Engine Choices Related to Car Values

[avidflyr]

My 64 Polara 500 Restoration is now in the assembly stage. This car had the Poly 318. Do I Replace it or rebuild ? This car will be a Cruiser/Car Show/ Power Tour Car.It still must defend its honor.
The Poly Motor finally has some great new performance parts : 4bbl manifold, cams, Stroker Kits, headders, and more.
My Question:
What engine enhances the cars value. How does a Poly Stroker ( 392-403) stack up against a B/RB or the next Gen Hemi 5.7-6.1 for attractiveness and value?
I always think in term of what makes the car more saleable when it's time to sell.

 

[Auggie56]

I know the resto mod craze has been out there for some time. But for me, I'd build it like one that came from the factory. Cross rams with a 413 would interest me.

 

[451Mopar]

I don't know about the resale value, I tend to keep my cars.
If you want all the modern stuff like Highflow heads, EFI, A/C, Serpentine belts, High Output Alternater, and overdrive transmissions then it is less expensive to swap in a Gen III Hemi with an overdrive trans than to add all that stuff to an older style engine.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Well, you may also want to look at exactly how much you'll be putting into the car. 5.7-6.4 Gen III+ Hemi is going to cost quite a lot of money to power the wheels ($10,000+), and a Poly 318 'built to the hilt' will also be a substantial amount of money. Blue print crate engines offers a 408 (375hp/460ft.lbs) for only $3,995, and that is with a 30 month/50,000 mile warranty. As a value per horsepower perspective, it's difficult to match that. Newer 5.7/6.1 swaps (IMHO) would set you slightly apart from the crowd, but I'm not sure how profitable it would be after the initial investment. An EFI 440 would also be a nice combo, something different. MSD makes a great kit that is auto-tuning. Would need aluminum heads, ceramic coated headers, and a Victor intake (or similar) to really 'wow' potential buyers. If you want the most money for the least amount of investment, leave the poly 318 bone stock and clean it up. A supercharged 360 would be nice, you can often buy a centrifugal setup fairly cheap. There are a lot of ideas, but honestly just do what 'you' want as you never get your money back out of them unless its a highly desirable model.

 

[65-440]

Put a 400 in it and dress it up as a 413. 400's can make real good power and not break the bank

 

[dieseldazzle]

Big block with a fat carb and a sure grip will never go out of style and never lose value.

Late model hemi swaps will soon be the EFI magnum swaps of yester year that nobody really wants anymore....like the TPI is to the chevy LS guys...and the 5.0liter EFI is to the coyote and terminator swaps...

 

[hemidart1]

I think the small block stroker from Blue Print is the way to go. Great deal for the money and you can always dress it up like a 273 Commando...:headbang:

 

[Homstead]

Any big block is good with me. They were a part of Mopar performance history. The polys are cool in their own way but for me the Big blocks and Hemi`s do it! Just my 2 cents......

 

[hemi#1]

I'm sticking with the poly I will be a stroker someday but it's org. to the carView attachment 309103

 

[63SPF]

 

[Glenwood]

I know the resto mod craze has been out there for some time. But for me, I'd build it like one that came from the factory. Cross rams with a 413 would interest me.

x2...that's where I'm headed with my 64 vert!

 

[avidflyr]

Thanks for the Opinions guys. Great Feed Back. Keep it going. Crate Engines with a Warranty is the most logical so far.

 

[Blackheart]

Keep the original Poly 318, blows my mind for some to suggest replacing it with a LA small block. If you go crate go big block and do like 99% of the copycats.

 

[cryplydog]

I'm a bb guy but if your starting from scratch you could buy a 360 complete with trans. and all the extra stuff like steering powerbrakes and air all in one shot and it's an easy do.

 

[Furiousvip]

This is the direction I'm going with my 64...it's hard not to stop and stare when you pop the hood and see this. Prices have obviously gone up since this article was published...but it's still a whole lot cheaper than an original Max Wedge. Also, don't get rid of the poly. It can also add value, especially if it's original to the car.

http://www.hotrod.com/cars/project-vehicles/ccrp-0711-1964-mopar/

 

[6t4polara]

It is your car build what you want. Do your home work if you want to be period correct.
413 not available in 1964 B body first year for the street wedge 426.

 

[HT413]

A 440 is what everyone wants, assuming a 426 hemi is out of your budget. I'd build a 440 and dress it to whatever period correct RB engine came in your car, such as a 426 wedge. This is what will add the most appeal to your car.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with some posts above - dropping an LA or magnum motor in that car will do nothing for value. it'll just leave potential buyers scratching their head.

 

[Sixpaksteve]

The 64 Polara convertible I'm restoring came with it's original pushbutton tranny, but the original 318 was long gone so I'm glad this thread (and the suggestions) came up. Here's a question for those you of who have been down the road I'm about to travel..... I like the idea of building a 440 into a look-a-like period correct MW motor, and I already have a 1967 HP 440 block waiting in the wings. My Polara came with factory Power Steering and Power Brakes and while I can live with manual steering I'd like to keep the Power Brake option on the car. But I don't think I can do that AND use the correct MW exhaust manifolds, can I? There just doesn't seem to be enough clearance, and I've yet to see any pics of this type of build.

 

[Furiousvip]

The 64 Polara convertible I'm restoring came with it's original pushbutton tranny, but the original 318 was long gone so I'm glad this thread (and the suggestions) came up. Here's a question for those you of who have been down the road I'm about to travel..... I like the idea of building a 440 into a look-a-like period correct MW motor, and I already have a 1967 HP 440 block waiting in the wings. My Polara came with factory Power Steering and Power Brakes and while I can live with manual steering I'd like to keep the Power Brake option on the car. But I don't think I can do that AND use the correct MW exhaust manifolds, can I? There just doesn't seem to be enough clearance, and I've yet to see any pics of this type of build.

If the stock power brake system doesn't work, then here's another option that might.
http://www.hydratechbraking.com/Mopar_B_Body.html

 

[Moparsmitty]

A 440 is what everyone wants, assuming a 426 hemi is out of your budget. I'd build a 440 and dress it to whatever period correct RB engine came in your car, such as a 426 wedge. This is what will add the most appeal to your car.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with some posts above - dropping an LA or magnum motor in that car will do nothing for value. it'll just leave potential buyers scratching their head.

Agree. I planted a 440RB in my 64 Belvedere and haven't regretted it for one second. Great looking and sounding engine and most bang for the buck.