Just bought a 71 Charger... going to a 5.7 I think

[70chall440]

Appreciate the advice, its exactly what I intend to do and have done in the past. Funny you should mention the electrical system, I build one for my 73 Cuda and am in the process of installing a brand new aftermarket harness in a 69 Plymouth wagon as we speak. I have not used Painless, but I have used several others that worked very well. I know some really like painless but for the cost I think there are just as good systems out there for a lot less.

When I do these cars I use a lot of the original connector bodies and put in new connectors (packard 56) and is some cases I use Weatherpack or something similar if needed. I know what you mean about installing multiple times, I had the engine in and out of the Cuda probably 4-6 times mocking everything up and this car will be no different. If i were just doing a rebuild I probably would not be too concerned about it but if I do go G3 Hemi I want to make sure it is where I want it and it can live without issue.

 

[70chall440]

So, it looks like I will getting my 71 tomorrow. I will get some pics and post them. I am looking forward to it, but I have to get that 69 Wagon done before I can do anything with this one.

 

[whyjay]

I'm coming around to the "Coke bottle" design of 71-74 too. And because its an original 318? No sin making a custom or resto. Are you planning crate? Or build a Gen 3 yourself?

I’ve owned my 71 Charger 38+ years. I’ve always loved the shape and lines. Pretty radical departure from previous Mopar body styles. Not that I’m prejudiced but I think the 69 Coronets are styling too.

On engine choices for the swap........get as big and nasty as the budget allows. The install effort is the same regardless.
Good luck I’ll be following this build.

 

[Dennis H]

Hellcat and be done. Go all the way.

 

[Dennis H]

Here is one already removed.

 

[T2R9]

Here is one already removed.

Damn...

 

[70chall440]

Well unless I hit the lotto it isn't going to be a HC...

 

[70chall440]

As promised, here are some pics

 

[70chall440]

Here are a few more

 

[Thrashingcows]

From what I can see it appears that the body is in pretty decent shape...

 

[70chall440]

Yes it is which is why I bought it

 

[70chall440]

It has a new AMD left quarter on it as well as a new trunk floor (although it was not an AMD or even new sheet metal, it was a take out from another car but is solid).

As you can see from the pictures, I gas pretty much everything to put it together sans the interior plastic pieces. I got them but they are pretty toasted. The car was an original 318 AT AC PS PB car but had a 383 in it at one time. The hood appears to be a 72 (or so I am told) which I will probably sell to get a AMD AG version. It was converted to a 4 speed and came with all the parts for that to include the mid length PG for a bench seat or bucket/buddy seat (which is what I will be running). There are a lot of part which I will not use and either take to a swap meet or sell down the road.

 

[chargervert]

You scored,it looks like a nice solid Charger,with lots of good parts.

 

[70chall440]

Well I think this will be my build thread

Unfortunately I have not had any real time to work on the car, I have actual work to do (like the kind you get paid for) and I have to get the 69 Ply wagon done and gone (get paid for that as well).

Despite not having a lot of time it hasn't kept me from planning, thinking and scheming...lol I am still trying to decide whether to go 5.7 or 6.4; I'd love a 6.4 but for the cost difference I could get a 5.7 plus probably a management system. I might do a take out 6.4 as they come in about the same as a new 5.7 crate motor.

I did spend some time fixing the left frame rail, specifically I had to fix the bumper attachment points which were stripped out. I am pretty happy with the results.

I also just ordered some AMD stuff, ordered a new air grabber hood. I do have the 73-74 rally hood but I just didn't want to cut it up. I will sell it to someone who needs it.

 

[Brandy]

I too will be following this build. very nice starting point you have, in real good shape. I tried to talk myself into a 5.7 swap for the Express but I didn't bite. Just cant do without that BB 440! The 5.7 in my 2008 Ram Big Horn 4x4 is very powerful. it will get up and go in a hurry although it's only 345HP.

 

[chargervert]

The framerail repair looks good. Just pick away at it when you have time. Any progress is good progress. I bought the AMD Ramcharger hood for my 71 Charger R/T project, it's a nice piece, you won't be disappointed with it.

 

[70chall440]

I too will be following this build. very nice starting point you have, in real good shape. I tried to talk myself into a 5.7 swap for the Express but I didn't bite. Just cant do without that BB 440! The 5.7 in my 2008 Ram Big Horn 4x4 is very powerful. it will get up and go in a hurry although it's only 345HP.

Thanks, I have a 5.7 in my 2014 Big Horn 4x4 and I have been impressed with the power. The 5.7 in my 2010 Challenger RT is even more impressive. So, the story is that I don't think a 5.7 will be bad in the 71, just that "if" I could swing a 6.4 it would all that much better.

 

[70chall440]

The framerail repair looks good. Just pick away at it when you have time. Any progress is good progress. I bought the AMD Ramcharger hood for my 71 Charger R/T project, it's a nice piece, you won't be disappointed with it.

Thanks and I agree with you about the progress. As soon as I am able I will get back to it but unfortunately I have a lot of other stuff to do first. I really want that AG hood and thought about converting the 73-74 hood I have but I am sure there is someone restoring a 73-74 Rally Charger that wants the correct hood.

 

[70chall440]

Well I ordered a new hood from AMD along with a couple of patch panels, so the spending has begun.

I am going to sell off the 73-74 Rally hood along with the 71 383 and its related parts. The car came with a lot of stuff which is great, gives me some maneuver room.

 

[Brandy]

Well I ordered a new hood from AMD along with a couple of patch panels, so the spending has begun.

I am going to sell off the 73-74 Rally hood along with the 71 383 and its related parts. The car came with a lot of stuff which is great, gives me some maneuver room.

Once I decided the direction of the Express I then had a bunch of parts to sell in order to finance the rest.