Thoughts on a 74 318 Charger

[pabster]

Howdy all,

Looking to buy my first Charger, any input on the 318 engine in a 74? I'm not looking to beat any speed records (I have enough tickets already) but looking to cruise in style. Saw one nearby in what looks like good shape, but before I go and see it in person, I wanted to hear what the b body board thinks. Thanks!

 

[twinscrew698]

If ya know anyone that knows Mopars take em with ya!
Keep an eye on all the frame Rails and torsion bar mounts and really really look and the K frame and suspension bushings for rust!
For a cruiser with todays gas prices are looking better and better!

 

[Coronet 500]

Very cool body lines, truly a muscle car. 318 with stock short block and heads, easy 300hp with cam, carb and exhaust upgrades. If you go for heads, pistons and compression 400hp can be achieved. I love the 318+340's, and with the way gas prices are going they will be more desireable. Lot's of performance parts out there now and guys that are going to the next level and stroking are selling good stuff for these engines.

 

[roadrunnerman]

74 chargers can be a head turner with a good paint and the 318 is a good motor for cruising if that is all you want to do to it.you can do a little upgrade on the motor and still get the gas mileage.so if the price is right i'd say buy it.

 

[Black63]

I agree...you get the gas mileage PLUS the looks and sound of a V8 under the hood.

 

[greenmonsta79]

Best overall reliable Mopar engine ever made IMO is the 318 LA engine!

 

[Ron 73]

Best overall reliable Mopar engine ever made IMO is the 318 LA engine!

YEP, easy on gas, takes a lickin, and you can get a lot of HP out of one to.. I Agree...

 

[pabster]

Got the Charger!

Thanks for the input everyone, got a '74 with a 318 in it!

 

[Ron 73]

Good deal.. Enjoy!

 

[WileE]

Ask Richard Petty what he thinks of a 74 Charger. He won quite a few races in that body, for sure !

 

[WileE]

Back in the 70's gas shortage debacle, I pulled a toasted BB out of a Charger, put in a 318 with small-tube headers. Good gas mileage, reliable & a good sound.