New Member - Old Challenger

[asm74]

I got the baggies, 4 pairs of gloves, masking tape, sharpies, and boxes for parts.  I'll start posting into specific forums for questions and progress.  Thanks for the warm welcome!

[71chmark]

You were just kidding about the 6 cylinder thing right? right... right?.  Would you put a 4 cyclinder in your Camaro?

[Ghost]

For the price of a V-6 powerful enough, you could buy yourself a good running 360, and not only have a V-8, but, it would be MUCH less work to install a 360 than it would to install a newer V-6, plus the 360 would be alot easier to work on.

As for the fiberglass fenders, I haven't heard alot of good things about them.  I believe that someone is starting to repop standard sheetmetal fenders, so I would check into that first.

[asm74]

I agree.  Working on a 360 would be much easier, and less custom fabrication.

I still think it's a valid thought though, since our primary interest in restoring this car is driving it... a lot!
Besides, challys came with inline 6's which, at the time were pretty lame.  Modern v6's have come a long long way, not just in fuel efficiency, but in power, torque, turbo/supercharging options.

[Super Blue 72]

How's the 318 in the car now?  What about putting a 4 barrel intake and carb, using a spreadbore carb?  The primaries on a spreadbore may be smaller than the 2 venturies on the 2bbl now.  Plus when you boot the gas the car has a little more umph.  Just a thought.

[asm74]

It has an edelbrock 318 intake now, and a holley 4bbl.  Ive not actually excercised this motor as much as I should have, before starting to tear it down, since the brakes were in pretty rough shape.  For the time being, the 318 is going to stay.  We dont want to spend too much upfront, since the body work is going to be the biggest cost.

I did see a good rundown of 318 mods somewhere on the web to make it a better engine. Ill see if I can dig those up.

[Ghost]

I agree.  Working on a 360 would be much easier, and less custom fabrication.

I still think it's a valid thought though, since our primary interest in restoring this car is driving it... a lot!
Besides, challys came with inline 6's which, at the time were pretty lame.  Modern v6's have come a long long way, not just in fuel efficiency, but in power, torque, turbo/supercharging options.

You have a point, but, if you ask me, a V-6 Challenger is just plain wrong.  It's like a Corvette with a 4 cylinder engine.  Sure, they make 4 cylinders that make 300 hp, but still, having one in a Corvette just defeats the purpose of having a Vette.

If you are worried about reliablity and gas milage, use a 318.  They can make as much hp as the V-6, probably MORE reliable, and, not be horribly, horribly wrong at the same time.

Just my .02c.

[MoparMatt383]

If you really want to go for drivability and reliability swap in a 5.7 hemi from a wrecked 300 or ram.  I think somebody is making a kit to do it and I have seen those engines with the trannies with low miles on them go for around 2500 her in NYC, which seems like a pretty good deal.  That would be a very respectable swap.

Matt

[AprilsPink72Cuda]

Looks like fun project you've got on your hands.  Hopefully you will stick around and keep us posted on your progress!  Welcome to the forum. 

[EVIL72]

 

I agree. Working on a 360 would be much easier, and less custom fabrication.

I still think it's a valid thought though, since our primary interest in restoring this car is driving it... a lot!
Besides, challys came with inline 6's which, at the time were pretty lame. Modern v6's have come a long long way, not just in fuel efficiency, but in power, torque, turbo/supercharging options.

What about using a 518 OD trans and a V8.  That way you can still have low gears for all the low end power and torque ya want, then get on the freeway and cruise. As for driving it alot, my 340 Challenger is my commuter, I drive it everywhere, and I know I can jump in it right now and drive it cross country if I wanted. Of course I'd have to dress warm because I still don't have a heater core LOL
 Good luck with your car.