Newbie from Western Australia

[pink70]

I live in Western Australia, a couple of hours south of Perth and have just purchased my first Mopar, (1970 Challenger, Western Sport Special with a 318) much to the disgust of my staunch Chevy mad husband. Our other cars are a 1930 Model A Tudor Hot rod, or A Model for you Aussies, a 1927 Model T Roadster Drag car, a 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro, a 1970 Chev stepside pickup and our daily driver is a 1989 Chev Silverado pickup. No jap crap in our garage!
We have a container leaving Portland in the next couple of weeks with a 1972 Cheyenne 4X4 and lots of other goodies for my car. I am thinking about repowering the Challenger and would like to go with a BB, 383 or 440, would love a 426 Hemi but that will have to wait for awhile.  There seems to be plenty of runners in and around Portland. Does anyone have any advise for a newbie that knows nothing about Mopar engines. 

[NoMope Greg]

First, welcome aboard.  I'm sure you know we have a few other Aussie members, although I don't think any of them are from the west coast. 

Next  , although we're willing to be patient until your container arrives if you don't have photos.  If you have some pre-sale pics, please post them - we're picture hounds around here.

As far as Mopar engines, what do you want to know?  We have a number of very skilled and knowledgable members here who will be happy to provide you advise and help with whatever you need to know.

[Oldschool]

Welcome aboard, and welcome to the world of Mopars...       This is the best group of Mopar enthusiasts anywhere.  If you have questions, ask away and these folks will do their best to help ya out....        

[pink70]

I will post some pics when I work out how this is done. The car is already here, I purchased it in WA, surprising I know.
I guess I want to know what I should be looking for when it comes to choosing another powerplant, eg what are the better years, is it better to get one out of a car or truck or motorhome, any help really would be appreciated.

[moparmaniac59]

Welcome to CC.com. We have a lot of folks here now from down unda'. Sounds like you have quite a collection of cars!! I'd love to see some pics of the Western Special!! Hope you can "convert" your husband!!



                                              Matt B.

[cudadave72]

Welcome!!! You have come to the right place. The people here are great!!!

[Chryco Psycho]

Not much I cannot tell you about a Mopar engine , I guess you need to decide what direction you want to take . virtually any V8 will bolt into that car you just need a special mount to install a Hemi  on the K frame you have
 Welcome BTW 

[pink70]

Thanks for the welcome everyone.
Guess the choice is between a 383 and a 440. Am I correct in thing that there is no real difference between a cars BB engine and a motorhome or truck engine? Sorry if this is a dumb question
For all those Kiwis on the site, I am originally from NZ, from the very top of the North Island, have been in Aussie for 7 years now and still miss the great car scene over there, it pretty much sucks over here, but has improved a little in the past couple of years. We get our car fix every year when we go to the US of A on holiday.

[Chryco Psycho]

most Truck & motorhome 440 are the saem or at least very similar to the car version , you have to watch out for the HD version , it has a 5 bolt water pump housing with ports directly into the heads , the short block will work but you need different heads & intake , water pump to convert those engines

[pink70]

Thanks CP, what about the years, are the pre smog, pre 75ish years better than the later models?

[Alaskan_TA]

Welcome to the site. 

Is the WSS one of the LA built models or one of the late ones from Hamtramck?

Barry

[hooD]

   Welcome to the site, Pink.  Nice bunch of cars you and the hubby are collecting.  Glad to see you made the crossover to a Mopar!
I can't really answer your BB questions, but a 440 would be my 2nd choice over a hemi.  Can't wait to see some pictures.

[71340RT]

Welcome to the site and most everyone here will help with your questions. Post some pictures when you can as we all love to see these cars.

[pink70]

It is a LA built WSS which has been in Aus for about 11 years.

[70 R/T]

Welcome to the site,be good to see your WSS,i have a sublime WSS, and i hope you realise that not too many around now,good luck with your WSS ,there are about 5 or 6 here in Nz.