OOPS!

[4x4HEMIrig]

So, remember all the problems I was having? I found the main issue. It turns out, I think I really screwed up. I may have bought a car with a blown car with a blown motor. I was driving the old girl out to my mechanic, about 10th miles away, and there she goes. My oil pressure went to 0, the engine died and as soon as I got the hood up, boom! The upper radiator hose blew off the radiator spewing oil and coolant across the fender.

I want to put a 392 or a 400 into it. Any suggestions for an inexpensive replacement?

[shadango]

So, remember all the problems I was having? I found the main issue. It turns out, I think I really screwed up. I may have bought a car with a blown car with a blown motor. I was driving the old girl out to my mechanic, about 10th miles away, and there she goes. My oil pressure went to 0, the engine died and as soon as I got the hood up, boom! The upper radiator hose blew off the radiator spewing oil and coolant across the fender.

I want to put a 392 or a 400 into it. Any suggestions for an inexpensive replacement?

Damn, that sux eggs. 

What do you consider "inexpensive"?

When my small block goes (or when I decide I just cant wait anymore) I plan on a crate motor (stroked small block).    I know for around $5-7k you can get into a crate......I think big blocks are around teh same unless you are looking big power adds......   

Or find a used salvage yard motor....but then you dont know what you will get.

Sometimes spending more money is cheaper in the long run.

Let us know what you end up doing.

[ChallengerHK]

Agree with Shadango that it depends on what you consider inexpensive. 392s might be pricey because of the collector value, but I'll bet you could get a 400 out of a salvage yard. I saw one at a pick-a-part on Saturday for $275, but the shipping to you would be outrageous.

[lemming303]

Not sure where you live, but I see mopar motors on craigslist quite often. Like said before, you gotta be careful but you can find a good deal on the net! I found my 360 for 350$ and it was recently rebuilt. Granted I'm gonna change the heads and bearings (it's got cheap mexican ones) but it will still cost less than 2000$.

[4x4HEMIrig]

I live in Bozeman, MT, but I'm hanging out in Las Vegas this week & I've been checking out www.racingjunk.com. I found a couple deals I like. They're both 440s. One is built w/ 4 runs on the 1/4 & 11-6-1 compression for $4800 (ad# 2255245). The other is in pieces, fresh from the machine shop, 30 over with all kinds of goodies for $2000. He'll throw in a race ready 727 for $1000 (ad# 2200571).

[4x4HEMIrig]

  I decided to have the motor rebuilt. The old girl should run great in a few weeks.

[Chryco Psycho]

why not add a 440 crank & rods & build a 438 stroker ??

[4x4HEMIrig]

  I can't afford much in the way of an engine. The truth is, I really screwed up with this car.  I paid $26.5k for a car with a blown engine.  I managed to work a deal with my mechanic to do a partial rebuild for $2800 (including installation of steering gear box, pwr steering pump and steering shaft coupler rebuild).  I do have good news though, according to my VIN and two independent inspections of it, I have a 1972 Challenger 340 R/T.  My car could land anywhere from $18k to $28k. My mechanic tells me the motor is bored .30 over and had a mild cam (now has a few flat lobes due to a poor break-in).  I wish I could do a full rebuild.  I would love to know about what my car is truly worth.  I can provide any info necessary to determine its value.  is useless for this, there are only two cars on there right now and the first is a rust bucket and the other is (appears to be) immaculate .

[aris_unlimited]

Check out nada.com they have a classic car section.

[BB73Challenger]

I would love to know about what my car is truly worth.  I can provide any info necessary to determine its value. 

Unless it's for insurance, don't get too hung up on value numbers.
I personally have twice what my car's worth is wrapped up into, but the value of fun and enjoyment go way beyond that.
My 73 is an original 340 Rallye, but the 70's & 71's will have more value...


I by no means am trying to be rude either, but the proper R/T line was dumped after '71 as the "new" performance line offered was the Rallye edition.
Even by 73 the Raylle line was dumped but you could "build" one through the order sheet.
You mention that you would like to know the true value, in the WIW (what it's worth) section will be a great place to start that thread so you can post pics & all of the specifics of you car