When looking at this Deuce, there is no denying the V-8 is impressive. That’s what Hemis do. It’s a hot rod motor with its Borla 35mm air horn kit and the Veazie Brothers’ modified Gen III 16-plug valve covers with Mooneyes breathers. Note the coil packs, once on the valve covers, are relocated beneath the center valley cover.

Chrysler Hemi

A little background on the Chrysler Hemi. Gen I began in 1951 (FirePower V-8) and ran through 1958, while Gen II covers 1964-71, and Gen III began in 2003 and runs currently. All the cylinder heads used on these motors have true hemispherical combustion chambers. Now comes a more “liberal” use of the term hemispherical going forward with the modern Hemi. (Once again, the marketing department has taken liberties.)

Gen III Hemi

As it turns out, the modern Chrysler Hemi engine uses two spark plugs per cylinder, hence a 16 spark plug V-8. Just what you see in Fortie’s ’32 Ford three-window highboy coupe. This design began in 2003 going forward and in the 5.7- and 6.2L Hellcat V-8. Why the two spark plugs per cylinder? Provides for a faster burn by starting combustion on either side of the cylinder and burns toward the center. A faster burn is key to more power and lower emissions. The latest Gen III Hemi cylinder heads are much more efficient than the earlier head design.

It should be noted that these modern Gen III Hemis do not possess true hemispherical-shaped combustion chambers like the early versions do. Instead, the modern version is semi-hemispherical with canted opposing valves with large quench pads located at the sides of the chamber. So, in truth, this V-8 isn’t like in the old days but is a Hemi based on the modern use of the term. Go figure.

The ’32 coupe is powered by a 392-inch Gen III Hemi that uses an iron block and aluminum heads. It features a Scat crank and pistons, along with a Comp Cams ’stick. Lots of ARP hardware is used to hold this 495hp (at the rear wheels) hot rod V-8 together. The fuel pump is Holley, as is the water pump and alternator, along with a SPAL electric fan and a Walker radiator. The ECU is based on a Holley Terminator X system, along with a Powermaster starter and an Odyssey battery. The headers are custom full-length by REF Unlimited, while the Veazie Brothers bent the exhaust tubing from the headers through a pair of Borla stainless mufflers and then out the back. The potent V-8 is then backed up to a TREMEC TKO five-speed run through the gears via a Hurst shifter. McLeod flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch are used.

SO-CAL Speed Shop ’32 Ford Chassis

The chassis is based on a set of American Stamping framerails with the nose featuring a SO-CAL Speed Shop “pinch” common to what is used on a fenderless hot rod. The front axle is a 47-inch-wide (highboy pinch); 4-inch drop, drilled, narrowed, and plated I-beam with SO-CAL ’37-41 Ford-style spindles, chrome tube shocks, and reversed-eye spring with insert buttons. Centering the axle is a set of SO-CAL polished stainless steel hairpins, lower shock mounts, and batwings. The front brake system is a pair of polished and plated finned Buick brake drums that hide the Wilwood Dynalite caliper and vented rotor package. A Borgeson Vega-style steering box is used along with a LimeWorks hot rod–style column. In the back, a John’s Industries narrowed Ford 9-inch rearend with 3.73 gears, Dutchman 31-spline axles, and drum brakes are used. Centering and mounting the rearend requires the use of a SO-CAL ladder bar, buggy spring setup, and chrome tube shocks. The wheel and tire combination is based on SO-CAL Speed Shop knock-off wheels measuring 16×5.5 in front and 16×8 in back, all are wrapped in Excelsior/Coker rubber, measuring 5.50R16 in front and 7.50R16 in back.