What motor for e-body challenger??

[powerwagon]

I am seriously considering buying a 74 challenger, with a 318 and auto. That will be coming out, however, and I was wondering if I should build a 340 for it (Mopar Muscle built a 400hp 340 with four bolt-ons), or go 383/440 type of combo. I also will put in a 4-speed. I realize there are millions of people with millions of opinions, so i just wondered what you all thought. Thanx.

powerwagon

MOPAR FOREVER

[roodypoo]

I think if it was me i would build a 410 stroker off of a 360, the hp you can get from them is amazing.

[rumblefish360]

A small block will produce good power and keep weight down some. The Big block will produce ultimate power & torque with a little more wieght.
A stroker anything will add a bit more money to the car. But now you can lie! (he he he )
The thing with that M/M article is that they say only 4 bolt ons. Well yes and no. If your engine's bottom is strong yes. If it needs a rebuild, well...
I see all eng's as always bolting on 4 or 5 things. Carb, intake,heads, headers and a trick somthing or another. Cam's are cheap. And quickley changed out.
The real expense is the short bolck or new head/rebuild & head porting part.
Your call. (1)Make a plan & stick to it. (2)Have fun! (3) Let us know.

[Sly Fox]

Hey guess what? I'm doing the same thing. I have a 74 Challenger w/ 318 auto. too. I've decided to go with a 440. I'm making mine a street/strip car so I'll be keeping mine an automatic. I plan on building the 440 around 525 to 550 horse. I've been convinced to go with a big block if you can. You can get more power alot easier later on down the road if you choose to, and they are easier to make streetable with alot horsepower. Small blocks can only handle so much before they are beyond streetable.

Sly

[goldduster]

maybe you should do a 400 to be different. There pretty cheap, and if you use a forged crank/rods from a 383, they are exceptionally strong too. They also wind a bit quicker than a 440. You can keep them streetable using a fairly small cam and still make 400+hp with ported smog heads. You'd have the building block for one of those awsome 452 Strokers too.

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Goldduster
'70 Duster 318 2bbl
http://duster.svhost.com/duster70?REC=0
The Plymouth Duster Homepage
http://duster.excelland.com?REC=0

[J D]

If you live on dead flat ground go for the big block.
The small block would be more fun in the hills though.
The big block would probably require a few more dollars to the car to get it to work.



[This message has been edited by J D (edited January 19, 2001).]

[ChristianCuda]

Okay here is my two cents
I would do the 340 with the new 4 inch crank.
They are made with either the mains for the 360 or the 340. So I would go 340 and use the larger bore with the 4" stroke.

This is the best of both worlds
Plus it would be streetable and powerful

Christian
I think I am going to do this with a 360 though as I cant get a 340 block for a D50.

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68 'Cuda 383 Best of 8.363@83.78 in the 1/8mile which is a mid 12 with a 1.89 60ft
Formula S recreation not original but making like they should have at the factory) Working on adding EFI
69 'Cuda Race Parts Car
76 Duster 273 recent transplant
95 Neon 2.0 SOHC best of 16.96
84 Dodge Ram D50 transplanting 360

[mystery_dude]

Ok , the big block works better in the wind, because of the Torque... it works better going up hills, even in a head wind. At the drags it's better cause temperature stays constant, plus the wind no wind factor dosen't effect ET'S as much as the puny small block is. Small blocks are for A bodies only. Cover with blanky and hope baby dosen't rock over too much when you fiddle with carb adjustments. LATER

[WEDGEMAN3]

YIKES ! ! ! I AINT TOUCHIN THAT ONE ! ! !

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WEDGEMAN3