 7/16 stems. The exhaust valves were sodium filled for cooling. I found that the valves out of I believe a 2.3 liter Ford will fit if you replace the huge valve guides with 11/32 ID units. I made my own. I also installed hardened valve seats. Cam shafts are not available. At least not for a reasonable cost. Regrinding the cam and adjustable push rods unless you can locate some adjustable rockers. I have seem some examples of people drilling and tapping the rockers. They get very thin wall between the screw and outside of the rockers. Have fun

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Interesting the 2 bbl. 315" Hemis had more power than the early 4 bbl. 331" Hemis...

[@musclecarmitch908]

I've always had a hankering for a 41 willys with a early hemi! After watching this video I'll be building one in my head for the rest of the day!😊👍

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I definitely want to do some kind of period race machine with one. It would be neat.

[@BillyWalleen]

I remember that movie! Small town corrupt sheriff and car dealer and son race a cross country drag racer.

[@tyhogue8316]

Don’t listen to what others say! I find your wit and sense of humor wonderful. I appreciate all the detailed information you offer. Good job bud!

[@zachsmith5216]

If making a mess of your garage is a super power, then you are the master of the universe my friend!

[@fishbagicewater]

My van is now youtube famous. Thanks again for the help buddy.

[@Mr.mopar71]

Your sarcastic wit is just fine

[@robertporch8895]

Yeah, with a pinch of need thrown in. I like it too.

[@lanashill7949]

What a fun trip down Trivia Lane. I really enjoy suprise filled tear downs, and your knowledgeable humor is most entertaining. Great stuff!

[@apollosix]

My first car was a 1971 VH Aussie Charger with the Aussie built Hemi 6. That was a fun car which also taught me to fix cars because I was constantly fixing things, Your videos are the next best thing to owning one, What is left here in Australia is mostly price prohibitive. Cheers.

[@pcbullets8726]

You don't get to see many engines like this these days. Very interesting stuff dude!

[@bruceabbott3941]

On your opening comment on the rain: I live in Maine, and used to complain about the weather, using Samuel Clemen's old remark about New England weather: "If you don't like it, wait five minutes..." I haven't complained about our weather since I worked in Gray's Harbor at a power plant where I was installing test instruments on a pair of GE gas turbines. In the course of two hours I was hailed on six times, with sunshine in between. I was on a man-lift, and wearing a hardhat. It's incredible how loud hail sounds on a hardhat!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep... I thought that wait five minutes thing was coined here 😅 it’s very accurate sometimes.

[@Beverlys-Hillbilly]

I personally find you quite amusing, and I have been a Mopar junkie as long as I can remember. Making your videos very entertaining. My first car was a 64 Plymouth Savoy with a poly that must have been built on a Wednesday. It was dangerously fast for a 17 year old, and would float the valves in high gear. Apparently fast enough to out run the boys in blue, that I didn't even know were trying to stop me! If I had any notion that I could have installed a set of hemi heads I would have been ecstatic!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I like those later poly engines too (although I can’t say I’ve ever seen one that ran like a scalded cat…) but they are not the same as the earlier Dodge and Chrysler Polys that were a head swap away from Hemi glory. However, I still think it’s possible, and I am going to try to gather some DeSoto heads to prove the theory.

[@Beverlys-Hillbilly]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I look forward to it. I am always open to learning, not being an expert in any way shape or form.

[@Beedycat]

I enjoy your ability to find the humor in all that you do. Having recently "completed" a rest/upgrade of a 65 Barracuda I it would be easy to see the whole project as a grim exercise in frustration . Your lighthearted and often VERY funny comments brighten my day.

[@barrycuda3769]

I agree.

[@SeanJoseph-s2s]

Those relics are interesting....you may want to look at the casting numbers on the crank ...they used the industrial motors on test stands and generators and agricultural pumps where the firing order is 180° off....good content and thanks.

[@jonmoore8995]

What an interesting autopsy...I mean engine tear down.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

What’s funny about that is my original title had “autopsy” in it, but I forgot and changed it. Lol.

[@shantyshitter3163]

I have a 57 Imperial 392 and a 59 Dodge 315 both complete sitting in my shed. I got both of them back in the 70's and have started them once a year since then. Some day maybe I'll get around to putting them in my two 32 ford roadsters just for kicks. Thanks for the great video.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Awesome!

[@buzzwaldron6195]

Put the '56 DeSoto 341" Hemi in my '31 Ford long roof hot rod back in '69... used '57 Chrysler TorqueFlite and rear end... sold it when shipped off for Vietnam and never saw it again... at least I made it back OK... too bad crap has to happen in our lives...

[@steveanderson6353]

Great vid. My connex full of Pentastar power plants of the past has a couple of baby hemis thst i tore down a few years back, a 241 and a 270. Came across a 331 short block still in a 55 New Yorker at my local pick-a-part for 75 bucks about 4 years ago. A friend sold me a pair of heads he had stashed since the mid 80s. Then i really wanted to find a Desoto hemi, also. 2 years ago a picked up a 57 Firedome that i had watched in a field for 25 years. Has a 341. Got it running and cant bring myself to seperate it from the car. Its a great sounding yard ornament. Looks great going to the gas station, too.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I couldn’t bring myself to pull that, either. I had to pull the 331 I had from the 55k New Yorker I had just gotten it running in. That was the deal for the car, and I thought I could get another one easily. Not so much…

[@chrispiazza7487]

I enjoy engine tear downs and your style. More of each please

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thanks! I’ll see what I can do!

[@lessharratt8719]

I enjoy your humor and find you very entertaining... and I learn stuff. So I subbed and belled and all that good stuff. See you next time.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you!

[@barrycuda3769]

I agree.

[@Neil-ru7kw]

Hi , at 15 ( '65 ) I helped a handicapped neighbor pull the heads on his '54 New Yorker . Fun fun fun , like the Beach Boys hit at the time ! Take care , Neil 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@gregpanek523]

My dad had a 1956 Dodge Royal Lancer 2 door Hard Top with a 315 Super Red Ram Special in it. (the writing filled the entire valve covers) The Special was basically the same as the D-500 package only it didn't have the heavy duty brakes and suspension from the Imperial as the D-500 had, so it was lighter givining it a better power to weight ratio. The Special was very low production, even had cast iron headers that nobody carried exhaust pipes for as my dad found out when it was time to replace the rusted out factory dual exhaust. The car had the 2 speed pushbutton powerflite trans. I remember my dad had a habit of blowing off challengers at the light going into the mid '60s and leaving the competition in the dust with his pink and white finned Dodge. The car made me the Mopar man I still am today!

[@jamesblair9614]

Yeah, I am interested to see a Dodge Hemi project. They’ve got the instantly recognizable Hemi good looks, and their much smaller size opens them up to being used in some sort of rod or boat where it’s going to be highly visible but space is limited. There used to be a rod in my area running a Red Ram with a 471 blower driven by a bunch of common V belts, very cool.

[@Vile-Flesh]

Great video. I love engine archaeology tear downs. Lot to learn as every engine has a story to tell.

[@Paul1958R]

My high school auto shop (ca 1974) had a Red Ram Hemi. I still remember all those burnt valves

[@thomasst.martin3308]

I also have a 315 Dodge Hemi that came out of a 1 1/2 ton truck with about 50K miles. It was really clean when I got it. Long story short it now sits in my '32 Ford phaeton with a D500 camshaft and 3 Rochester 2 barrels. Lots of fun.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Outstanding!

[@williambryson2190]

I went into this video hoping to learn about early Hemi engines. I came out of this video with new knowledge on early Hemi engines, and new knowledge of what “Weasel Piss” is. Learn something new every day!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. The internet is full of wonders. Haha.

[@gasser66]

DDG has the key elements that make a car YT channel successful. 1.Knowledge 2. Good narration/explanation 3. Clear watchable video 4. HUMOR. As a fellow weisenheimer I can assure you sir you are indeed funny. Or in DDG terms maybe you are un unfunny !?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Something like that 😅 you always seem to find the humor where I do. Many thanks for that.

[@OlderNotNecesarilyWiser]

I really enjoyed this video, and would like to see more teardowns! I'd also like to see you get the Hemi running again, I do wonder what will be harder getting the parts, or getting it able to run again. I also want to say I enjoy your humor/ sarcasm! Thanks for taking the time to show us.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m on the lookout for parts to make that happen. Crossing my fingers. Thanks!

[@klapaucius77]

I like seeing teardowns, especially carnage for some reason... If there is a chance to make that Hemi, I'd definitely watch the rebuild, I'm sure you could find a car to put it in.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. A car won’t be a problem. Haha.

[@davestark2015]

I enjoy your humor very much so. Keep givin err.

[@garymason7869]

Luv watching engine tear downs alot ... Keep up the good videos

[@georgejsalomskasiii3048]

You said " wedged".. yet, its a Hemi.. chuckle. Love the content. Keep it up, my MoPar bretheren

[@oldcars5547720]

interesting video -- I would love to see that engine run again. I am always down with bringing old engines back to life. My old '55 210 has a 235 "Stovebolt" six in it. I had to replace the timing gears last year -- quite a chore.

[@beljames1563]

You already know i want to see you do something with this 315. Its very much like my 56 D500.....sans the big valves, solid lift cam, dual point distributor and 4bbl wcfb. That said, a road toad would be perfect for one of these as would the 63 Valiant. Wildcat has an abundance of road toads so maybe a joint build? He might also have a connection for a detter 30:10 baby hemi. I think you already knew i would love to see an LA hemi. Probably not worth the eventual gains. But the amazing factor would be exponential.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It’s almost certainly not worth the trouble in terms of power, but I really think it can be done, despite the nay saying of the forum trolls. I just want to see for myself.

[@cbobmonster]

Another killer video Jaime nice work

[@ryanomalley430]

Very cool! It’s interesting to see the ancestor of the modern hemis. I also like the mopar small blocks a lot, the 318 is one of my favorite engines.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Me too. I just scored two sets of .020 over flat tops for 318s. The people have asked for a 318 build, so that'll have to come one of these years.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

I stood before the roar of the Chrysler Hemi at noon on Wednesdays all through my formative years. In fact the whole city of Seattle was drenched in the sound from city limits to city limits. The Hemi's powered the air-raid Bell Labratory "Victory" sirens. They were on huge steel towers across town. Two Hemis are still in place up on Phinney Ridge and another at the park on 145th & I-5. The loudest sirens ever made used for A-Bomb drills. 0 miles but plenty of hours.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep! Those things are cool. I’ve seen video of a guy running one in his garage.

[@mikeg9140]

I found one of these in a old forklift when I was a kid. The forklift owner eventually replaced it with SBC. I got my hands on it thinking I would build a 10 second street rod with it. Once I sobered up, I noticed how small the crank was compared to the power plant of choice in 1979, the BBC. It was going to cost a fortune to build, and the performance potential to cost ratio just didn't add up. I let a Mopar head friend of mine have it. As far as I know it's still sitting on the floor of his parents garage.

[@russellregnier5811]

I've learned a lot about Mopars watching your channel. I rescued a 69 roadrunner during 2020 covid lockdown. I put a motorhome 440 in it to get it running. I have the original 4 speed and 383 block that will go in soon. Wish me luck I've never worked on a 4 speed and had to order a lot of parts because I only had the transmission. Yippee

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Good luck! If you haven’t seen them, I have a video on rebuilding the A833, and I have a series showing the process I went through to install one in my ‘66 Charger called The Three Pedal Solution. It’s in a playlist on my channel. You won’t have to do the goofy flywheel science I did.

[@russellregnier5811]

@DeadDodgeGarage Thanks Jamie I'll check out those videos. I think I have the shifter linkage figured out. It's the Z-bar and clutch linkage where I'm clueless

[@ronwalsh]

Had to subscribe just for this video. Your sense of humor is much like mine, except I talk about MG engines like you do Dodge. Great stuff here, and don't let the haters get to you. Hammer on!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you! Hey, I kinda like MGs. I’ve had two MGB GTs. Both were rusty junk and neither ever ran. Some day I’d like to have a decent one.

[@TrashcanGarage]

That was fun as hell to watch and listen to. Earned a sub. Also, engine carnage good. 😏 I've got a 53 Packard straight 8 to unstick sometime this summer.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thanks for joining! And good luck.

[@TrashcanGarage]

@@DeadDodgeGarage - Thx. Always been partial to Mopars, the leaning tower of power and semi-hemi polyheads but got priced out.

[@MultiPhule]

I used to have a 1957 dodge cornet d500 with a 325 Cid engine. I found this fascinating. Thinking about the damage and the valve cover, my guess it was not in a bus or truck but a stationary engine like an air compressor. I think those are the correct valve covers for that engine even though the valves are none adjustable. The water pump makes it clear it is not a passenger car engine. Such a cool engine and such a great video.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Right. Numbers on the block say truck/bus, and different paint color tells me covers are off of a different engine. Whatever it was in last, one thing is for sure - it has lived a long and interesting life…

[@JetCityMopar]

I want one of those train cars every time I drive by

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Big same. I don’t know what I would do with it. Wait, yes I do.

[@benjamincresswell3713]

Hi Jamie. I had a 273 that was fitted with 10:1 pistons, and a set of heads from a late 273 w/ 1.88" & 1.50" valves. It had a purple shaft and a 340 stock cast iron intake w/ Holly 600 and a curved Prestolite cast iron duel point distributer. I used the same exhaust manifolds that came with the 69 Dart Swinger, w/ 4speed & 3.55 suregrip. It weighed just under 3,000Lbs. I ran it pretty hard, and it was no slouch. It performed well. Well, for a 273 anyway. It was no 340 like the car had originally, but it was an interim engine while the 340 was being "freshened." I'd say it had at least twice as much punch as it had when it was pure stock w/ 2bbl carb and mild cam. So, I didn't catch what your 273 is going to do for you, but if you prep it right, it will be fun. Remember 273 was part of the early 60's Scat Pack and was rated at 235hp w/ a quad. My 340 was rated at 275hp, but we all know it made around 350hp stock with the Carter AVS. I hope yours does you well. ben/ michigan

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I did a 273 video in which I discussed my plans. They aren’t too far off of what you built, but I am planning a few “modern” twists in the interest of high RPM performance - and an extra carburetor on top. This will be going in my early Barracuda drag car project, which I hope to get down around 2400 pounds or less.

[@rickrice3221]

Get it running! I have long been under the impression that the valve cover bumps were for high lift valve clearance in the letter car hemis, not particularly for rocker adjuster clearance, but maybe that one a the same thing. I’ve owned my 392 powered NYer since ‘78, and have a soft spot for all the 50’s hemis.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes, it's to clear the adjustable arms that are found in high performance or heavy duty engines. Someone else in the comments pointed out that the performance Dodge engine found in the D500 would also have them. Nice! The first one I owned was a '55 New Yorker. I really liked the car, but it was very rough, and I had to pull the 331 and give it back... It was a major bummer. I really want to own a '55 Chrysler C300 but it hasn't worked out just yet.

[@rockystanaitis2908]

I do enjoy your sense of humor.

[@Wyowanderer]

I was imagining the smell JUST as you mentioned it.

[@edwarddavis966]

Great job brother I love them old mopars

[@thegdfp6447]

I had a bunch of Chrysler hemi & poly engines, very similar design obviously. I did a lot of researching rod and piston dimension, and came up with some fun combos.

[@thegdfp6447]

4.1875 bore spacing precludes LA cranks

[@Brian-nm8ie]

I would definitely like to see more teardown videos. Lots of good info when you dissect an engine like that. It would also be cool to see you put a small block where it doesn't belong like a late 70's Dodge import. A Colt, Plymouth Arrow, or a D-50 would be super cool. I'm finally finishing up my '82 D-50 with a carbed magnum 5.2.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I agree. Nice! I'd definitely like to do something like that. People have suggested D50, K car, Colt, and more. The car kind of has to fall in my lap. I'm certainly not going to go looking for it. Haha.

[@pauldoucher1833]

Ok I am late to this party, however I enjoyed the tear down and the commentary

[@DonnyHooterHoot]

You should have seen my tail wagging when I saw that Chewy box. I almost broke a vase. Cool viddy!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

😅

[@YODAMAN5]

AWESOME vid....nice break down from a broken HEMI... PS: you are funny. MOPAR 4 EVER.

[@lancenutter1067]

Yeah would be fun to see it back together. 😊

[@lancenutter1067]

Also, my fav mopars are the 340 and the 383. Something special about both those engines.

[@scottsullivan1464]

I really like your videos. Please keep them coming

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you! Lots more coming up.

[@NathansMoparGarage]

They also used the industrial Hemi in air raid sirens. Those are cool videos look up Chrysler air raid sirens.😎

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m hip to that. I’ve seen a video of a guy running one in his garage. I think those were powered by the big Chrysler engine though.

[@NathansMoparGarage]

​@@DeadDodgeGarageI'm not sure which hemi they used but it was sure loud.

[@karensavarese5684]

Those were used quite often for irrigation pumps, likely in your area. And at high RPM for long periods . Still, a very cool engine, block is probably OK.,,,Keep at it,,,,,Izzy,,,

[@phillipdaigle4850]

Great Job, Keep it UP!

[@innertube205]

Interesting. Thank you!

[@mikebostock8969]

Yeah do some more tear downs and builds 👍

[@michaelnault5905]

In my youth, I drove many commercial trucks with gas engines. Although not realized at the time, in retrospect, it's amazing how much got moved by low power gas. Unfortunately I never drove any Mopar behemoths. They had a convoluted system of being "Job Rated," long ago.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

They had a truly ridiculous array of models, ratings, and configurations in that era. And in the time of those low powered gas engines, as I’m sure you know, gearing was king. The first one I saw that really amazed me was a slant six powered military tanker truck.

[@zundfolge1432]

yes I wanna see the hemi live!!!

[@akm0614]

I’m working on a ‘55 Dodge 270 right now. Secretly hope you get this put back together!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nice! I hope so too. I’m on the lookout for a savable crank, among other things.

[@moparkelly]

Great video and commentary on the old 392 273 hemi. Would love to see you resurrect that if possible or as you mentioned one of the early De Soto firepower hemi. I had one of these years ago, but never had the time to work on it and ended up getting rid of it, which I regret.

[@earlfreimuth5799]

Please Don't Give Up on the HEMI 👍

[@jeffgibson184]

🇺🇸👍 Any Hemi is worth saving, if your check book can handle it, if not pass it on to someone’s that can 👍

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep! I’m weighing my options there. If I can find a crank and pistons, plus rebuild parts, and not have to take out a second mortgage… we’ll see!

[@KB10GL]

You asked for this, so here goes. Brace yourself. If you want to rebuild this engine & help to keep costs under control, then go find a 1957 Dodge junker. The D500 Hemi was a "tick the box & pay the extra", OPTION-ONLY in 1956 & '57 & with only about 17,500 sold new, in1957, after close to 67 years later they are now quite rare. However, the standard engine in '57 was the 325 Poly, [semi Hemi] which is essentially the same as the Hemi below the head gasket. These should not be too hard to find as squillions were made & with the current demand for these engines, should be quite cheap. So find a good junk one & you are well on your way. The engine No. prefix for these in '57 is KDS, & they were also used in some DeSoto models, Quick & easy to identify. you might as well use the 1957 KDS 325 engine, with an extra 10 cubes for free over the '56 315 cube engine. If your block can be saved, then just use the parts you need, if not, then you have a donor block. Win win. The Poly version used EXACTLY the same block casting, it was machined for the Hemi pushrods anyway, same crank, same rods & pretty much everything else. The Poly short block needs only Hemi pistons & cam profile & BINGO, you have your rebuild well on its way, & lets face it, you're up for a set of pistons & a cam replacement or regrind anyway. Even the gasket set is the same including head & inlet gaskets. The exhaust & rocker cover gaskets are Hemi only. I have two 325 D500 engines here in Australia with one 'gurked' [ frost split block & seized] but I have a totally bare KDS 325 Poly block under the bench, so I can rebuild it. Instead, I am rebuilding the second, but much better engine. The damaged one is a future project. Since you are an LA man, as was I, here's a tip. The LA bearing caps will fit these 1956 & '57 engines, but just use the LA rear main cap. [Line hone required] The stock LA pump bolts right up using the stock LA drive shaft & gear. No adapter required That's what I have done with mine. Check the bearing locating tang position. It may be on the wrong side of the cap. Mine was not, so, good to go. Use Hemi/Poly main bearings as LA's use a wider center/thrust bearing. A little machining on the center LA cap allows the use of a full set of LA caps with the Dodge Hemi/Poly bearings. Good to know if upgrading with 318/3 heavy duty truck, or 340 HiPerf caps. These are, apparently, made from a higher grade iron. Again, to keep costs under control, use the passenger car water pump & housing from the donor Poly engine to reposition the pump lower & to do away with the truck engine mount in your application. Ah yes, the Poly donor engine, the gift that keeps on giving. Oh yeah, you need an oil pan too, Poly is the same. Also, TR Waters does [or did] a converted LA timing case for the Dodge Hemi. Again, with a readily available LA water pump, this could be an option. The Hemi/Poly passenger engine did NOT come with a harmonic balancer, but you can use a good LA one [recommended] by broaching the keyway to Hemi size, or use a stepped key. [TR Waters again] For a cost effective exhaust upgrade, use two left side Hemi passenger car exhaust manifolds Any model from 1953 onwards, & you have two center dump 'Rams Horn' type exhausts, but your alternator will need repositioning. [Don't waste your time with the generator] Again, a cheap upgrade, particularly in a street rod. These shouldn't be too difficult to find. Surely you know by now all of the wonderful goodies on offer from Hot Heads Research & Racing for these engines, & of course, I sold my soul to the devil & bought ALL the good stuff for my engine. My wallet is on life support. The dimpled rocker covers were carried over from 1956 when some 315's came with solid lifters. Both of my 1957 D500's came with dimpled rocker covers. ANY LA distributor, stock or aftermarket, can be used with a simple shaft extension. [Straight drop in for the earlier 241Hemi or 270 Hemi & Poly engines] By now it's obvious that anyone that has a good relationship with an old established junkyard, & a whole bunch of good/used LA junk engines laying around can rebuild & upgrade his Hemi at a reasonable cost but you need a serviceable junk donor Poly motor for the crank, rods & maybe even the block if the costs are to be kept under control These rare & beautiful early Dodge Hemi engines are a true National treasure & a 325 Hemi was used in the winning '32 Roadster in last year's LA Roadster show. It used alloy heads that were made for this car & I desperately, desperately want some. My '33 Dodge Coupe neeeeeds them.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh don’t worry. I’m well aware of the Hemi/Poly relationship. I have done much reading on this over the years, but have been brushing up after acquiring this specimen. I realized today that not only do I know where a perfect Poly donor is, I know the perfect car to put it in when I’m done… I’ve also spent a lot of time over the last week perusing the wares on Hot Heads’ site. I don’t have the budget for all of this right now… but I sure have some ideas.

[@KB10GL]

@@DeadDodgeGarage The costs can be a bit high, particularly when compared to arsehole engines [everyone has one] like Chevvalay's. Take pity on a poor ole Aussie who not only has to face the unfortunate exchange rate, but also the horrid freight costs along with a 10% tax on arrival. My engine has ben a 20 year project, starting with the 1-1/2 years spent looking for one, another year getting it home only to find a frost split in the block. I sourced a replacement block, but my spirit was broken. I had however bought all the rebuild engine parts from Florida [ two sets of bearings, pistons & just about everything I might need.]I now have enough engine parts to build the both engines. The fire was relit when I found another core about 2 years ago that cost over $6kAU landed at my driveway. This is a good core & is being rebuilt now. The final cost for a fresh/new Hot Rod engine with ALL the bling? I shut my eyes & see a black hole into which I just keep throwing money which is why this has been a project spanning over a generation. If I lived in the US I could have done it all MUCH quicker & for far far less. Such is life. Love your Hemi, treasure it & do not treat it badly, it may be the lasting legacy that you need. They can be rebuilt properly on a budget [that's a relative term] but don't let a few dollars make you shy away from this one.

[@Mercmad]

@@KB10GL I decided decades ago I would have a Hemi, and also being in OZ i was behind the 8 ball Until I found a guy in SA called Jack who had a 354 for sale. I bought it unseen and got a 331 bored to 354,Long block etc. But it has 13-1 pistons, twin WCFB's on a special manifold( made for the Carlkiekafer racers!!) Isky 4HHH cam ,roller tappets etc and fully Ported heads.It was allegedly a spare engine for someones Bonneville attempt. . I built it up and ran it once on lake Gairdner ,being the 1st early Hemi to run on the salt in OZ. I ran into a bit of difficulty and sold it to a Rodder on the gold coast. I was Hot Heads first overseas customer > I still have his hand written catalogue!.😁😁 While mucking about with that engine I met a lot of the old guys from the 60's who had run Hemis at the drags and even saw pics of a long block 331 in a Austin Healy! There were quite a few imported by guys like Diablo motors in Sydney. and many must still be stacked way in sheds around oZ.

[@KB10GL]

@@Mercmad So good to hear your story. Yes, there are a surprising number of Chrysler Hemi engines here in Australia, & a a 1956 354 cube version is my preference, but not so many Dodge & DeSoto engines. Of the four 325 Dodge Hemi engines that I know of over here, one is in a Model A Bucket in Renmark S.A., another in a 1933 Dodge Commercial Sedan in Adelaide & I have the other two in NSW. I hope that the alloy heads that may become avail in the US actually turn up as they would make life complete. OK, a bit of overexc9tement here, but they would be nice. There are at least six 241 engines that I know of & probably a couple of 270 & 325 Hemi engines in Oz that I haven't heard of yet.

[@clembob8004]

I would definitely like to see this hemi come to life, but then what to put it in, that's a great question. I have a special interest in the early Dodge hemis because there is a possibility that my 56 pickup might have come with one originally. Or it might have been a poly head, but probably the same block as this. It has the original V8 badge on the hood so I know it was one or the other. The funny thing is that it had a 318 poly/4 speed trans from a 60s Dodge pickup when I bought it, and because the previous owner had modified things to make the 318 fit, I was able to swap in a 318 small block with very little trouble. Also, my dad once had a 58 Dodge Coronet with a poly head engine that might have been the same block as this hemi. I think it was a 325, but I do know it had the poly heads.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Very cool. Right, either way, it’s the same bottom end essentially. Yep - that would be the 325 poly in the Coronet.

[@dalemagners404]

Thumbs up man! I'll watch everything you got to show. Ur a real car guy just doing ur thing. Please just stay the same.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you! I won't be changing. Haha.

[@davedemo8229]

The world is my engine stand. Yes hysterical

[@tonenuff]

I dig it bro, I appreciate the history and the knowledge! There is a channel called “I do cars” and the dude owns a salvage yard and tears down a trashed motor a week, which is cool but it’s all new stuff, and being a vintage mopar guy myself, I love learning about all the differences between the motors. Also since you are a huge A body/LA fan, I’m sure I will see lots of favorites 🤗 So yeah, I’d like to see more 👊🏼

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nice, hadn’t heard of that one. While there might be the odd brand X car or boat here or there, it’s basically all Mopar all the time in these parts. And the engines are my favorite part - so you’re in luck. Haha.

[@stevepops4450]

Another new subscriber and glad of it. Comment info can be gold. Lots to see here. Yeah, give Eric on I Do Cars a run for his teardown money. Those high top 273 pistons like you have scored what you need to make an S package engine? I have a stock rebuilt 273 to go in an A body with 4 speed. Bought an A-833 for a mate and it had the 18 spline input=Hemi application. Also have a 318 '64 poly to get together for an A hotrod Sportcoupe. It had 6 x .040 and 2 x .030 slugs in it, and lucky a mate had a set of .060 + rods. He also put me onto a P600 intake. Alan Fountain in Oz casts Edelbrock Poly V/C's without the script. Ordered 2 sets with 1 set goin on a Poly dual cab pickup import of a mates. Keep up the good content. Now to catch up on your earlier ones........

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nice! I love the Poly. Planning to do a build in the future. Yes, the domed pistons are the replacement equivalent to what was used in the Formula S Commando engine, or what Dodge called the Charger 273. Stock rebuilt 273 and 4 speed are my plan for my ‘67 Valiant in the near future. Hi po 273 is down the line for racing purposes. Good score on the Hemi trans… those are spendy units. Thanks for joining! I’ve got like 400 videos up (although around 80 of them are past live streams) so there is a lot to see. Haha.

[@someonehasthisid]

If you live around oil wells I would suspect that motor had been ran on casing head gasoline,its free but knocks like hell and beats rod bearings out. Also i noticed a couple knurled pistons which is super old school patch for bad piston to wall clearance and only being on a couple my money is on the machinist had a slip when going 30 over.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Noticed the knurling, very interesting. No oil wells anywhere near to here - but who knows where the engine came from.

[@mikehaglund7283]

I have a 57 Dodge D500 325 hemi, a 57 DeSoto Firesweep 325 poly (which is actually a Dodge motor), a 56 315 2v Dodge poly, a 56 315 2v truck hemi, two 56 DeSoto 2v 330 hemi, one 341 DeSoto 4v hemi. D500 is rebuilt, not for sale and keeping the 325 DeSoto short block for insurance, but not sure I will ever get to the 315 hemi, 315 poly or the 3 Desoto hemis. Located in MN.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Dang. I could use one or more of those… but I’m a long way from MN.

[@barryrussell4106]

I like this video I learned a lot as always yes I’d say do tear down videos. I’d love to see videos on electrical problems I have a 68 dart with motorhome 440 and have put 2 new alternators on it but can’t get it to charge

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Watch my Classic Chrysler Charging Systems video if you haven’t already. I cover all of the tests you need to do there.

[@heavyearly2232]

Hope you can use this - too cool( I couldn't wait until the end to comment).

[@Coronetguy]

Was pumped to see you tear this down , although I was rooting for a better outcome on the condition. I do feel bad that it wasn’t a potential runner right off the bat..

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Can’t say that’s a huge surprise. But it would have been cool. I am on the lookout for parts (maybe a whole Poly engine donor) to fix it. It was still a lot of fun - and people seem pretty excited to see it. Thanks again!

[@willattwood8303]

I love hemis and I enjoyed the clip screw the naysayers and I love learning about those older engines 😂 I also see you are a musician as am I

[@bombfog1]

Breathe new life into that Hemi!

[@innertube205]

I have had 2 ‘67 Power Wagons in my front yard for over 12 years now. One is a parts truck and the other is ready to be put back together. I have the body painted and ready to put on. My health took a turn for the worse about that time and I retired as a Paramedic. I still am an Interventionist at a local high school. I just can’t get excited about getting it put back together. Oh, the engine is a rebuilt 383. I am not mechanically inclined.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Dang, that’s unfortunate. Sounds like a great project - but a big undertaking. I have a ‘64 here I am slowly getting back together. The body is total junk, but I do intend to use it offroad so that’s mostly ok.

[@rexkean]

Okay, now my brain hurts! Thanks Jamie.😂 However, I did enjoy seeing the carnage! Yikes!

[@JohnSmith-cf4gn]

Must be the rarest Hemi ever. I never heard of a 315 Hemi.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I mean, not really that rare. Standard Dodge Hemi in 1956. There was also a poly version of the same engine (note that this engine, despite being number designated as an original Hemi, has poly pistons.) Powered the ‘56 D500. Also used in truck, bus, and industrial applications 56-59ish. May have still been in use in some cars for ‘57, I’m unclear on that, but there was one larger size at the end - 325. That would be the rarer one.

[@edwardmartin3069]

My older brother's first car was a 1953 Dodge Coronet 2-door hardtop with a 241 Red Ram Hemi - and the Gyro-torque transmission. These were solid, dependable engines and ran well with decent mileage. The transmission was "interesting".. If at all possible, I think you should rebuild the little 315. Hot Heads in North Carolina also has parts for Dodge Hemis and may be able to help you. It is hard to imagine the level of neglect and mistreatment necessary to wear out this engine twice and blow it up once. I could understand the broken rod if the engine had been used on an irrigation pump, but not in anything that was actually run by an operator. If maintained, these engines are practically indestructible. The basic construction is so over-engineered that it was not uncommon to run 1,000 HP motors with the stock crank and rods for many seasons. The engine's appearance is so iconic that they are worth the space just to keep on display in the corner of the shop. I had an early Chrysler hemi engine once but let it set too long, the shed deteriorated, and the engine got exposed to the weather. Between the mice, fire ants, and water damage (both rust and ice), the engine block was toast. But the heads survived. They are still buried in a corner of my basement. The engine was a 1956 355, but the heads may be off an earlier 335. I would have to find them and check the casting numbers. If I remember correctly, the 335 head on the 355 was the hot set-up. The guy I got it from was from a family that owned a large salvage yard and he didn't believe in doing anything halfway...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh don’t worry, I’ve been perusing the Hot Heads catalog… and this can definitely be a display piece if that’s all it’s good for. But I’d prefer to get it to make smoke again some day if that is an option.

[@Mercmad]

The Piston you showed the pitted crown has been resized by knurling. That's really old time (1920-30's) engine repairs. So it could have been rebored,used and worn,rebuilt again and put back into surface when a stretched rod bolt broke. I ran an LA oil pump and distributor in my 331. Do you have a 325 Dodge you could use the heads on? You will need a set of pistons as you said,the valave reliefs are in the wrong place on the polys'.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Not yet… but I’m keeping an eye out for one. I do know where a dodge poly is, but I think it’s an earlier short deck engine.

[@altpraize6708]

Multiple engine projects, you dawg, I am sooooo jealous.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Well… maybe don’t be. Haha. I mean it’s definitely fun, but also keeps my head spinning most of the time trying to manage them all.

[@kellismith4329]

Wow, that connecting rod certainly took a beating

[@angelsierra1988]

GREAT VIDEO !! 📹

[@Grandadsjunk]

Brother hood cool working on a old hemi hope you rebuild it anyway im looking for a pair of poly heads I can put on my spare 313 block

[@jamesretired5979]

I love hemi's , had 354 i put in 64 van ,it touched on all sides.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s amazing. Haha.

[@dantupper1784]

Revive it. Get the Tex Smith Early Hemi book or borrow & copy one. Search for a Quality Engineered Components Mopar transmission adaptor- made from steel plate. Good score on the 273 high compression pistons.

[@grantlee2975]

All your videos are great, and you are funny , don't listen to them.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

I did enjoy your video . Thank you .

[@sethbarnes7608]

The Chrysler was the physically larger hemi, as it had a wider bore spacing. The Dodge and DeSoto engines both had the same bore spacing, and were finish machined in the same plant. From '52 - '54 they were only 6 cu inches apart. The Dodge was 270, and the DeSoto was 276.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That is not correct. The bore spacing on the Dodge engine is much smaller. I found numbers of 4.1875 for the Dodge and 4.3125 for the DeSoto. I’m not confident in those numbers, because the spacing on the DeSoto should match the A/LA series engines, but the number I’m seeing for those is 4.46. Whatever the case, the Dodge engine is smaller than the DeSoto. It’s pretty easy to see how little deck space there is between the bores in this 315. For such huge engines, in terms of architecture, they’re remarkably small.

[@davestark2015]

Im guessing it was in a truck buses are usually well maintained. Ps your sense of humor is great

[@soundguy10]

Those piston skirts are knurled. That's a lost art (and machine) from the mid 20th century. I worked in a bunch of different machine shops back in the day and only recall one that had a piston knurler. Generally, the service was provided to cheapskates who wanted to do a shade tree "rebuild" consisting of rings and rod bearings. If the bores were a bit worn, a hard knurl could add up to about 10 thousandths to the skirt diameter. This type of "rings and rods" job was good for about 8-10 thousand more miles. We sold the kits to a LOT of used car lots. Some of the old guys in the shops maintained that knurling held oil better and was used on some racing engines and for some blueprinting jobs, but in my experience, it was primarily used for hack rebuilds. I'm guessing that the 30 over rebuild didn't last long under hard use and at some point it got another re-ring and knurl job, during which someone overtorqued a rod bolt, which eventually let go.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep, a couple other people mentioned the knurling. I noticed it but didn’t take any time to say so. I bet you’re right! One thing is for sure, this thing had a hard life and has absolutely been “overhauled” multiple times.

[@ScottDLR]

Just found your channel - awesome! You probably already know this but if not, the rear tail lights of early third gen Dodge Ram's are notorious for causing fake Lamp-out warnings. You can replace them with LED units and never see that failure again - or just replace the (so-called) "circuit boards" in them. (I have an 03 and have enjoyed all the crappy nuances of ownership since new.)

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep I'm hip to that. I think I replaced the board on the left side right after I got the truck. Or maybe I just replaced the bulbs and cleaned and greased the contacts. Can't remember. Had just replaced a bad bulb on the right, and then the warning started freaking out on the road. It's fine, it was only eight hours of driving round trip... Thanks!