Good day. I'm a new member and wanted to pick the experts brains about a rebuild I'm in the midst of finishing. I have a '73 Challenger base model. I've had the car since 1978 and it was my daily driver for about 12 years. It was parked for a little over 20 years and I've started getting it restored in bits and pieces. It was stored away in a good environment and the body / frame is in good shape. Had to put a new roof skin and sail panel on, and patched the bottoms of the quarter panels. Otherwise solid. I'll be asking about power plant options and drivetrain upgrades. Thanks for having me. Look forward to talking with you.

 

I love that body style.

Ever consider going with a modern hemi? Mopar sells bolt in crate motors, complete with trans and electronics.

 

Welcome to DF!

 

Thanks for the welcome and replies.

I did look at the modern Hemi crate engines, but the price is almost double what the 5.9 would be. The 360 loves a carb and is easier to work on, too.

I had a 2014 R/T Challenger with the 5.7 that gave me major trouble the entire 2 years I owned it. Every car model creates a lemon now and then and 'm sure others have had great service from them, but I would prefer the older Magnum engine for my old car.

 

If you want it to be a fun driver, I'd go with the 360, maybe a big block like a 383 or 440. If you want bragging rights, go with a 426 Hemi. I personally like the older big blocks as they are easy to work on and have massive torque. Big and small blocks were both available so they will both fit. As for a modern Hemi, it's your car and your money, but I wouldn't. If you just want to build something custom, put a 440 in there and find some long ram tubes from the early 60's and mount two throttle body FI units on the tubes. Wall to wall engine there. Then again, I'm old and do things differently. I saw a gal dancing on a table at a bar the other night and after a bit, I said "Wow, nice legs." "Really? You think so?" "Yep, most tables would have collapsed by now." It took a week for the knot on my head to go down.

 

Thank you all for your input and continued suggestions. Sounds like Ol' Grouch and I are from the old school. I even appreciated the "leg" joke!

If people keep trying to talk me into a big block, I'm afraid I may end up giving in. It would be an awesome runner with ugly surroundings because all my money would go into the drivetrain and suspension. But, that seems to be in style these days. For the same money I'll be putting into this car I could probably get a big block Challenger that's already on the road. But this car is a member of the family and it deserves to be brought back. Whatever the end result it is a fun process and I'm enjoying it.

 

Or, if you want to go for something period-correct, and still a fun motor, built a 340. My Challenger had one, with the four speed manual, and it was FUN to drive.

 

That would be perfect. Finding a 340 is really tough, but that's what I'd prefer. Best sounding engine in history in my book.

 

Yeah, they quite makin' 'em quite some time ago....... and finding one today.... is not an easy task. Bore/stroke the 318?

 

I considered stroking the 318 but the machine shop told me that it would be nearly double the price of the crate 5.9 when all is said and done. Still an option depending on what sort of shape the 5.2 is in. I'm on a set budget for the whole job, so attempting to get most bang for the buck. I could go with a crate 440 for just a few more bucks but would involve motor mount / front end changes and a different trans.

Thanks for everyone's interest in the project and please keep all ideas coming. It helps to talk this through before the spending starts.