Hey guys, thanks to everyone who has helped me and given input in the discussion of what crate engine I should pick for my 71 'Cuda. After a
very lengthy discussion with my parents and my restoration team, I have decided to go for the a warm 550hp
max Tim Banning built 426ci Hemi. There are a few big reason why I have decided this. I will get Tim to eliminate as best as he can the lack of low down grunt the 426 is "said" to have and get it to be a real performer for a 100% street car.
Doing many a search on this forum and other Mopar related discussion boards, the 426 is the engine for me. While a 528ci is nice with 150+hp more that in itself, to me, is a draw back for what I am wanting with my car. If I went 528ci a lot more body stiffening would have to be done, perhaps a mini tub, aftermarket seats for better driver control etc. With aftermarket seats I would have to then change the interior to suit as in my opinion, you can't just change the seats and leave the rest stock, looks cheap and not thought out properly, it's either stock, restified (hidden) or custom.
From day one, I wanted this car to be an
everyday driving fun car and with 528ci 750hp engine, IMO, that is overkill for what I am wanting and for what is good street-able & enjoyable horsepower. If I had one Mopar that I drove once a week or every couple of weeks a 528ci 750hp car would be perhaps the way to go. I want to be able to hop in this car and give it death without worrying too much about where and when throttle is applied. Another huge topic for me was the transmission. This 'Cuda
MUST be a 5-Speed manual, no auto (something Chryco & Keith will appreciate). With a 426 (500-550hp) Hemi I can get out and enjoy it more and not worry "as" much about the car snapping out. 550hp IMO is about max for a real street driven car. As mentioned, no tubs or no aftermarket seats and stuff just a stock looking but modern handling car built to corner.
I will build it to be a replica with hidden modern touches like electronics that won't be seen. It will at this stage look 100% stock, bar the 275/295 wheels and a few other minor details. It's a car I want to be able to go out and enjoy, not brag about, a real drivers car. I'm thinking about getting the XV level two kit for more control and fun. I already have the XV stiffening kit (sub-frames etc). I just can't see the point in spending this money and time building a car I can't fully enjoy on a daily basis. Sure, sitting at a pub saying "528ci this and that is cool" but when all is said and done and I have to drive the car giving it the odd throttle squirt for me is a waste. I'd rather drive around WOT more in a 426ci.
Just thought I'd let you know my decision. Yes 528 is "big, bad, go big or go home etc" but you have to realise where I am coming from. It's all good to sit there and post a comment like that but if you were in my shoes and wanting a driving car that you could slam down at WOT and not worry about "if" it'll bite and send you into the afterlife then I'm sure many would take the same option.
Last but not least. After this 426 Hemi clone is complete I will be doing the 73 'Cuda into a custom. This will be a long way down the track but it will be a full on straight line car with either a 340ci 700hp+ engine or a 528ci itself with over 800hp+ Perhaps close to the 1000hp+ mark. Automatic, caged, mini tubbed, just a pure bad ass street car I can take out every week or so and have a blast with.
At the end of the day it will still be a 1971 Triple Black 426 HEMI 'Cuda.
Cheers,
Carl
