392 HEMI swap 74 cuda

Author Topic: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda  (Read 8153 times)

Offline chuck

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392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« on: February 22, 2011 - 09:23:07 PM »
hello everybody i am new here i have a 74 cuda that i want to put a 392 hemi in with a 4 speed when i bought the car it already had the 392 in but it was a auto any info should i stick with the 392 or go with 440 any info would be great




Offline the_engineers

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2011 - 10:08:42 PM »
What is your end "vision" for the car?

Anything Hemi has a certain visual appeal that is virtually unmatched. That said, more power can be made with a SB or BB and the parts are typically cheaper.

Do you have a 440 to throw in? I'm sure a SB set-up can be made to work with your 392...there are others that are better able to answer that.

I'm just recommending that you need to decide where you're headed before you spend any $$$. :2cents:
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.

Offline chuck

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2011 - 10:35:30 PM »
what im looking for is a real nice car the car is getting complety redone every thing will be new i just want a nice car to show and drive that why i was wondering 392 hemi witch i have or 440 that i dont have

Offline Street_Challenged73

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #3 on: February 27, 2011 - 09:57:55 PM »
Welcome to the site! :wave:  As for what you should do with the engine, that's all personal preference...Do you feel the need to hear the throaty growl of an aggressively-cammed big block or are you content with better fuel mileage & a still powerful, potent small block? :dunno:  Personally, I'd keep what you already have as the aftermarket has really taken off for those new Hemis...If you didn't already have the 392, then I'd say it come down to what you'd prefer to have under the hood; a big block or a small block. :2thumbs:

I wrote this with the intent that it was the newer style 392, not the old Hemi. :misbehaving:  If it's the old design, then I would say you may as well build a 440 for it if you want to stick with a larger displacement engine. :cheers:
« Last Edit: February 28, 2011 - 12:27:47 PM by Street_Challenged73 »
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Offline Challenger6pak

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #4 on: February 27, 2011 - 10:42:04 PM »
While the 392 looks good, it is less powerful and heavier than an equally equiped 440.  Plan on $7 a gallon for premium by the time your motor is done.  If you can afford that per gallon go with the big block.  If not, you may want to look into something else. 
1969 Sport Satellite H code convertible, 1970 Cuda 440+6, 1970 Challenger R/T 440+6, 1970 Challenger 383 R/T auto, 1970 Challenger R/T 383 4 speed,1971 Challenger convertible.

Offline chuck

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2011 - 11:05:00 PM »
thanks guys i wanted info on the 392 thats what was in the car should i rebuild it and have that awsome hemi look or should i go with a 440 i can get a crate  440 on ebay 535hp/440 for $6500 shipped to my door just wanted some ideas before i drop a lot of cash

Offline barracuda7199

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2011 - 12:33:05 AM »
got a pic of the car and the engine?
Brandon

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Offline aris_unlimited

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2011 - 01:20:45 AM »
While the 392 looks good, it is less powerful and heavier than an equally equiped 440.  Plan on $7 a gallon for premium by the time your motor is done.  If you can afford that per gallon go with the big block.  If not, you may want to look into something else.

A modern day 5.7 hemi stroker (ie 392) is heavier than a 440? I think not. I have had both a fully built 440 and a fully built 5.7 hemi on my engine stand. Only one of them really put a lot of stress on that stand, and it wasn't the 5.7.

On the other hand if you are talking about the 392 hemi that was manufactured in the 50's, then you may very well be right. I am not familiar with the specs on those ones so much.
Cuda is gone :(

74 satellite, daily driver/project now

Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2011 - 07:07:50 AM »
 I would ditch the old style 392 hemi and go with the 440 you can't find parts for that old girl and it's odd looking IMO.  I'm sure some rat rod guy would love that motor  :bigsmile:

Now if it were a gen 2 426 or a gen 3 hemi of any sizeI would run it :burnout:
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Offline Challenger6pak

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2011 - 09:23:54 AM »
A modern day 5.7 hemi stroker (ie 392) is heavier than a 440? I think not. I have had both a fully built 440 and a fully built 5.7 hemi on my engine stand. Only one of them really put a lot of stress on that stand, and it wasn't the 5.7.

On the other hand if you are talking about the 392 hemi that was manufactured in the 50's, then you may very well be right. I am not familiar with the specs on those ones so much.
Good point.  I am thinking he is speaking of the old 50's 392.  If he is not, I would recommend the new 392 over the 440.  I am pretty sure he means the 392 like the ones in the Desotos.  I have done this conversion and lived to regret it.  It is very tight to the inner fenders.  Headers have to be custom made.  It is heavier than a 440 and makes less power.  It only is better in the WOW factor.  I personally would go with the modern hemi if I was able to afford it.  If not the second choice would be an engine that was available in the Cuda.  The factory engines that were available for the car will be the cheapest and easiest way to put the car together. 
1969 Sport Satellite H code convertible, 1970 Cuda 440+6, 1970 Challenger R/T 440+6, 1970 Challenger 383 R/T auto, 1970 Challenger R/T 383 4 speed,1971 Challenger convertible.

Offline chuck

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2011 - 12:56:33 PM »
OK THANKS THE ENGINE I PULLED OUT OF THE CAR WAS FROM A 1958 IMPERIAL HOW MUCH HP CAN A GUY GET OUT OF THIS I WAS GOING TO PULL APART THE 392 TODAY AND GET READY TO TAKE IT TO THE MACHINE SHOP MAYBE I SHOULD JUST FIND A 440 MAN IM UNDECIDED WHAT TO DO

Offline Challenger6pak

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2011 - 03:39:30 PM »
It is unltimately up to you.  The 440 will be the easiest for all things.
1969 Sport Satellite H code convertible, 1970 Cuda 440+6, 1970 Challenger R/T 440+6, 1970 Challenger 383 R/T auto, 1970 Challenger R/T 383 4 speed,1971 Challenger convertible.

Offline the_engineers

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2011 - 04:04:03 PM »
A 5.7 is 354 cubic inches, not 392. The OP was referring to a Gen I Hemi.
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.

Offline aris_unlimited

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #13 on: March 01, 2011 - 12:07:24 AM »
A 5.7 is 354 cubic inches, not 392. The OP was referring to a Gen I Hemi.

If you were paying attention I said "hemi STROKER", key word here STROKER.

As in the motor has been bored and stroked to a 392. I merely used the 5.7 as a marker as to what block it would have been and what the engine originally started as.
Cuda is gone :(

74 satellite, daily driver/project now

Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: 392 HEMI swap 74 cuda
« Reply #14 on: March 04, 2011 - 08:49:57 AM »
Ya Brooks, now you've been told.  :roflsmiley:  :roflsmiley:

 And you can hardly get any parts for that old stuff. Not to mention even performance parts.
« Last Edit: March 04, 2011 - 08:51:58 AM by 72cudamaan »
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