340 Challenvger Value

Author Topic: 340 Challenvger Value  (Read 2860 times)

Offline 71_340Challenger

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340 Challenvger Value
« on: March 25, 2005 - 11:56:08 AM »
I am new here and this is my first post. I really enjoyed all the information provided here. Great all around source.

Here is some back ground. I have a 1971 Dodge Challenger. It orignally came with a 340 and 727 automatic, which I still have. At the time I bought it, the conversion was started to make it a 440 with a matching 727 automatic. The car is mostly orignal, except for someone converted the front seats from a bench to 72 buckets and it was repainted from dark brown metallic to non-original red.

Now for my questions. Should I keep the orignal 340/727 combo? The 440/727 combo are too far along into the rebuild to really make money sense to go back and start over with the 340/727 combo. Is an original motor and transmission worth more than a well done high performance 440/727 combo? I am really torn because, not many people have the chance to keep their cars original anymore, but it would be nice to have the money from the sale of the 340/727 to finish off the 440/727. Right now, I am leaning towards keeping the original 340/727 just for postarity and just in case I ever wanted to sell the car (which I have no plan on doing for a VERY long time). But, you just never know with way muscle car prices are climbing. Just curious what other people think. Thanks alot. I look forward to getting input on this.
1971 Dodge Challenger                
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, 6 speed manual
2009 Dodge Charger R/T w/ Road & Track Package
1995 Ford F-150




Offline Rev-It-Up

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2005 - 12:04:36 PM »
First of all, welcome to the board!!  Looks like a beautiful car.  I would have to say (and I know others will echo my sentiment) that the wisest thing to do is to hold on to that 340!!  As long as you have that #'s matching engine and tranny, you're golden.  If I were you, I'd continue on with that 440 and have a blast with the car.  Then, if you ever decide to sell, having the #'s matching engine will add a lot to the price of the car.

Nice car!! Welcome!
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Offline 71fish

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2005 - 01:05:56 PM »
Nice chally - I would lean towards keeping the 340 combo.. wouldn't want to chg the k frame / trans etc. If you want more power beef up the 340 w/ alum eddys or ported/polished x, j or u heads and a purple cam and a "GOOD" carb. You'll smoke some big blocks 4 sure.

welcome aboard

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RedLine

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2005 - 01:11:15 PM »
Welcome to the board!...   same as others- our original trans is hibernating.  keeping for future.  Hey is that a 1/4 mile strip in front of your house...?

Offline Mopar73340

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #4 on: March 25, 2005 - 01:43:52 PM »
Welcome "71 340"   :iagree:  Nice Car.  I personally would keep the 340, I prefer the small blocks...
73-Challenger 340 727/GearVendors Auto
73-Challenger 408 Pistol-Grip 5-speed

Offline miketyler

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2005 - 03:15:26 PM »
Great looking car there - I think you have the right idea. The original engine and trans (numbers matching) could increase the value of the car to the right buying audience. Keep it as long as you can spare the storage space. Converting to big block is quite an undertaking but if someone else has already assumed part of the expense, I would proceed. 440's dont grow on trees either and if you deceide to go back original I would think you could recoup some investment $ from the sale of it.
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Offline AprilsPink72Cuda

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #6 on: March 25, 2005 - 05:07:46 PM »
Welcome to the board 71_340Challenger.  Glad you found us!  As for the motor dilema, I would continue in the direction you are going with the 440 but I would save the original motor and tanny as well.  With these Mopars increasing in value everyday I think you may regret selling the 340 someday down the road.  You have a beautiful car and I hope you have some fun with it real soon!

Plum6Pak

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #7 on: March 25, 2005 - 05:41:03 PM »
Hey 71340Chally, nice to see you here, nice looking Challenger! Personally I'd continue with the big block and hang on to that small block setup for the future. Once it's gone, it's gone! The big block will bolt right in to your car with the big block motor mounts and since you already have the tranny with it you should't experience many problems at all. Good Luck, let us know what you decide.  :thumbs:

Offline 360 'CUDA

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #8 on: March 25, 2005 - 06:05:45 PM »
 :iagree: :iagree:

The 440 is an easy swap compared to most and the big block will be fun

I like the small blocks myself but if your almost done with the 440 anyway...

 :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout:

kudakidd

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #9 on: March 25, 2005 - 07:15:48 PM »
welcome to E-town. Keep the original drivetrain. It's far more valuable than you think. Some members would kill for a matching numbers drivetrain.! Put the 440 in the Chally just for the fear factor while the 340 is tucked away in a safe corner of your garage. Nice Chally, now go out and enjoy it. kk

Offline mrcuda

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2005 - 07:17:41 PM »
Keep it with the small block in place, and find somewhere else for the big block. Like my car.  ;D

Offline thelittles

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #11 on: March 25, 2005 - 08:28:23 PM »
I have a challenger with a big block and one with a 340 4 speed.  The 340 has a little less power but handles much better in the turns.  I agree with most.  Have fun with the 440 but never sell the 340.

Offline 71_340Challenger

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #12 on: March 25, 2005 - 09:44:06 PM »
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I was pretty much thinkig the same thing to keep the original 340/727. The deal on the 440 was too good to pass up, so that is what is going in now. Besides, there is no replacement for displacement, right? I had fun driving the car before it the conversion was started. Hopefully later this summer I will have it back on the road and having fun blowing away those little ricer burners that seem to appear and want to race. I will keep you posted as the project progresses. I may even endevor into a new paint job this year. Paint is showing its age. Thanks again. I guess I will have to change my handle from 340 to 440. 

:burnout:
1971 Dodge Challenger                
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, 6 speed manual
2009 Dodge Charger R/T w/ Road & Track Package
1995 Ford F-150

Offline Street_Challenged73

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #13 on: March 25, 2005 - 10:00:50 PM »
Welcome aboard!!!!  Definitely keep that 340/727 combo as it will pan out well in the future, if you ever did need to sell your '71.  That'll be one quick car with the 383 in it, so make sure you keep your  :burnout: to a maximum. :tongue:  Hope you stick around for a while. :thumbs:
1973 Dodge Challenger......................The ongoing project. (00/----\00)
1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin-Turbo....The sunny day cruiser (RTBoost)
1990 Toyota Celica GT Liftback...........The new daily & winter driver.
All-American Muscle: 'Cudas and Challengers...Still the Elite and always will be.

                                                                                             
                 
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Offline Robb

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Re: 340 Challenvger Value
« Reply #14 on: March 25, 2005 - 10:01:34 PM »
First of all, welcome to the board!!  Looks like a beautiful car.  I would have to say (and I know others will echo my sentiment) that the wisest thing to do is to hold on to that 340!!  As long as you have that #'s matching engine and tranny, you're golden.  If I were you, I'd continue on with that 440 and have a blast with the car.  Then, if you ever decide to sell, having the #'s matching engine will add a lot to the price of the car.

Nice car!! Welcome!

 :iagree:

also should the world come crashing down and you need to sell your car....   It will appeal to both the #'s crowd AND the  "I wanta big motor" 440 crowd.
Best of both worlds.

70 Challenger SE  (440 SIX PACK / Keisler 5 speed, R/T SE replication)       68 Sport Satellite Convertible 383 Super Commando / 727  Survivor

2002 Trans AM WS6 convertible:  DD
1999 4Runner 4x4:  lifted-locked-armored  expedition vehicle
1990 Jeep XJ 4x4:  Front Dana 60, GM-14bolt rear, 3 link, 4link, 5.38 detroits, beadlocked 40's, stretched to 110" wb  Rock Crawler