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Time for some help, getting ready for Motorhead Garage

Challenger Chuck

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They told me to let them know what upgrades would make my Challenger the car of my dreams. So I'm looking for ideas for a rebuild of my 318, or ideas for if they want to put a new crate in it. Probably will keep it a small block even if they want to add a new engine, so share some thoughts on Engine, tranny, rearend. On a rebuild of the 318 share ideas to make it as good as it can be. All ideas welcome, i will use what goes along with what I'm thinking. Thanks!
 

moparleo

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You are kidding about rebuilding the 318, right? Believe me ,they will not want to rebuild your 318. Remember the whole thing is being paid for by the parts suppliers. They want to advertise the latest, hot stuff available. You should say you want like an overdrive transmission, a crate engine like a 3rd generation Hemi with fuel injction, TTI headers , 4 wheel disc brakes, Foose custom wheels , hot sound system, etc... It is the same as the OverHaulin show. They want a build up that a lot of people will interested in watching, so go for it. Don't be shy about what you want, remember this is a once in a lifetime dream car, so dream big. Can't wait to see it on tv.
 

DetMatt1

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Leo's absolutely right, start on the top shelf across the board and let them be responsible for keeping things realistic.
 

Challenger Chuck

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I only mentioned the 318 because I haven't called yet, and don't want to be let down. I don't know what the plan is so I'm just trying to get some ideas.
 

Challenger Chuck

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Give me the perfect Engine, tranny, and drivetrain set up that you would put in yours is you could.
 

Challenger Chuck

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Ok, I can do it alone, I was just trying to include some guys from the forum to make it more fun.
 

DetMatt1

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That's kool, I'll play! When I think of the ideal E-body drivetrain from the factory I think 340 six pak with a 4 spd and I like my cars old school for the most part. You can keep your fuel injection and your new hemis. I would personally go for a new small block crate motor made to appear vintage with correct cast HP exhaust manifolds and a six pak set-up built for some serious RPMs and then back that up with a 5 spd(that's acceptable to me) and a 3.91 or 4.10 ratio out back. Fast ratio steering of some sort, again I would want it to appear stock and big disc brakes all the way around.
Proper looking 70 or 71 rallye wheels but they could be 16" with some nice meats on them. Stock appearing interior with original Rallye gauges.
I may think of more but that's the direction I think I'd go.
 

Challenger Chuck

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I like it! That's kind of how I'm leaning. I was just looking at a 340 6pack crate, and a 360 magnum.
 

DetMatt1

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I wasn't aware that they were making a small block crate engine with that much cubes...
 

challenger6pak

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I agree with Leo. You should build something that people are interested in to be selected. I would go with a 6.1 hemi with the March pulley set up. I just built one for a customer. Use the fuel injection and all the parts that go with it. It is a lot of changes and they are not beyond most people. For a transmission go with the Tremec 5 speed or a Viper 6 speed. Go with 4 wheel disc brakes and aftermarket a/c. I like Vintage Air the best. Use a body stiffening kit and any good aftermarket suspension. There are a few out there now. I know you like the older engines. It is not what people are asking for anymore. The 6.1 roughly feels like a stock 440 with the fuel economy of a 340. I have liked the new hemi with everything I have done to it. Also big disc brakes won't fit in 16 inch wheels. 16's are the new 14's. They are plain passenger car wheels. You can get 17 and 18 inch tires that don't give you the rubber band look on the rim. I hear people say "This is a muscle car. I don't care about mileage". Trust me, people will when it costs $40 to go to a car show and back with the big block or large cube small block. Gas will continue to rise in prices. Build a car that you can use for years. DSC02969.jpg6.1 1.JPG

DSC02969.jpg


6.1 1.JPG
 
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Challenger Chuck

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6pack---I like the idea your talking about because of the future of gas prices, something to think about for sure.
 

raw untamed

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Yes, there you go. The 440 Super Commando crate looks like an excellent choice. It's lightweight, megapowerul, AND efficient; it has it all. I'd switch out that low hanging drag race pan for a Milodon road race pan though.

Cast iron manifolds? Six pack setup? That is NOT the kind of stuff dreams are made of. Like MoparLeo said, dream big. Go with the best of everything out there. You don't want to be kicking yourself later. If I were you, I wouldn't skimp on anything. I'd go TTI headers or better, not heavy dinosaur manifolds. Fuel injection is the best all-around for gas mileage, power, going around corners, etc. 6pack setups have flaws and even on their best tune, aren't as good as the new Holley single carbs, and not even in the same ballpark as fuel injection. If not road racing, I'd go single carb.

Drivetrain, I'd definitely go Magnum T-56 6 speed overdrive, Moser 8 3/4 rear with whatever gear matches the tire size, trans overdrive, and engine cruise rpm. Unless you want to drag race, then I'd go Dana 60.

17 or 18" tires have the best sizes and performance and allow you to run the bigger better brakes like 13"+rotor size and 4-6piston calipers. Once again, if money is not an issue, go with the best stuff available. I'd say forged 3 piece aluminum wheels (Forgeline) in whatever style/color you want. The new Forgeline Grip series Laguna wheels, now THOSE are dream wheels!

While you're at it, don't forget suspension upgrades like Reilly Motorsports Alterktion front, Streetlynx rear with coilover shocks.

Just my .02 cents,

Joe
 

challenger6pak

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That new 426 may be an awesome motor. It is lighter than a 340 and it has 540 HP. It may be thirsty though.
 
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