Re: IML: 56 block

Ted:

In terms of the bottom end the blocks are basically the same in the polysphere engines as the hemis. In addition to the different bore size and heads they also had different cams due to the differing valve arrangement and a different intake. The hemi heads will bolt up to a poly block but, with the exception of your case where you already have the parts, it is not usually worth the effort as the cost and hastle of conversion would be more then acquiring a fairly complete hemi.

To find a poly with the same bore as the 56' hemi you would need and engine from a 57' Windsor. From what I remember Chrysler used the 392 hemi on the Imperial and New Yorker, the 354 hemi in the Saratoga, and a 354 Polysphere in the Windsors on the 1957 model cars. The 1956 Windsor's used a 331 polysphere engine and the 55's used a 301.

With regards to your 56' Imp's block, is the crack not repairable? It was my understanding that most auto machine shops could weld up a crack provided that its on the outside. If a cylinder has a crack you could always sleave it.

Best Regards

Arran Foster

1954 Imperial Newport

Needing A Left Side tailight bezel and other trim parts

1975 Chrysler Newport

Just pulled the dash clock for repair.

----- Original Message -----

From: Cebuisle2@xxxxxxx

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2005 7:08 PM

Subject: IML: 56 block

OK-here's one for the club members who know block numbers and such-

I've got a cracked 56 hemi block. I have a Motors Manual that seems to show the Windsors

have blocks that are one year behind the Imperial and N.Y. blocks in cubic inches.

My question is--will a 57 Windsor block accept the 56 heads, etc from my "56 block? If so. I might be able to put a 56 engine together. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Windsor blocks would accept the hemi heads. Any information on this?

TED