Which Drivetrain do you like?

[Jacksboys]

Well, it looks like I might be giving my Challenger's 360 motor to my father to put in his Dart, so I was wondering if I could get everyone's opinion on my two ideas for the new drivetrain.

Option 1: Build a cast crank 440 with a mild cam, ported iron closed chamber heads, 9:1 to 10:1 compression, 727 with 2000 RPM converter, and 3.23 suregrip.

Info on build
- We already have the engine/tranny but needs rebuilding.
- We have the iron heads, but there is a small crack under the valve cover over one of the water ports.  Is there a good way to weld these?
- Already have the 3.23 gearset


Option 2: Build a budget 408 (360 stroker) with cast crank and stock rods, torquey cam, iron heads, 9:1 compression, A500 with 2000+ stall lockup converter, and a 3.91 or 4.10 suregrip.

Info on build
- We have a spare 360 block.
- Have an A500 in the garage, needs rebuilding.


Well this is a hard decision for me because I would love to have either setup.  The ony problem is that this will be done on a limited budget, about $2000.  I know that is not much, but that is all I can spare at this time, and I do not want the Challenger to be sitting for a long time waiting for parts.

So give me your opinions/ideas on my setup.
Thanks in advance.

[Carlwalski]

I voted 440/727, maybe I'm a little biased maybe I'm not. Could it be possible to find a A518 and run 4:10s with the 440? With 3.23 gears it will be nice but with 4.10s it will be NICE. It was a close call and I can see why you'd want some opinions. The stroker 408ci sounds yum too, good gears, OD, less weight.


Tough call, good luck with your decision. 

[Jacksboys]

I forgot to mention that I will have to get another exhaust if I go the 440 route.  That will also use some of the 440 budget.

Decisions, decisions 

[Jacksboys]

Could it be possible to find a A518 and run 4:10s with the 440?

It is possible, but I am hoping to keep the cost low and use the existing parts that I have.

[Carlwalski]

In that case, I'd go for the 360-408 stroker route. Better gears, good hp and OD.
What are you intentions of the car? Cruiser, street/strip, both?

[Jacksboys]

In that case, I'd go for the 360-408 stroker route. Better gears, good hp and OD.
What are you intentions of the car? Cruiser, street/strip, both?

It will mainly be a cruiser, but on a rare occasion it might see the strip.  I have never taken it to the strip, but it would be nice to just see what it would do.

I figured the 408 would be the most economical, but the 440 would get more respect.   

[71bigblock]

I would definitely go with the stroker.  But can you do that for less than 2k?   

[nivvy]

I dont see how you can build a 408 stroker for $2000 .... I say save up a little more cash...why hurry its crappy out.... just my 

[kudakidd]

ain't no replacement for displacement. 440 baby!

[Jacksboys]

I would definitely go with the stroker.  But can you do that for less than 2k?   

I can get a cast eagle crank for $240, then use stock rods, and new pistons (not sure on price yet).  Have it balanced for $200. Maybe $1000 or less. 
etc, etc
Already have a carb, decent '974 heads.

I think it is possible if I keep it economical and not try to make a race engine.

ain't no replacement for displacement. 440 baby!

440 = Respect
Very true, but I like the idea of the overdrive.



Decisions 

[Carlwalski]

440 = Respect
Very true, but I like the idea of the overdrive.



Decisions 

I think you just made your decision mate, like I suggested, use the stroker money to buy a A518.
440ci with a OD Automatic, simple, plan solved. Respect, high gears and good cruising.

Especially if you going to stroke it "mildly" the 440 will probably make that mild stroker's hp in stock form.

[Jacksboys]

I think you just made your decision mate, like I suggested, use the stroker money to buy a A518.
440ci with a OD Automatic, simple, plan solved. Respect, high gears and good cruising.

Especially if you going to stroke it "mildly" the 440 will probably make that mild stroker's hp in stock form.

Ok, if I go that route, I have to have one of the heads welded (to keep the cost down).  There is a small crack in a water port under the valve cover.  How hard is it to weld?

[Challenger6pak]

The only one that could answer that would be a good shop that can weld cast iron.  If the heads weren't ported I'd say replace it.  You may still have to go with a replacement and port it to match.

[whitesatinmopar]

Rebuilds can be costly for sure, but if your changing you may as well go for the 440 / 727. Just save another 4K and build it wild and ready to scream. I expect to be a tad over 6K in the next 440 and it won't even be a 6pk, perhaps dual quad though, just a thought. Make a list of what/how you'd like to build it and then say get a summit book and add up your prices, then you also will know what you can change if neccessary. BTW, my list also had heads and tranny rebuild cost.

[Street_Challenged73]

I voted for the stroker sb option, but I'm kind of biased to sb's.   If you could swing it, I'd say go for the 440/727 combo, but I think a stroker would be the recipe for some fun. (not to mention taking down many bb Chevy's and Fords while doing it.)