70 Challenger convert. help needed • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Guest** » 17 Mar 2005 17:44

I have a 70 convert. This is the story we all heard...a guy knows a guy whose friend ,brother.... anyway I got this car when I bought this house the car was in the gararge to make a long story short I had a lien put on it and eventually was able to take ownership. I plan to resore it. The vin denotes it as a 6cyl. there is no motor/trans in it. is it worth more with the orig. 6 or with an 8? I was told the difference between the 6 and 8 is the engine crossmember, is there any way for me to detemine which crossmember is in my car? and what is the practical eng/trans for this and leads on parts? I am naive when it comes to mopars This is my first, I have a few amc amx's. Any And I mean any help will be appreciated. newby, Glenn ,thanks

by **spitfire9137** » 17 Mar 2005 19:55

Here is a page for you to ID our K-Member.
http://www.engine-swaps.com/frames/fram ... r-ID1.html

by **dave-r** » 17 Mar 2005 21:45

Thought I would steal those photos in case the link ever goes down.

by **roadrunner** » 22 Mar 2005 11:45

If were me, I would bolt on a power hood, and put a 340 (if you can find one) or a big block in it. I doubt if a non numbers match original 6 cylinder rag top is going to be worth much. However, a slick looking, hopped up convert. will always turn heads.

Just my thoughts on this......

by **dave-r** » 22 Mar 2005 12:09

I think a 440 or 426 spoils a convertible. I would use a 340 or 360 if I wanted it to handle better or a 383 or 400 if I really wanted some grunt.

by **JimDP** » 22 Mar 2005 23:08

Dave,

What's your thinking on why a convertible shouldn't have a hemi or a 440? I'm in a similar situation to the original poster and would appreciate your thoughts. I'm leaning toward a small block, but . . .

Thanks

Jim P.

by **dave-r** » 23 Mar 2005 8:59

They are just too heavy for the front of the car making them handle bad and the chassis flex.

They are a tight fit in the engine bay of any e-body and get hot. You really want a hot oil fume smelling engine making your eyes water and your clothes smell while trying to look cool then fit a oil buring hemi in there for sure. You ever tried changing the plugs on a 440? Why have the hassle if you don't need it for performance?

To me a convertible is not about all out straight line performance. It is about cruising around looking good and having fun. A 340 or 360 can be stroked to well over 400 inches and make 500hp if you really wanted performance but I think a nice mild small block is an ideal engine for this sort of car.

Just my opinion of course. :wink:

by **roadrunner** » 23 Mar 2005 11:41

I agree!! Make it a 340 SIX PACK and have some fun!!!

by **JimDP** » 24 Mar 2005 0:05

Thanks for your thoughts. I certainly have been considering the difference in weight, but hadn't thought about the heat issue. It's just so tough to get past the lure of the hemi, particularly since they're readily available from Mopar. My head tells me small block, my heart wants a hemi. I suspect at the end of the day my wallet will side with my head.

Thanks again

Jim P.