keeping original 318 engines worth it?

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    Author Topic: keeping original 318 engines worth it?  (Read 1920 times)

    Offline gkring

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    keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « on: May 07, 2007 - 09:37:23 AM »
    Just picked up my second Ebody and it has the original 318 and 904 trans in it. I already have the numbers matching one for my convertible being stored. What are your thoughts on keeping original motors and trans that do not hold much value? I figured since a 318 engine itself isn't worth anything I might as well keep it since they are original to the cars, but man they take up alot of space and are hard to move around. Both cars are going to be restomod types. The convert is getting a 5.7 hemi and the Plymouth will probably get a turbo R3 small block motor of some kind. I'm just thinking 20 years from now it may be worth it to have the original motors, you never know. i kinda wish both cars didn't have the original motors anymore so i would not feel bad about scrapping them.

    Greg
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    Offline jeryst

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #1 on: May 07, 2007 - 09:52:39 AM »
    Keep 'em. It'll always be a selling point. And when people wise up and stop paying huge money for clones, maybe original will mean something again.
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    Offline Moparal

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #2 on: May 07, 2007 - 10:00:33 AM »
    E bodies are very cool cars. They will always be a collectable. Now when gas goes to 4 bucks plus a gallon in the future. Big engine cars will be driven less or sold. But a 318 fuel mileage e body will be in demand for the looks and fuel mileage.  Nothing like an 18 mpg cuda/barracuda/challenger with ac cruising whenever and where ever you please. I say hang on to it.  Numbers matching and original parts are always the way to go.
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    71challengher

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #3 on: May 07, 2007 - 10:02:43 AM »
     :iagree: I bought mine because it was a straight , rust free car. And I couldn't afford a BB. I like mine just the way it is. Now I just have to get the AC fixed.
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    Offline jeryst

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #4 on: May 07, 2007 - 10:20:26 AM »
    I don't think price of gas will ever be a factor, no matter how high it gets. I know guys with big boats that will not bat an eye at paying $600 in gas for a weekend of cruising. It's just part of the cost of having fun. Hell, if it came down to choosing between eating and taking my Challenger out on the weekends, I'd be going hungry. Hmm. Might not be a bad way to lose some weight.
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    Offline Carlwalski

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #5 on: May 07, 2007 - 11:23:40 AM »


    Keep it. The Mopar market (along with other brands) is never a given certainty. The guys who sold their 440-SIXPAKs, 340s and Hemis in the early 80's for small dollars will be kicking themselves. Not saying that 318's or /6 cars will be big dollar cars but having any original numbers matching engine is always a bonus, never a con.


    :2cents: :thumbsup:
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    Offline Street_Challenged73

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #6 on: May 07, 2007 - 02:26:32 PM »
    I'd say keep them as you never know what even a 318 car will be worth another twenty years from now. :2thumbs:  My original is tucked away and the 340 will be in it for a while. :burnout: :grinyes:
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    Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #7 on: May 07, 2007 - 04:39:10 PM »
    only reason my car still has its original 318 is because i couldnt afford anything bigger when it broke lol. I will always keep it however.
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    Offline 71chmark

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #8 on: May 07, 2007 - 04:53:45 PM »
    Get rid of it. Let whoever gets the car after you die worry about it. 
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    Offline duodec

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #9 on: May 07, 2007 - 10:10:54 PM »
    I'm keeping my original 318, and rebuilding it very nicely as practice.  Unfortunately the original 904 is long gone...

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    Offline SilverChally

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #10 on: May 07, 2007 - 10:59:15 PM »
     :roflsmiley:  Well look at what clones go for, so a numbers 318 doesnt make sense, well now... but in the future, ya never know, wont be many left! 
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    Offline Carlwalski

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #11 on: May 07, 2007 - 11:14:16 PM »
    Quote from: 71chmark on May 07, 2007 - 04:53:45 PM

    Get rid of it. Let whoever gets the car after you die worry about it. 
     

    Nice attitude. ::) With comments & people like you in our hobby it's sure to die out quick. 
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    Offline cudabuyer

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #12 on: May 08, 2007 - 04:11:43 AM »
    2 things: i like skinny & crusing in MOPARS

    yea my BEANIE Babies are taking up space also   :smilielol: :smilielol:
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    Offline ESGEE

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #13 on: May 08, 2007 - 05:17:18 AM »
    Keep them since they are not worth jack outside the car, and you will never think "why" in 15 years or something, you will will have a matching car as long as you keep it, and if you gonna sell it mayby you can get a better price with the matchingnumber things included :bigsmile:
    About space, if people can restore blocks and stuff that been in the ground you can store it anywhere :bigsmile:
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    Offline scf100

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    Re: keeping original 318 engines worth it?
    « Reply #14 on: May 08, 2007 - 07:27:21 AM »
    keep it....you won't get much for it if you sell it so I would keep it and if you ever sell it its nice to say you still have the orig drivetrain.....
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