1974 Challenger From Virginia

[lesliematt]

Hey forum,
I am about to start on my first restoration. I bought it April 20th, of this year. The car is originally from Virginia. It still has the original sticker on the windshield. It is a 360 right now. Not sure what came in it. Its automatic, originally was red, then painted pink, then finally white. Vin# JH23G4B282222. Where is a good place to look up the history? Tried a few sites but most only check back to vehicles newer than '81...  I need a few parts for her but she is in really good condition considering the age. Anyways, thought I would start this thread and continue posting as I start and continue into this resto.

Cheers!

[lesliematt]

More pics of the day I picked it up.

My cousin doing the hard work
Some of the car on the trailer
Me Standing beside my new joy in life

[ChallengerHK]

You definitely look like a proud owner. Hope you get a lot of fun out of it 

[GranCuda1970]

Welcome to C-C.com    Nice project. 

[challengermaniac]

Hey forum,
I am about to start on my first restoration. I bought it April 20th, of this year. The car is originally from Virginia. It still has the original sticker on the windshield. It is a 360 right now. Not sure what came in it. Its automatic, originally was red, then painted pink, then finally white. Vin# JH23G4B282222. Where is a good place to look up the history?

Cheers!

May be the original motor as all 1974 Rallye Challengers came with a 360!  It's a great motor (all things considered).  You likely have a 727 TorqueFlite Automatic along with a 3.23 SureGrip Rearend.  A very nice set up.  Hope you restore it stock!  What color was the interior------- I can tell you red exterior with a white interior is HOT!

[lesliematt]

It is black leather in the back. I am thinking to go black on black with white stitching in the seats. A friend of mine is selling a 440 with a 3 speed auto tranny for $800. It is out of a winnebago.... I'm not a engine guy at all so I'm not sure if thats the same engine that would have come in the normal cars (cuda, challenger, charger). Does anyone know? Check the pics. It says 630-440 on the side (second picture)

[challengermaniac]

Have you considered what you plan on using the car for once it's all together?  I guess the 440 would be nice for a lot of straight line acceleration, but if you are looking for a street cruiser (something to actually drive around in) then I recommend you stick with the 360.  It may not be as flashy as a 440, but you will get more use out of it.  That's just my 2 cents, as I am not trying to build up a debate between big & small blocks which has been covered too many times already.  Best of success on your project.

[Jamiez]

I'm sure some of the much much much more knowledgable engine folks will chime in, but I believe the motorhome 440s are lower compression than the ones that came stock on the ebodies.  I think you can build the motorhome 440s up to be pretty good...but again I'm not an engine guy

[lesliematt]

Have you considered what you plan on using the car for once it's all together?  I guess the 440 would be nice for a lot of straight line acceleration, but if you are looking for a street cruiser (something to actually drive around in) then I recommend you stick with the 360.  It may not be as flashy as a 440, but you will get more use out of it.  That's just my 2 cents, as I am not trying to build up a debate between big & small blocks which has been covered too many times already.  Best of success on your project.

I like what your saying. It will be a cruiser, and deff wont be a show piece. I want to drive and enjoy it. Im really considering just rebuilding the 360 in it. Thanks for the advice.

[mopar12372]

eather one is just fine . the crowd pleaser is the  b/rb / hemi because people just expect that. if you want neck snapping , ball gripping wicked torque with added adrenaline features with out the cost. remember it always starts out " all i want to do is cruise "  ounce you drive it youll see waht im talking about

[burnoutking-1]

I think there were far more 318's in '74.  The 360 was 340's replacement.

[lesliematt]

New Pictures of me putting it away in storage.

[ChallengerHK]

Did your rear valence get caught on something?

[4Cruizn]

Looks like a sweet project car!  As stated prior . . . 360s did come in 74s so that could be the original engine and if it is . . . I would at least keep it as that will help the cars value if you ever decide to sell.  I think you can get good power out of the 360 especially if you are just looking for a cruiser!   Enjoy!   

[ChallengerHK]

As stated prior . . . 360s did come in 74s so that could be the original engine

Vin# JH23G4B282222.

Boldface mine, but it looks like a 318 originally.