is it worth it to go Hemi?

[GreenFish]

So i've been contemplating a change for the Cuda. Ive had the car for 12 years and still has the same AAR paint scheme as when I bought it. It isnt an AAR, matter of fact it has a 440 in it now. The car is originally an "BS23N" code 383.
I would like to change things up a bit and go with a more "stock" look and feel and have considered a "B" block motor to go in possibly a stroker or just a nice powerful 383. I want to get rid of the AAR markings, freshen up the paint and go with hockey sticks and a shaker.
Lately i have considered putting a Hemi into the car. While this would be a considerable about more money, i'm not looking to put a 700hp 528ci in it. Just a nice solid 426. I really do not intend to race the car at all so I just need highway fun.

Would it be worth the extra cash to put the Hemi in the car? Or should I just go 383 and have a motor that matches my vin (although not numbers matching)?  I could maybe try to find a date code close to what it should have as well.

Thoughts? comments?

Thanks

[ChallengerGary]

If by "worth it" you are referring to the "Wow Factor" when you open the hood, absolutely a Hemi is worth it.  The other really cool wow-factor is a 6.1L Hemi and they are about 1/2 the price of the 426 Hemi.  If you are talking performance, the 426 Hemi is really not worth it until you start building it up past stock.  A moderately built 440 will perform every bit as good as a stock 426 for about 1/2 the price...

 

[whitesatinmopar]

   There probably is not a one of us here who would not have a Hemi in at least one of our cars. That is if we could afford the swap and also afford the maintainace. They definately are $$$$ all the way around, but the wow and mistic of the Hemi cannot be denied or ignored. 

[purple1]

I hate to say this, but its your car. Do what you want with it.
Having said that, I think the 383's are great. They are the real street heros from back in the day. The Hemi's were the king, we all know that. And the 440's were right up there. But its the 383's that the common man had. And its the engine that would win for the common man. Not many big blocks will rev up like the 383.

If you put the same qubic dollars in to it. I think you can have one very nice "B" block that will look just right in that N code car. If the stock look is what you want stay with the "B" block. As was said if you want the WOW factor, go for the Hemi. 

Some one tried to make an RT clone out of my car. I am slowly taking it back to a non RT look. And I will be keeping a "B" engine in it. Sounds similar to your AAR scheme on a non AAR car.

[73Chally]

Here's food for thought:

New 426 crate Hemi, soup to nuts, plus new K-frame/motor mounts, etc. etc, etc - Minimum $15K plus labor to install.

Keep your 440 and add a 6-pack intake - About $2,300, and you can do it in your driveway.

To me (and I'm biased), a 6 pack has just as much Wow factor as a Hemi.  I see more Hemis at shows than I do 6 packs, at least where I live.

Short story but it's actually pretty funny.  I had my car at Autorama this year with several others from the Mopar club, including a nice 68 Charger with a crate Hemi.  We both got class awards, and at the end of the day, the owner of the Charger made the comment (as he was holding the same plaque I had), "$15K and this is all I get", obviously referring to his Hemi.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Go with the HEMI.... providing its got a functional dipstick! 

[GreenFish]

Thanks guys, It may be some time before I get to what I want to do. I have to convince the wife that this is a good idea. 

Just ready for a change with the car but dont want to get rid of it. I've had it too long and maybe one day it will be my son's car.

[HemiOrange70]

Me, I would put in a nice 383 and add the shaker and new paint.

[73Chally]

If you're just looking for a change of pace, a Hemi is one he11 of a big leap if you ask me  If you have the petty cash to do it, more power to you, but if you need to get approval from the boss, I'd be looking at a cheaper option.

[dodj]

Go with the HEMI.... providing its got a functional dipstick! 

Life with a dysfunctional dipstick would be no fun.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Life with a dysfunctional dipstick would be no fun.

It hasnt been.... ck my steering gear post.. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It hasnt been.... ck my steering gear post.. 

   

[whitesatinmopar]

Here's food for thought:

Keep your 440 and add a 6-pack intake - About $2,300, and you can do it in your driveway.

To me (and I'm biased), a 6 pack has just as much Wow factor as a Hemi.

Makes a lot of sense     I also have a 440 6 pack in a 72 B body Plymouth, it not a stock build (475 hp) by any means and does get a lot of "wow" attention when I get it out of the garage. I need to do that, it's been nearly two years since it's felt sunlight and a head wind. 

Have the six pk. kits went up that much?  I only paid $1800.00 which included the complete air cleaner, yes, it was brand new still in boxes.   

[Cooter]

We all know what the word HEMI means....

H Have
E Enormous
M Money
I In it

520 Cu.In. Wedge stroker, half the price, and don't have to worry bout "I'd rather be outrun in a wedge BY a Hemi that to be outrun in a Hemi BY a wedge"...Thing...Don't need no WOW factor if your motor has the balls to "Carry the mail"...I'd rather someone look at my motor and think "Hell, it's just a plain 'ol 440"...

[73Chally]

Have the six pk. kits went up that much?  I only paid $1800.00 which included the complete air cleaner, yes, it was brand new still in boxes.   

I paid $1,800 for mine about 4 years ago, too, but that involved a bunch of shopping around for the best individual prices.  From what I've seen, the complete packages (minus gaskets), run around $2,300, but you should still be able to get it cheaper.