Author Topic: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????  (Read 5114 times)

Offline ar-razorback3

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'71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« on: December 15, 2015 - 11:51:17 AM »
Hey guys, still working on getting pics of car up. In mean time, I have a question. As I stated in my earlier post I own a 71 big block challenger convertible. Only 167 big block convertibles were produced in 1971. 126 auto & 41 4-speeds. Mine is an automatic. I have the #'s matching motor with it as well as all docs, build sheet, window sticker etc. Here's my dilemma......My plans were to put the 383 back in it and call it a day. However, I now have come across a 1970 warranty block hemi motor with a clean pad (no #'s) + K member. It is the correct date for my car, had dodge ever put hemis in 71 rag tops which they did not. Biggest you could get in 71 rag top was 383. Now....what should I do? With the 383 in it, its a pretty rare car on its own. With a hemi in it, its another clone. (Although a cool one in my book). My thought was to drop the hemi in it, keep the 383 tucked away, and if I ever decided to go back to original, sell the hemi get my money back on it and move on. But, its gonna cost an extra 25k for motor, member and labor. Which is a pretty big lick in my book. But, I hate to have the chance and 20 years from now regret passing on the motor.  What do you all think? Thanks in advance for opinions.
1971 383 Challenger Convertible




Offline roadman5312

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2015 - 12:00:55 PM »
     Save the 383, drop the Hemi in.    :2cents:              :rebel:

Offline 74 challenge

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2015 - 12:21:50 PM »
This discussion comes up a lot of this forum and it's usually a case of " have number matching less desirable motor and I want to swap something better in" where I usually say moth ball the original engine and giver so I am sticking with that.

Sweet car excited for pictures, pictures of this engine too.


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Offline anlauto

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2015 - 12:32:36 PM »
Do whatever turns you on....it's your car :burnout:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline rUNCHARGER

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2015 - 12:33:13 PM »
I've been swapping Hemi's into all kinds of cars since 1980, I've also had a few matching #'s Hemi cars. Currently both my my wedge Challengers have big Hemis swapped into them so I can speak from experience.
I would rebuild that original 383 and slide her back in where she belongs. A convertible is a great car to drive and enjoy and I think more so with a nice, troublefree, good performing wedge under the hood. There is no need to put a heavy weight Hemi under the hood, it won't increase your joy of cruising for ice cream with your wife and kids one bit.
Also I see no need to "save" the original engine, we don't street race these cars and shift them at 7500RPM trying to beat that Mustang in the other lane anymore so there is no risk to ruining the original block by driving it unless you decide not to put antifreeze in it.
No I'm not pulling the Hemi's out of my Challengers but they are coupes, I just wouldn't do it to a 340 and up convt. those cars are cool enough on their own.
JMHO.

Sheldon

Offline TelisSE440

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2015 - 01:52:58 PM »
Don't pass on the motor, purchase it, even if you don't use it in the end...

Offline BIGSHCLUNK

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2015 - 01:57:08 PM »
HEMI's in verts are cool.... jus' sayin'....  :2thumbs:
70 Chally R/T Convertible- Yes she's really got a HEMI, no she's not a Charger!
                                             [o o o o]
                                                  OO
                                                  OO 
                                              [o o o o]
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Offline DetroitMuscle

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #7 on: December 18, 2015 - 10:32:39 AM »
I agree, keep the 383 in a safe (dry) place.
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Offline RzeroB

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #8 on: December 18, 2015 - 11:01:15 AM »
As I stated in my earlier post I own a 71 big block challenger convertible. Only 167 big block convertibles were produced in 1971. 126 auto & 41 4-speeds. Mine is an automatic. I have the #'s matching motor with it as well as all docs, build sheet, window sticker etc. Biggest you could get in 71 rag top was 383. With the 383 in it, its a pretty rare car on its own.

Only 167 383 'verts in '71? Really? Hmmm? I know this guy who has a triple black '71 383 auto Chally 'vert for sale. Numbers motor, but not the trans. Power everything - steering, brakes, top, windows. Driver quality, pretty solid, but needs a little rust repair in the trunk pan. For the car and a bunch of spare parts he's asking $35K. Almost sounds like a deal?

Sorry Razorback for hijacking your thread - but your mention of the production numbers on your '71 Chally 'vert made me think of this guys car.

Now as to your "what should I do" question - I think I would do one of two things: a) keep the 383 in her and put the money into doing a top-notch resto, or; b) if the $25K is burning a hole in your pocket, buy the Hemi and stuff it into something else like a Hemi-Denny flat-hood Duster for the ultimate street sleeper!
Cheers!
Tom
St Louis, MO

Former owner of 16 classic Mopars. "It is better to have owned (Mopars) and lost then to have never owned at all" (apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson)

Offline 69ChargerRT

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #9 on: December 18, 2015 - 11:01:52 AM »
     Save the 383, drop the Hemi in.    :2cents:             

 :iagree: another vote for this option

Offline js29no

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #10 on: December 18, 2015 - 12:43:23 PM »
To do it with A hemi would be A shame! KEEP IT THE WAY IT CAME. to rare A car to do that, find A car that is not original and do the hemi in that. :2cents:

Offline jimynick

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #11 on: December 20, 2015 - 12:20:40 AM »
I think that $25k for the engine and a Kframe installed is a lot of money. Mopar is selling brand spanking nwe ones for in the $14-15,000 range and it sure shouldn't cost $10,000 to bolt it and the K in, IMHO. I'd stick the 383 back in, drive it and look for a /6 or 318 body to put the hemi in, if you decide to go that way. Just my  :2cents:

Offline RzeroB

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #12 on: December 20, 2015 - 02:17:08 PM »
To do it with A hemi would be A shame! KEEP IT THE WAY IT CAME. to rare A car to do that, find A car that is not original and do the hemi in that. :2cents:

Is JS29 bustin' a rhyme here??   :rofl:
Cheers!
Tom
St Louis, MO

Former owner of 16 classic Mopars. "It is better to have owned (Mopars) and lost then to have never owned at all" (apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson)

Offline TelisSE440

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #13 on: December 20, 2015 - 02:39:00 PM »
Yeah ! I just noticed that too !

Offline js29no

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Re: '71 383 convertible to hemi?????
« Reply #14 on: December 20, 2015 - 02:47:28 PM »
Is JS29 bustin' a rhyme here??   :rofl:
:2thumbs: