Author Topic: What to do first?  (Read 2566 times)

Offline WorkingOnItStill

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What to do first?
« on: September 22, 2009 - 09:47:41 PM »
Sorry for not posting for a while, just layed off from my job :horse: but have some good news i have come in to some money and earmarked 10 thousand dollars for the car. :clapping: now i need some guidance in to what to get done first. I do know i need a engine and trans but where to get them from i have no idea. I am a aircraft mechanic so i don't know much in this field but i am willing to learn.What i am wanting to do is finish the 440 conversion that was started before i got the car bigger brakes ect..
The car was originally a 340 car it has the 8 3/4 rear in it still.  and yes i know  :useless: so here     
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams




Offline Rare_T_A

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2009 - 09:51:03 PM »
You sue cannot beat the color!!!!!!!!!!!!!
'09 Challenger R/T  5.7 HEMI Auto
'70Challenger T/A 340 727

Fargo, N. Dak.
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Offline WorkingOnItStill

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2009 - 09:54:04 PM »
Yup not a bad paint job from the info i got when i got the car this is a front yard paint job. :faint:
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2009 - 01:31:55 AM »
Have no big block tranny? Planning on an automatic? Have Terry build you one
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=43222.0

How much work do you want to do in the motor build?   Just need a block, or a turnkey solution?
http://www.440source.com/
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline WorkingOnItStill

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2009 - 02:19:53 AM »
I would build one up myself but i am looking to get this car moving "been siting along time" :burnout: ,that and i have no clue how to build up a motor I may bite in to that after i get her up and running. So for right now i am leaning towards a turn key option.
On the outer side if it had wings and did mach 2 i would be right at home i have learned if i want it right, learn then apply not jump in and go boom  :bigsmile: lol   
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

Offline 73Chally

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2009 - 09:04:49 AM »
If you want to build the engine yourself, the cheapest block you will find is either a 318 or 360.  Those things are everywhere and you can pick up a complete engine for probably around $400 or cheaper.  Mopar Muscle recently did a budget build 318 and it was right around $2K including machining.

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2009 - 09:38:49 AM »
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
Screwed by Photobucket!

Offline WorkingOnItStill

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2009 - 03:11:13 PM »
hummmm have to take a look at that one tulsas not that far from here thanks Bullitt :cheers:
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

Offline 426HEMI

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2009 - 04:56:21 PM »
I would be another one that would suggest a small block for your car.  We need more small block cars on here.   :2thumbs: :bigsmile:
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon

Offline WorkingOnItStill

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #9 on: September 23, 2009 - 05:37:29 PM »
Would a small block be longer lasting than a big block? And in thinking about it, I kinda do want the 340 like she came with whats the difference in a 340 and a 360. Are they the same base block?
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

Offline 426HEMI

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2009 - 05:39:15 PM »
I understand about wanting a 340.  The 0nly difference is in how they motor mounts are on the blocks but that is not a problem.  They are the same other wise.   :bigsmile: :2cents:
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon

Offline tommyg29

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #11 on: September 23, 2009 - 08:10:25 PM »
dont forget to take lots of before and after pictures of everything you do.
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Offline WorkingOnItStill

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2009 - 09:00:56 PM »
dont forget to take lots of before and after pictures of everything you do.
I have been taking pics as I have slowly add small parts here and there so i have a few 100 already  :bananasmi last ones where of the A-pillar covers that had sun rotted and making a huge mess in the car   
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

Offline challengermaniac

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #13 on: September 23, 2009 - 10:41:59 PM »
Looks like you are starting with a good body and paint (?).  Given it was a 340 car, I would stick to finding a good running/documented rebuilt 340, vs putting in a 440 or 360 since 1972's didn't come with either.  One word of caution on the 340---- they are fairly expensive given their rarity, but if you shop around, good deals can be found (just saw a complete 1970 340 on eBay tonight for $2k).  Just be careful how much you spend (project plan list for parts & labor) given 1972 and up model years don't command the big bucks on resale and you don't want to be grossly backwards unless you have $ to burn.

Just saw a rebuilt 727 on eBay for $500, but unless they are within your driving range, probably best to shop your local craigslist.

Best, Charlie
70 Challenger
69 Camaro RS
« Last Edit: September 23, 2009 - 10:47:19 PM by challengermaniac »
Charlie
70 Challenger 340/4 Purple
70 Challenger T/A Red
Edmonds, WA

Offline WorkingOnItStill

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Re: What to do first?
« Reply #14 on: September 25, 2009 - 10:04:51 PM »
Thanks guys I am just see what other options are out there, at this point if i can find a 340 i will most defiantly put it in.
However as challengermaniac :cheers: stated they can be hard to find and expensive so for now i am still looking at a big block but if I come across a 340 I will jump on it. In the mean time I will continue to get the rest of the small parts and getting her back into shape.
On that note can anyone tell me how to tell if its good or not in gonna say no because it sounds like a sand box when i shake it and when i try to blow air in to it i get nada  can it be rebuilt? :working:

 
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams