Great comments, thank you.
I could answer "why Hemi clone build rather than OEM?" with... "because I can", but that wouldn't be entirely true.
Believe me... this has created some anxiety for me, but I'm taking parallel paths until the proverbial "fork in the road" comes up.
Trust me, if I can't
simply swap out the Hemi and 18 spline transmission with its original 340 4 speed, Its not going to happen. I too won't molest a rare car for a crazy thing to do.
I had to buy a shaker hood, bubble kit, 18 spline transmission and bell housing to utilize my 426, but they can be relegated to wall art for now if they're not used.
Things considered so far for drop in plan in an early 71 car:
Schumacher engine swap mounts on stock K-Frame
Donor Hemi has OEM intake and correct exhaust manifolds part numbers
Billboards... they will need to have the ability to be peeled off without damage (must paint the marker bezels body color)
Shaker cabling will not exist.
Fuel lines will need to be 1/4 + 5/16 + 3/8 with a 3/8 +1/4 sending unit versus OEM for the 340 (not a biggie)
Electronic ignition mods will need to be hidden under adapter plate or use points ign.
Wiper motor and linkage must be 3 speed rather than 2 speed original (might modify a spare 2 speed motor)
Throttle cable (minor change)
Did I miss anything IMPORTANT?
Conceptually, I want to be able to undo the retrofit in a weekend without a trace and end up with a 100 point resto.
Back to the site for a minute; I noticed many photos have evaporated and its been difficult to fully enjoy resource full info of days past.
Not the end of the world, just a little sad given the work it takes to post (ask me how I know
)
New thread coming soon, thanks again...
Paul
PS I'm having a hell of a time finding a correct fitting gas cap... any ideas why?
