Poll, what to do with my 74 - DECIDED

[Wheels]

Hi there, New member here.  
Im restoring my Challenger and am considering options.  Keep the 318 I have and pump it up, the engine is a remanufactured engine already bored .060 over but is in solid shape and would still last for many years.

Im thinking of dropping in a big block, but my issue with the use of a big block is 318's and 360's are all that were available for this model year, and using a 440 would really be going away from what was orginally available for that year.   Any thoughts on what the value of the car would be if I decided to move to the big block?  Would it be best to stick with what I have?

Thanks!

[Carlwalski]

Hey wheels welcome aboard to CCC!!!  

I'd go for the 440/727 great combo. If the 318 isn't a #'s engine for your car for get about it, you'll get more if you decide to sell with a big block under the hood.
Make a awesome clone or custom Challenger and depending how much you want to spend and how far you go you should get around 10-15K which is good for that year Challenger none #'s  
I'm sure there's a guy on here with a bad arse 73/74(?) and it's got a 440/727 set up he has the R/T stripes down it and it's red - very smart ride to say the least.
I would restore it with everything you can save that's original and replace the engine with a 440. That way all your missing is the engine (which is the biggest piece to miss) BUT it's all up to what you want it for? It sounds like you want a fast enough everyday car. Enter the 440/727 combo.  

[Rev-It-Up]

Since you didn't list a hemi as a choice I went with the 440.  If money is no object (who here can say that?), I would change to a bigger engine.  I would imagine there would probably be a $4,000 - 5,000 difference between a 318 and a big block...depending on the condition of the car (of course this is all just a guess).  

There are some hard core mopar people out there who would probably be sure to point out to you at a show or cruise-in that 74's didn't come with 440's.  But, I think the average mopar enthusiast wouldn't think twice about it.  To us, it would look like a really cool car with a very fast engine.  Sounds good to me!  As long as you're happy with it, that's all that matters!

[Wheels]

Thanks for the input.  Ive had the car since 87 and its straight but is ready for a full resto.  I didnt list the hemi because Im not really willing to spend that kind of doe...  I was told by the orginal owner I bought it from it was the original engine, and by the condition of it, it looked like it had never been out of the car so I didnt check the numbers till now (I just pulled the motor to clean and paint).  I think that a 440 would be really cool, but its that purist thing  no offence...  
I used to own a really unique 71 Challenger convert with a slant 6 and 3 speed on the floor.  That was fully restored and actually won a few trophies.  So Im up on keeping things correct, but since this isnt a numbers car, what the heck, right?  
Any body have connections to a complete 440 and trans? (Im in Seattle area)  If do this I will sell my engine which runs good and 904 trans which needs the bands adjusted for 3rd gear, whats it worth?

Thanks for the input, keep it coming....

[lemonboy69]

First off... welcome aboard!!!

Now, I'm going to contradict what everyone else has said... mostly because I like to be different!! I like to think of engines as a game of golf... the lower the number the better (but anything below 6 is just too LOW!).. stick with the 318... am I reading correctly that it's not numbers though?? There was an article a couple months back in Mopar Muscle that they were able to pull almost 400 HP out of a 318... wish I could remember what month... If it's already been .060 over, just get it smoothed out, but a nice big cam in, good intake and carb... make sure your oiling and cooling systems are OK, slap some headers on her and you'll be cruising!!!

Hope this helps!!

LB

[Rev-It-Up]

Wheels, I don't know how long you've been a guest here and reading the threads, so I'll have to tell you a little about Lemonboy...The reason his theory is "the lower the number the better", is because he's building a beast out of a /6.  Now, I'd have to wonder what he would do if he was given a complete 440.  Would he continue to build up that /6 or put in the 440?  I take it back...I know what he would do.  He'd finish his 69 with the /6, then buy an e-body to drop that 440 in.    

[Carlwalski]

Check this board and eBay, they pop up quite often and are usually complete and ready to go.
You'll have to spend about $500 - $1,000 to get one, but it will be worth it  

People at car shows will notice that it wasn't surpose to come with a 440 as they were axed, BUT, they will also appreicate your car as it now has the angry 440 under the bonnet.
The shapes there and so is the grunt. I wouldn't worry at all about the non-numbers thing, it's good if you have one but it's nothing to worry about.
A clean 1974 440/727 big fat as shoes sitting well and a crisp coat of piant is and always will be an eye-catcher  

[Wheels]

Yes, I was going to build the 318 into a 325 hp engine.  I would have been happy with that if it turned out to be the original engine,  Im just torn... I'd dig driving a big block around...  I guess its value vs cost, whats the best bet for the buck?  Here is the car with engine getting pulled a couple weekends ago.

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[Chryco Psycho]

you can always bolt the 318 back into it , I `d drop in the big block

[Street_Challenged73]

Wheels, first of all, welcome aboard!!!  Secondly, if I were you, I'd stick with a small block combination.  I would go to big block, but being a high school student in a deprived area doesn't help out my empty pockets..  But if you have the extra cash, definitely step up to a big block: 440 at that.

[Wheels]

Wheels, I don't know how long you've been a guest here and reading the threads, so I'll have to tell you a little about Lemonboy...The reason his theory is "the lower the number the better", is because he's building a beast out of a /6.  Now, I'd have to wonder what he would do if he was given a complete 440.  Would he continue to build up that /6 or put in the 440?  I take it back...I know what he would do.  He'd finish his 69 with the /6, then buy an e-body to drop that 440 in.    

Well, Im involvled pretty heavy into motorcycles and frequent motorcycle forums.  I thought Id try and find a popular mopar board and found this one today...  Ive been reading some of the other threads,  but havent gotten thru but a couple so far.  Ive found forums to be a good source for info, and meet some cool new peeps.

Like I mentioned before, I had a 6...  good motor, heavy and under powered, but if its original leave it in there...  some folks thought it was fabulous I left the 6 in my conv...  others thought I was nuts.  lol

[DodgeFreak]

Hey welcome aboard another thing you can do with the 318 is stroke that baby.................ok whoops that didnt' sound good but yeah anyways.....i ran across this site also one day don't have an eBod but once i started reading i was like what the heck i'm gonna join   just hope i aint to annoying  

[Carlwalski]

Your all good mate, nice having a freak in the forums LMAO!!  

[Wheels]

Wheels, first of all, welcome aboard!!!  Secondly, if I were you, I'd stick with a small block combination.  I would go to big block, but being a high school student in a deprived area doesn't help out my empty pockets..  But if you have the extra cash, definitely step up to a big block: 440 at that.

Oooooh...   I remember those days.......  Thanks for the input SC73.  I havent purchased any aftermarket parts yet for the 318 except a set of built heads, roller rockers, and pushrods that I would resell.  So if I elect to go big, I will still buy an intake, carb and exhaust.
The car will be a nice driver not a show piece but driven on nice days.  

Say, does anyone know where to find the best deal on a quality graphite impregnated polyurethane bushing kit and suspension rebuild kit?

[Carlwalski]

www.paddockparts.com
www.yearone.com
www.jacksautoparts.com
www.manciniracing.com