Automatic conversion?

[IrishMaeve]

I'm sure this will not be the only thing I ask that everyone signs while reading but here goes: my '71 Cuda originally was NOT an automatic but the conversion on making it one was pretty far underway when I got it. I've had a couple people tell me that if I don't convert it back to a manual transmission that I'm devaluing my car to the tune of about $15,000. That sounds ridiculous to me. Mind you, none of these guys own a mopar and they all just rebuild things in their spare time... so I figured I'd ask here and get some other opinions! I would personally enjoy it being an automatic because it's easier for me to drive but if it is going to be seriously detrimental to the car I want to know before I make any decisions! Thanks.

 

[ramenth]

I would personally enjoy it being an automatic because it's easier for me to drive but if it is going to be seriously detrimental to the car I want to know before I make any decisions! Thanks.

Depending on the engine combination with the car you might be taking a somewhat of a hit in value, but are you building the car to enjoy it or are you building the car to flip it? If you're building to enjoy it, then build it the way you want it. It's your car.

 

[IrishMaeve]

Depending on the engine combination with the car you might be taking a somewhat of a hit in value, but are you building the car to enjoy it or are you building the car to flip it? If you're building to enjoy it, then build it the way you want it. It's your car.

Well, it came with a 340 in it but the engine had been replaced with a 383, so it isn't like it's # matching already. I figure THAT would make the biggest difference, right?

 

[moper]

So you have a '71 340 4sp car that's not #s matching? In my opinion - the auto changeover is a "permanent" change when veiwed by a buyer. I know if I was looking and it was a factory stick car I'd want to see a pistol grip in it because replacing the stuff is pricey, and it will affect value. Especially given it's a '71. Engines bolt right in. Tranny requires welding and a bunch of dedicated parts.

 

[sheetmetaldan]

Hi welcome to the site. To answer your question yes it will probably affect value, how much I couldn`t say. The original motor is long gone plus anything else you haven't mentioned so it will never be original #`s matching. It will however always be a 71 Cuda which is always desirable!
Ask yourself what is my budget for the car? Will it be a daily driver or show car/trailer queen or somewhere in between? My opinion if it was a very rare car yes keep it original,why turn a 6 figure car into a 5 figure one, but if you are like most of us with a limited budget a top notch resto is out of the question. With all that said ask yourself who are you building the car for? Is it for someone else to enjoy after you put all that hard work and money into it or yourself, me I would want it done how I want it! Good luck and post some pictures when you get a chance!

 

[burntorange70]

Your going to have a lot of fun in a 4 speed car. 340 + 4 speed = FUN!

 

[ramenth]

Well, it came with a 340 in it but the engine had been replaced with a 383, so it isn't like it's # matching already. I figure THAT would make the biggest difference, right?

That would make the biggest difference for the numbers matching crowd, yes. But what's the chance you'd be able to lay your hands on the original engine?

As moper pointed out an engine is bolt in and easily swapped. A trans conversion is a little more "permanent." How far along is the conversion already? Are the stick shift parts long gone? Clutch pedals, z-bar, things like that.

Now, you said an automatic would make the car more driveable to you. And, to me, that's the most important thing in building a car: your fun, not the next guys. Sure, financial issues arise that you may have to sell the car, no one can guarantee the future in such a manner (unless you're extremely independently wealthy), but are you building the car for such an event or are you building the car so that you can enjoy it?

 

[moparleo]

Save all of the 4 speed parts that you have and put the auto in it. No fun if you don't drive it.

 

[Ray]

Do what Leo suggested. Then build it they way you want and enjoy it.

 

[challenger6pak]

To answer your question, from what I see in values, your 340 car would be worth 2-5 thousand more with the 4 speed. Depending on what parts you have and depending on if you have to pay someone else to put it in, it could be a wash in cost verses value. If you want to own and enjoy the car, keep the auto in it and drive it. You can always collect up the 4 speed parts while you are driving the car. Then you can convert it back at another time.

 

[74chlngrTT5.9]

Make the car what you want it to be.
But as mentioned above save the parts... That will go along way in being able to return the car to original value if the time presents itself.

Or... list all the items removed as a package. I am sure that someone is willing to pay good coin to be able to pick up in one place all the related pieces to convert theirs into a 4 spd car.