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  #1  
Old 10-02-2002, 08:01 PM
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thehemi thehemi is offline
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Default Is there a market for new 392 blocks?

http://www.thehemi.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=190

I am looking for any market research or information
on how much of a market there would be for some
brand new 392 blocks (both steel and aluminum).
Preferrably including what people would be willing
to pay to have one of these castings.

If you have any info, let me know.
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  #2  
Old 10-05-2002, 07:07 AM
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Stoga Stoga is offline
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Well, I just gotta say, I think this is a great idea!
As popular as early Hemis are in street rods, this idea has merit!
After all, a large percentage of both the 392s as well as the smaller Hemis got destroyed during the Gas Crisis in the mid 70's.
At the time they were just considered old cars, and not many have survived except by small group of loyal fans, and whatever vehicles that may have been overlooked. Also, who has the heart now to scrap a nice original 50's New Yorker, or even worse, GASP!!! an IMPERIAL?
I just don't have the heart to destroy any vintage 50's Mopars just for the engine!!!
As for what people would pay, I couldn't say. But I expect if prices could be kept in line with what new replacement blocks are going for these days, the 392 Hemi blocks should sell!
At least with a new block, you don't have to worry about freeze damage or corrosion, or what almost 5 decades of hot rodding has done to it!
PS: Having a good source for heads and other goodies would be very helpful, though I bet there's quite a bit of stuff out there.
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  #3  
Old 10-05-2002, 09:39 PM
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GUAM_SS/T GUAM_SS/T is offline
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If there is enough of a market for companies to sell complete 392's while begging for blocks then new blocks should be a no brainer. If the cost was kept on a line with other new blocks then they would definately sell. I'm thinking Nostalgia racers would be standing in line for them too.
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  #4  
Old 10-07-2002, 01:03 PM
debushau debushau is offline
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Doesn't PAW sell complete engine kits for the 392 - I presume these are old blocks? Imagine they would like to have a few new blocks.
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  #5  
Old 10-12-2002, 01:30 PM
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psychosouz psychosouz is offline
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ya paw has a whole cat. devoted to just older hemi part. theres also a book by ,i belive tex smith, that basicly tells you anything you ever wanted to know about early hemis, and prob. a bunch you didnt want to!! as far as prices for new mills im not sure. i have a 51 331 hemi complete on an engine stand(bone stock and wont turn over) and ive been offered as much as $1000. for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  #6  
Old 10-12-2002, 05:10 PM
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sixpackcuda sixpackcuda is offline
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This guy is practically begging for 392 cores!!

http://www.bigalstoybox.com/mopar.html
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  #7  
Old 10-20-2002, 01:58 AM
Tim Keith Tim Keith is offline
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There is a demand for new 392 blocks. But, if you put a stroker crank in a new 5.7 hemi you could make a "392", but the rod ratio wouldn't be as good as the original.
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  #8  
Old 10-31-2002, 04:54 AM
Doug Wilson Doug Wilson is offline
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My thought: what a neat idea. Also, they would not sell in sufficient volume to keep the price where it needs to be.

Sorry.
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  #9  
Old 10-31-2002, 07:41 PM
Tim Keith Tim Keith is offline
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Doug, I'm not thinking of a completely new block for the "392", but a stroker crankshaft and rods. I've heard rumors that Mopar is considered doing this with a "383" production hemi based on the 5.7 The deck height of the 5.7 is tall enough to handle more stroke, the rod ratio is "long". The original 392 had a 4.00" bore x 3.90" stroke. The 5.7 hemi has 3.92" bore x 3.58 stroke (stroke is the same as a 360 small block). Of course the bore centers of the new hemi are also 4.4" just as a small block.

With a 4.0" stroke and a slight overbore the 5.7 hemi could become a "392", I believe the rod ratio might still be better than popular stroked Chevy motors.
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Old 10-31-2002, 08:13 PM
Doug Wilson Doug Wilson is offline
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OK - put me on the waiting list and tell me how much. I need it to use a carb and an electronic - not computerized - ignition. Does it have a roller valve train?
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  #11  
Old 11-07-2002, 12:47 AM
Magnum-man Magnum-man is offline
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Didn't Donovan (NOT THE SINGER) make After market Alum.Blocks in 417 CID for Racing at one time? where are there MOLDS??? Alum would be the way to go if possiable and their might still be molds for it!!
It you did recast the blocks You might consider a few mods like Using the LA engine Timing Cover/Water Pump and also the Oil pump??? Just throughts?????

ANYONE????
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  #12  
Old 11-07-2002, 01:16 AM
Doug Wilson Doug Wilson is offline
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The Donovans were available for quite a while, but very spendy.
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Old 11-10-2002, 09:56 PM
Larry S. Larry S. is offline
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There's a 5.7 Hemi up for auction right now at Ebaymotors, item #1872249062. I think the reserve is $2,000 as this outfit has already sold two of them there, and they both went for a little over $2,000.
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  #14  
Old 11-13-2002, 10:49 PM
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deadhorse66 deadhorse66 is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by Doug Wilson
OK - put me on the waiting list and tell me how much. I need it to use a carb and an electronic - not computerized - ignition. Does it have a roller valve train?
Sorry to burst your bubble Doug, but the new Hemi doesn't have any provisions to accept a distributor. Your only option is to use some kind of multi-coil DIS system like the factory puts on. The plus side is that the spark from a DIS system is much longer and stronger than anything with a distributor ever even thought about being. MSD offers a digital 8 coil system, but you will have to figure out how to run 2 plugs off of one coil tower (damn dual plug head!), and I am sure cost is up there. After all of that, why not just go with some Accel DFI and some custom rails, and have a more drivable, more powerful Hemi? Yes, they are roller.
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  #15  
Old 11-14-2002, 05:56 PM
Doug Wilson Doug Wilson is offline
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Oh, well.... some times you get the bear - and sometimes the bear gets you!
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