Looking at an early build 472 Hemi- need input

[Outlaw525]

I am looking at buying an early build (2001) MP 472 Hemi. It is new and has never been fired. I have heard that the early engines had some problems. It's not a cheap proposition so I am looking for a little advice. Anybody have any first hand experience with these? Thanks

 

[super-bee_ski]

I too was going that route.
I was already to purchase and then a "good-bud" very well known in the Mopar comunity told me to stay away from the early blocks.
Casting issues and hard failures with them.
I CAN NOT remember the details but I listened to him, did not purchase the it and then found my virgin short block 1970 Hemi.

 

[snakeoil24]

When the first runs of crate motrs where built many failures took place. From Valve seats sinking to blocks cracking to oil pick up tubes being improperly installed. Ma Mopar had to warranty a great deal of parts. The new crate motors are much better. The blocks are made by an english casting company for Mopar as well as World castings. This is not a project meant for everyone. Parts are very expensive, rocker systems are a head ache unless your willing to spring for the good stuff. Like stage 5 or Indy. Blocks from world castings are really good and well designed.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I have an 01 426... there's a few things I've always wondered about on that one. someday I will tear into it.

 

[Outlaw525]

So if I can buy it at the "right" price assuming it's basically a core, is it worth it for the parts?

 

[dla4567]

I think the price determines wether its worth it or not. I would not invest a whole lot into it. Theres no garantee and I wonder about an engine that was bought 10+ years ago and never used. good luck.

 

[Hemirunner]

So if I can buy it at the "right" price assuming it's basically a core, is it worth it for the parts?

That depends upon what "right" means..... it also depends upon what rockers are on it. The heads are going to need work, and they don't hold a candle to the new Edelbrock made MP heads that are offered currently. That being said, they can still make HP. I'm using a set on my 572 and it made 735hp on the dyno on pump 93.

 

[Wedgeamacallit]

I too was going that route.
I was already to purchase and then a "good-bud" very well known in the Mopar comunity told me to stay away from the early blocks.
Casting issues and hard failures with them.
I CAN NOT remember the details but I listened to him, did not purchase the it and then found my virgin short block 1970 Hemi.

You are correct. They had a lot of casting issues with the early blocks.

 

[Outlaw525]

I was thinking somewhere in the $8500 range. Were there multiple rocker options on the early crate motors? I could still buy a new block and be in it for OK money.

That depends upon what "right" means..... it also depends upon what rockers are on it. The heads are going to need work, and they don't hold a candle to the new Edelbrock made MP heads that are offered currently. That being said, they can still make HP. I'm using a set on my 572 and it made 735hp on the dyno on pump 93.

 

[zupanj]

You probably can still find some threads on Moparts regarding those early Mopar hemis. As I recall there were a lot of problems with oiling issues among others. The consensus seemed to be that if you bought one, you should have a good machine shop take it apart, measure everything and put it back together. That is a pain but could save a lot of grief later. For the price you are talking you would still be ahead to do that.

 

[Hemirunner]

I was thinking somewhere in the $8500 range. Were there multiple rocker options on the early crate motors? I could still buy a new block and be in it for OK money.

$7500-$8500 wouldn't be bad. The rocker ratios on some of the early stuff were all over the map. You'd have to pull a valve cover and see what rocker was on it. For $8500, you'd be getting a decent pile of parts to start with. The early set I had ranged from about 1.35 to 1.5 on rocker ratio.

 

[65 Plymouth Satellite 426]

Weren't The Earlier Crate Hemis Cast In Mexico At One Time?

 

[64 Sportfury]

I bought a 472 crate hemi dated 10/04/02, made in Canada from Jim's Auto Parts in New Hampshire. I dropped it in my 64 Sportfury Convt and put over 50,000 mi on it (Keisler 5 spd). Only issue was high oil pressure 65 psi @ idle, finally caused a minor leak out the back of the intake. I just pulled it for a freshening. The reason I bought the 472 was the many problems Chrysler was having with the 528s. After all I've read since I wouldn't chance the money unless you intend to go through it thoroughly. I was lucky and I'm not a gambler.

 

[Hemirunner]

Only issue was high oil pressure 65 psi @ idle, finally caused a minor leak out the back of the intake. I just pulled it for a freshening. The reason I bought the 472 was the many problems Chrysler was having with the 528s. After all I've read since I wouldn't chance the money unless you intend to go through it thoroughly. I was lucky and I'm not a gambler.

High oil pressure didn't cause that, high crank case pressure from excessive blow by due to lack of ring seal causes that.

 

[64 Sportfury]

I stand corrected