1972 Plymouth understanding

[Carlos Velazquez]

Hey guys new to the forum. i got this beaut for what i thought was a deal for 3500. only have a block (440) and trying to come up with parts I can take from other vehicles (being cheap for now) that could fit into it before i install High performance parts. I want to get it running enough to make it to CA. Friend has a shop that wants to help me on the project.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

start by checking out your local craigslist. I found this in LA pretty much ready to drop in for a short trip. https://fayar.craigslist.org/pts/d/mopar-motor/6312265543.html

This guy may have some parts you are missing.
https://fayar.craigslist.org/pts/d/mopar-big-blockblocks-and/6293886919.html

 

[Carlos Velazquez]

start by checking out your local craigslist. I found this in LA pretty much ready to drop in for a short trip. https://fayar.craigslist.org/pts/d/mopar-motor/6312265543.html

Been Looking around. i can manage to get some heads for it already rebuilt, but i need to pull the motor out and check the bores to see how much wear and damage they got.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

I was thinking you were looking for a ready to run engine to get you to CA.

 

[Speedbird]

Sounds like a plan.
Cheap is a relative term.
One person's cheap is another persons expensive.
So.
The only thing that give me pause in your plan is getting the motor running cheap.
If the motor strands you half way to California, it won't be cheap anymore.
I've seen enough Roadkill programs where doing a motor half way bites them.
And they have a backup vehicle on the road.
I don't know what the friend and you are going to do once you get there.
But I'd put money into the motor now so when you get out there the motor is already done.
You are going to pull it anyway and that's a lot of work.
You can always pull it again in Cali to do other things can't you?

 

[Carlos Velazquez]

I was thinking you were looking for a ready to run engine to get you to CA.

haha well that i am. This car has been on my mind every day since i got her last week and looking at every forum and every possible way i can get some "GO" and some "WOH" into it. i figure as longs as that's good i can handle her. i'll give that place in AR a call incase i gotta toast this one. Appreciate it!

 

[Carlos Velazquez]

Sounds like a plan.
I've seen enough Roadkill programs where doing a motor half way bites them.
And they have a backup vehicle on the road.
I don't know what the friend and you are going to do once you get there.
But I'd put money into the motor now so when you get out there the motor is already done.
You are going to pull it anyway and that's a lot of work.
You can always pull it again in Cali to do other things can't you?

ooh ive seen a lot of them too and trying to learn from their mistakes. I can rebuild this engine np. just everything else that gets put into it for cooling and steering have to be up to par with the trip. looking into making a k memeber from qa1. they dont seem very difficult to fabricate. got a lathe, welder and a machine shop to work in. all i need is time... and money...

 

[YY1]

That'll be a "fun" road trip!

You could do what many did in the 80's and 90's, although it's abit more difficult and pricey today-

Find a running C body, 4 door or truck/motor home and swap the driveline in.

You get 80-99% of the parts you need and you can hear it run/drive.

can still be more cost effective and can still be done for under $1000 if you try hard enough.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

That 383 I posted above will bolt right up and drop right in. If it runs.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Hey guys new to the forum. i got this beaut for what i thought was a deal for 3500. only have a block (440) and trying to come up with parts I can take from other vehicles (being cheap for now) that could fit into it before i install High performance parts. I want to get it running enough to make it to CA. Friend has a shop that wants to help me on the project.
View attachment 536322 View attachment 536323 View attachment 536324 View attachment 536325

It looks like there's a big block in there already. Is that the original motor? If it's big block, the cheapest way is to stay big block. You can already see the bores with the heads off & it's not too tough to pull the oil pan to check the bearings + you can turn the motor over with a breaker bar to see if it turns. I personally like your idea of putting some rebuilt heads on it to get it to CA & go from there. How confident are you that the brakes/trans/rear are OK now?

The cheapest stock radiators are out of C-bodies & looks like you will need some exhaust manifolds, carb/intake + maybe some brackets and stuff.

Your safest bet is to find a flat bed tow truck & get the car up on a loading dock somewhere and just ship it to California & un-load it with a flat bed there....no worries.

 

[Car Nut]

aboard!

 

[Budnicks]

Cool 72

welcome to FBBO from NorCal Sierras

good luck & happy Moparing

 

[Rick Carson]

Nice find,welcome from Canada