• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Engine Choices Related to Car Values

"But I don't think I can do that (keep the factory Power Brake Booster) 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."

Any comments/feedback from the FBBO membership on what I think is true?
 
The OP was asking about resale value as well, and what additional resale would a 'world beater' 440 bring? You'd have around $7,000 into an aluminum headed 440 that could make 550HP on pump 93 (we aren't talking fuel system, etc.). For nearly the same amount you could purchase the 408 from blueprint engines (with a WARRANTY), then install a paxton S/C kit and make well over 500HP on 6psi; a very unique combination. Toss on a 4-way Wilwood disc brake kit, 17-18" wheels, and you'll have yourself a resto' style mod that would open the market up tremendously. For the nostolgic crowd (unfortunately that is fading away), the MW 'clone' engine is a great idea. These options are all north of $7,000, other than the Max Wedge clone which should shave off $1,000-$2,000. Unless the OP could potentially make an additional $5,000-$7,000 off of the upgrade, he's really not coming out that far ahead of his base engine. To me, the supercharged setup would bring the highest resale, but that is just my opinion.
 
Sweet5ltr said:
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.
Click to expand...

Here is where I was coming from. In my Coronet Convertible I built a stroked 440, I think around $7K for the engine, added an expensive EFI around $4K, but even a cheap TBI EFI is over $2K, added the expensive Billet Specialities belt system (that comes with all new water pump/housing, A/C, alternator and P/S pump) so add another $4K, the on OD Transmission $4K for a total around $19K, even on the cheap the same stuff will be over $10K.

For my Coronet Hartop project I bought a 50,000 mile 2008 6.1L Hemi with NAG transmission with computer and all the accessories for $4K (OK, I got a good deal here, but 5.7's are much cheaper). If I use the Schumacher engine mounts and oil pan that will add about $650. The Electronic shifter about $100, and electronic gas pedal another $100. The trick part is wiring and re-programming the computers, but the high end of this would be around $4K, and I'm looking at less than $3K right now. I will have to modify the trans tunnel and fab a crossmember, and I could even make my own engine mounts and oil pan if I needed to, but for costs, I'll just use stuff you can buy.
I'll need a driveshaft, but thats about a wash with any of the drivetrain swaps. So for me the swap will be around $9-10K, for the engine/trans part of the drivetrain. The stock 6.1 is 425 HP, and 500 HP should be an easy cam swap and reflash of the computer.
 
451Mopar said:
Here is where I was coming from. In my Coronet Convertible I built a stroked 440, I think around $7K for the engine, added an expensive EFI around $4K, but even a cheap TBI EFI is over $2K, added the expensive Billet Specialities belt system (that comes with all new water pump/housing, A/C, alternator and P/S pump) so add another $4K, the on OD Transmission $4K for a total around $19K, even on the cheap the same stuff will be over $10K.

For my Coronet Hartop project I bought a 50,000 mile 2008 6.1L Hemi with NAG transmission with computer and all the accessories for $4K (OK, I got a good deal here, but 5.7's are much cheaper). If I use the Schumacher engine mounts and oil pan that will add about $650. The Electronic shifter about $100, and electronic gas pedal another $100. The trick part is wiring and re-programming the computers, but the high end of this would be around $4K, and I'm looking at less than $3K right now. I will have to modify the trans tunnel and fab a crossmember, and I could even make my own engine mounts and oil pan if I needed to, but for costs, I'll just use stuff you can buy.
I'll need a driveshaft, but thats about a wash with any of the drivetrain swaps. So for me the swap will be around $9-10K, for the engine/trans part of the drivetrain. The stock 6.1 is 425 HP, and 500 HP should be an easy cam swap and reflash of the computer.
Click to expand...

You're right on the money, literally. We have also yet to push the possibility of retro-fitting a 5.7/6.1 GEN III Hemi with a small used Whipple/Kenne Bell setup. You want to talk resale, '64 Dodge 6.1 Supercharged' would be a serious contender on any market. A cam swap is nice, but then again, you're getting into the motor at that point and lose OEM reliability. I would say this would come out to be around $15,000 for everything (fuel system, driveline, tuning, etc.), once said and done. I would like to believe you could probably get that back out of it. Another route is a GEN III Hemi 6.1/6.4 with a carb conversion kit. You lose the complexity of tuning EFI, can utilize a standard 727 with an adapter, and have a powerplant capable of 150+K miles. The best 'bang for the buck' is definitely the blueprint engines 408, and it's worry free with a great warranty. So many options out there! I would have went GEN III if it was more popular when I originally had my 440 rebuilt, you can pretty much buy everything required off the shelf now.
 
For me, part of doing the Gen III hemi swap is just to have some different stuff to learn about and work on. My background is electronics and software so the computer and wiring don't scare me, but I haven't decided if I want to mess with the factory computers and software, or just use an aftermarket computer with software that is easier to update. It is starting to look like the cost may not be much different? I was thinking the aftermarket computers will be more expensive, but they also have more features for future upgrades, and data logging?
 
A million different opinions. Of course that's what you expected. I say a big block for sure. They are best in our beloved b-body Mopars. My opinion is to do something close to stock for drivability purposes. My first choice would be a 383 or 400. Next choice would be a RB motor. Of course no matter what, I'd dress it up to look like a stock deal.
 
I'm going to say use a big wedge engine, you can be into a 440 very reasonable. For resale, most of the interested buyers would probably like that as well, I think you narrow your buyers with a Gen III Hemi. They just never 'fit' this style car. A 440 can be dressed up like a Max Wedge easily, and that's what most expect to see other than 426 Hemi. Stock colors and interiors, gears from 3:23 to 3:73 with 65 up housing, 440 engine!
 
First : Thanks for all the interest and replys !

I have secured a 72 400 with 727 trans . Taking it to the Machine shop today. Clean and square the block first.
To Be Determined : Bore, Strohe, Intake, Heads, Cam, Carb etc.

Keep the coments coming
 
Stroke that 400 and you will be a happy man.Did a 451 on a dime budget.Even running Schumacher shorty headers and 4.10 gears this thing ran 11.90 at 110 mph.3600+ lbs in full street trim.Just my 2 cents...
Forgot to say it ran on pump gas 91.
 

Attachments

  • LVMS_APR05.jpg
    LVMS_APR05.jpg
    67.4 KB · Views: 146
To:DARTER6
What the heck is a dime budget these days ?
Stroker Kit ............... $2000
Edelbroc Power Package ...$2510
Machne Shop ............ $ 550
---------
$ 5060 +++ Just Saying
 
Bull1tt said:
I'm going to say use a big wedge engine, you can be into a 440 very reasonable. For resale, most of the interested buyers would probably like that as well, I think you narrow your buyers with a Gen III Hemi. They just never 'fit' this style car. A 440 can be dressed up like a Max Wedge easily, and that's what most expect to see other than 426 Hemi. Stock colors and interiors, gears from 3:23 to 3:73 with 65 up housing, 440 engine!
Click to expand...

Wise input.
 
avidflyr,,,Whole project was just at $10,800.(AKA 10,dime.Old folks slang) Lots of used parts and a few freebee's .451 stroker complete and running $6250. That's 2004 prices.
 
Darter6 said:
avidflyr,,,Whole project was just at $10,800.(AKA 10,dime.Old folks slang) Lots of used parts and a few freebee's .451 stroker complete and running $6250. That's 2004 prices.
Click to expand...

Now that's what I'm talkin about, though I just built a budget 451 for a hair over $4000.
 
Bull1tt said:
I'm going to say use a big wedge engine, you can be into a 440 very reasonable. For resale, most of the interested buyers would probably like that as well, I think you narrow your buyers with a Gen III Hemi. They just never 'fit' this style car. A 440 can be dressed up like a Max Wedge easily, and that's what most expect to see other than 426 Hemi. Stock colors and interiors, gears from 3:23 to 3:73 with 65 up housing, 440 engine!
Click to expand...

That's exactly how I feel... except I am willing to run 4.10 gears.
 
I crack up when guys say $10k to install a 5.7 hemi. Its waay less unless you want to buy everything bolt in and super slick show style.

5.7 with computer and wiring:$1500-2k
Tti mounts: $135
Can use any small block transmission. ...free if you have it
headers if you don't run manifolds: $700 I think. But manifolds free
hotwire wiring harness and tune $1500 if you don't choose to thin down the factory harness
external fuel pump and corvette regulator...few hundred depending or modify your tank and put in a pump. I used a stock 98 durango pump (built in regulator and returnless)

It can all be done for under 5k and get 20 mph on 87 octane putting out 345 hp...
 
kb67mopar said:
I crack up when guys say $10k to install a 5.7 hemi. Its waay less unless you want to buy everything bolt in and super slick show style.

5.7 with computer and wiring:$1500-2k
Tti mounts: $135
Can use any small block transmission. ...free if you have it
headers if you don't run manifolds: $700 I think. But manifolds free
hotwire wiring harness and tune $1500 if you don't choose to thin down the factory harness
external fuel pump and corvette regulator...few hundred depending or modify your tank and put in a pump. I used a stock 98 durango pump (built in regulator and returnless)

It can all be done for under 5k and get 20 mph on 87 octane putting out 345 hp...
Click to expand...

Now you're talkin my language. There are a lot of great ideas in this thread but no matter which one you choose, spending top dollar on any of them will put you underwater with any car.
 
I'm another who's a 451 fan.

I'm building one for my 64 Sport Fury using a 72 400 block, 440 steel crank, 440 rods, 452 heads, KB Pistons, Hughes cam and RPM intake.

Darter 6 (he even posted a picture of a 64 with one) HT 413 and IQ52 helped me make the decision. It's physical size, weight reduction (over the 440) and other attributes were key factors in the decision.

Budget wise I'll be in the HT 413 range.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
FOR SALE LAS VEGAS BIG BLOCK 4-SPEED 1964 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE 2DR-HT
Replies
6
Views
7K
Craig Miller
C
Jeffj
New Member Pictures of my Car and project
Replies
17
Views
2K
Jeffj
Jeffj
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top