Getting an engine & tranny before buying a Charger

[Supercharged Riot]

I don't own a Charger yet, so I have a lot of time to day-dream about what I would do to my car if I finally got one.  I figured if I had a Charger already. I'd be driving it more than I would be working on it.  So I was wondering if you guys think it would be better if I scouted out for a (440) block and build it to my likings and THEN buy the car and swap the whole thing out. Good idea? bad idea?  I know engine work is very expensive. I dont make that much money (and I work full time as it is with my normal expenses). I know engine work will easily climb up ti $10-13k in no time...

I intend to do the following (after saving a good amount of money):

Fully street worthy 440 block
5 speed tranny
4 wheel disc brakes

thats it so far. Cant think of anything else.  I'd like to restore one on they fly because I'm taking auto-classes at my local college (its fun) and I'd like my own project to work on..blahh... i dunno. feedback!

[tecmopar]

Why would you buy and build a motor/trans set up before you buy a car--you may find one that has some/most/all of this done already, good luck.

[Charger1973]

The cars the important part!  The cars are going up in value everyday.  You can build a motor anytime.  If youre worried about getting a motor, buy the block and build it later...  But like tecmopar said, what if the car you get already has the motor? 

[TylerCharger69]

Yeah....you wouldn't buy the carriage before the horse y'know...

[41husk]

I would tell anypne wanting to get into a Charger, buy a turn key as close to finished as you can possibly afford.  25k-50k will get you a real nice show and go even less if your looking 3rd gen.  This is the price range of most new cars.  Can you afford a new car payment? if so you can get a loan for a classic.  You will save money in the long run.

[Ghoste]

Car first.  If you have an engine sitting around it doesn't hurt to start on it, but your focus should be finding the car.  Who knows, you may find one that has everything you want already completed underhood.

[67_Dodge_Charger]

I agree with the previous post that you will regret buying a drivetrain that you end up dumping. Driver quality cars around 20 to 25k will give you immediate pleasure (more driving time). 

What year of Charger are you looking for, what options, engine/transmission combo?  I would not pass up a hemi/4spd sitting in some guys garage.  Some engine/transmission combos are worth the investment if you decide to sell it latter on.  6pak 440s, Hemis and 4spd are great additions to anyones garage.

Price and location of the engine will tell you if the investment is worth the effort.  Check out Moparts listings to get an idea on prices.  Hemmings is another great source. 

I would buy the car first then consider the drivetrain.  But I buy engine combos for investment purposes for raising funds for more Charger toys.

good luck
Robert

[venom04]

I would get the car first.  Just got done buying me a 69, if you need to save up money for the engine, that money would help alot going towards your car.  I live in the northwest, not sure about your situation but the cars were hard to come by up this away for the money i had to spend. GL

[PocketThunder]

when i was just like you.  (18~19?, going to auto body school, dreaming of a Charger someday), i built an engine first, then it sat for 5 years before i finally drove the car.  by then all the gaskets were leaking and it pretty much needed to be torn down and new gaskets replaced.  So i say car first.

[Rolling_Thunder]

honestly i would get the car first...   

440...     5-speed...     4 wheel discs....      hell...    that sounds exactly like my car. 

[AKcharger]

Yeah, what they said

[mikepmcs]

Car first!

[Silver R/T]

get a car first

[tan top]

i know you was thinking other wise , & you have thought out a real good drive train combination  , but    defiantly get the car first

[Supercharged Riot]

I appreciate your feedbacks. And you definatly got a point about the car value reason.

"Car FIRST" it is

I just turned 25  this week.  I was hoping I'd get my first Charger before that. Oh well. I guess the opportunity will come by when the timing is right. THanks guys

[mikepmcs]

Be frugal and patience is the key.  Hang in there you'll get your ride.

[TylerCharger69]

Now!!!...On the other hand.....if you run across a complete 440 for like 100 or 200 dollars......go ahead and grab it!!!  (That's super cheap by the way)   Sometimes a deal just slaps you in the face and you can't pass up those deals of a lifetime.  For example.....I only paid 500 dollars for my Charger....shhhhhh.  I couldn't pass on that deal!!!   And that was complete!!