Would you ever put a 4 spd into a #'s matching auto car?

[runninhorn]

Just wondering, if you really wanted a 4 speed car, but found what you wanted in an auto #'s matching 383 car, would you put a 4 speed in it or is that just a no-no?

[kab69440]

Sure would. And wouldn't give it a second thought, either.

[Drache]

if you bought the car as an investment then no, but if you bought the car for yourself to have fun in, the way you wanted then sure!

[runninhorn]

if you bought the car as an investment then no, but if you bought the car for yourself to have fun in, the way you wanted then sure!

do you think if it was already restored 100%, and you did that, it would affect the value of the car much? you buy it to enjoy, but say 4 years later you want to sell it to invest in some real estate, would it affect the value that much ya think?

[AKcharger]

I'd save all the auto parts and make the swap, if you really wanted to change you'd be set.

For my 2 cents, I think the "all original" is monotonous it's nice to do something a little diffrent

[Drache]

if you bought the car as an investment then no, but if you bought the car for yourself to have fun in, the way you wanted then sure!

do you think if it was already restored 100%, and you did that, it would affect the value of the car much? you buy it to enjoy, but say 4 years later you want to sell it to invest in some real estate, would it affect the value that much ya think?

If it was some super rare optioned auto then yes I'd keep it numbers matching. If not then no, put the 4 speed in as it might even up the value but keep the auto tranny for if you ever do decide to sell it.

[Charger1973]

I think if theres a chance you will sell it in the near future you are wasting your money because it wont be cheap and it wont help the value..  it may even hurt it depending on the car.  Id keep it original unless its something you know you will keep.

[runninhorn]

I think if theres a chance you will sell it in the near future you are wasting your money because it wont be cheap and it wont help the value..  it may even hurt it depending on the car.  Id keep it original unless its something you know you will keep.

70 #'s matching 340 Cuda. But I want a Tremec TKO 5 speed in the car for highway driving. Would you just put the auto tranny in the corner of the garage and install the TKO 5 speed?

[Daytona R/T SE]

Sure would. And wouldn't give it a second thought, either.

[69charger2002]

i also agree. do what you want you only live once
the factory wasn't God.. just because they made it automatic. doesn't mean it has to stay that way forever

[runninhorn]

how important is a car being an R/T to you guys? Care much or not?

[runninhorn]

what if you wanted Go Mango but it was B5?

[runninhorn]

so no hard feelings hacking this into a 5 speed?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-DODGE-CHALLENGER-RT-25-961ORIGINAL-MILES_W0QQitemZ140137713316QQihZ004QQcategoryZ6198QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

[kab69440]

Not a single one. Had I the cash and/or parts on hand, in that manual tranny would go. Another thought, if you only want the mileage of the OD is the Gear Vendors unit. There can't be much price differential between that and a full on aftermarket 5-speed swap. It would likely be a lot less heartache to perform, too.

[Ghoste]

Do the manual trans conversion and enjoy the car.  We spend too much time worrying about value and investment and numbers matching.    Think of it as a high class clone.

[Charger1973]

Dont get me wrong I love the 4 speed idea, I just think if you plan to sell the car, especially in the near future, it could hurt the value.  Plus it can be an expensive swap.  Im going to be putting a 4 speed in my 73 but its was just a 318 auto car so the value can only go up...  Id never sell mine anyway.   

[bull]

i also agree. do what you want you only live once
the factory wasn't God.. just because they made it automatic. doesn't mean it has to stay that way forever

No? 

The only thing that would stop me from doing this conversion is all the work involved. But I happen to think the value would increase with a auto to 4spd swap (if done right).

[Bandit72]

so no hard feelings hacking this into a 5 speed?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-DODGE-CHALLENGER-RT-25-961ORIGINAL-MILES_W0QQitemZ140137713316QQihZ004QQcategoryZ6198QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

if it's done right there would be no real "hacking" involved....i would do it in a heart-beat....

[BrianShaughnessy]

Just wondering, if you really wanted a 4 speed car, but found what you wanted in an auto #'s matching 383 car, would you put a 4 speed in it or is that just a no-no?

I'd slap a 5 speed iin it or even the Keisler auto before I was stuck in the slow lane.   Too many people worry about the value of their car more than their driving pleasure.  My criteria is a lot looser than some... it'd have to be a numbers matching HEMI / R/T  or a 69 500 / Daytona for me not to change it.    And being that I don't want to own a numbers matching car like those - I won't have to worry about it.

[six-tee-nine]

I'd rather have my non numbers matching auto Charger in wich i'm gonna put a 4speed or maybe even a Keisler 5speed.

I don't have to worry about cutting up my all #'s matching R/T...
My Charger was a 383 auto car from wich the original block and tranny were missing. Do you really think it's gonna be worth so much less when it has a 440 with a brandnew aftermarket 5 speed in it
I'm not wealthy enough to buy several chargers so the only one i have will be 100% what i want it to be.

Now in your case i would keep the #'s matching parts for sure because in another 20 to 30 years these cars will step up to another level of value and by that time original restored all #'s matching cars will really make the difference.

But then again are you in it to make money within 30 years or do you want a car that lives up to your dream?

[runninhorn]

thanks guys, my search is still on and i will be reconsidering the autos I found.

my next questions are this--

1) If it wasnt an R/T car, would you make it one with the parts or hold out for an R/T car?

2)IF the color wasnt your favorite, would you buy it and later paint it your favorite or hold out for the color you wanted?

Trying to determine what consolations to make and what to hold out for in my search.

thanks again

[TruckDriver]

Sure would. And wouldn't give it a second thought, either.

[70charger_boy]

how important is a car being an R/T to you guys? Care much or not?

Alot of the diehard collectors go cookoo for R/T's.  I've been looking for 4 years now and it's odd to me that most of the cars out there are RT's.  I have just learned to stay away from buying them, because I'm suspicious.  If I had the money to buy one I would have no problem hacking it up to put a 4 speed or 5 speed in it.  I think it would only add to the value.  If you have to sell, the potential buyer would try to bust your chops saying its not original, but who gives a f'ck?  Auto's are for grandmas

[runninhorn]

 

[Brock Samson]

   let me ask you a question...

What would be your ideal?.. model colors options?... 

what's your realistic budget?.. 

Challanger?.. or Charger?... Larry's Daytona?..   

[runninhorn]

  let me ask you a question...

What would be your ideal?.. model colors options?... 

what's your realistic budget?.. 

Challanger?.. or Charger?... Larry's Daytona?..   

Dodge Daytona Clone
Dodge Challenger (70)
Plymouth Barracuda/Cuda (70)
Prefer a 440, would consider other powerplants
Prefer a 4 speed, would consider autos
Prefer Orange, but would consider other colors

[PocketThunder]

  let me ask you a question...

What would be your ideal?.. model colors options?... 

what's your realistic budget?.. 

Challanger?.. or Charger?... Larry's Daytona?..   

Oh and 4-speed conversion anyday.  My Charger 500 will get a keisler 5-speed some day and i could care less what it does to the cars "value"

[runninhorn]

Including Daytonalo's car, these are the one's im considering, just need help picking thru them and weeding some out.

#870 Dodge Challenger RT restored $39k
http://www.autabuy.com/Vehicles/Details.cfm?VID=33949



#1- EB5 blue, restored, 340, 70 Challenger, #'s matching, auto ($35k)


#2- Go Mango, 70 Challenger R/T, 383 #'s matching,   auto ($45k)


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140137713316&rd=1&rd=1

#3- T/A Challenger clone, orginial FM3 panther pink, 340, 4 spd Dodge Challenger, 1970 ($40k)


#4- 1970, Dodge Challenger, RT, 440, 4 speed, sublime ($45k)

http://www.southernmotors.com/ford_details.asp?CarId=1135

#5- 1970, Dodge Challenger T/A, no 340 motor, but 360, needs some work $45k

http://www.saltcityclassicandmuscle.com/1970%20Dodge%20Challenger.html

#6- 1970, Dodge Challenger RT/SE, 383 car, restored, $35k


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-DODGE-CHALLENGER-RT-SE-383-4-SPD-RESTORED-MINT_W0QQitemZ220126190227QQihZ012QQcategoryZ6198QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

#7- 70, Plymouth Cuda, 440, 4 speed, $32k


http://www.specialtysales.com/inventory_detailed.php?id=0655&nhs=70&make=&model=&ext_color=&stockno=&eyear=2006&syear=1900&eprice=&sprice=&keywords=&location=&type=used&specials=&rtd=&solds=&replica=&ob=yr&desc=&t=1970+Plymouth+Cuda
Decisions, Decisions, not sure which to go with

[Brock Samson]

well you didn't specify a budget and  i saw the $60K and $40+ price tags...

  Daytonas,. clones or otherwise are no joke, whereas a normal charger could be concidered as a "driver" a Daytona anything would require alot more care simply because of the extra length if not for the "Pucker Factor". everytime you parked it you would have issuses with it's safety...
you could buy Larrys and spend alot more painting it up orange and having a four speed just the way you want it... and then be too nervous to drive it... 
Or, buy another stocker, even numbers matching ride for a lot less inital investment and allways be able to move on to something better later,.. cause you did bring up the option of flipping it...
I'd guess that for me an emotional attachment to a particular car would be my determaining factor... not logic...
that's a big jump from a daytona to a chally,.. no charger inbetween?.. 

[70charger_boy]

The panther pink chally looks good.  40k seems a little steep for a clone. I would buy a cuda for that much. I know you like daytona's.  I would buy a nicely done up 70 charger, then when you get bored with it you could clone it into a daytona.  It would be cheaper to clone it, because you the front clip is the same.

[runninhorn]

well you didn't specify a budget and  i saw the $60K and $40+ price tags...

  Daytonas,. clones or otherwise are no joke, whereas a normal charger could be concidered as a "driver" a Daytona anything would require alot more care simply because of the extra length if not for the "Pucker Factor". everytime you parked it you would have issuses with it's safety...
you could buy Larrys and spend alot more painting it up orange and having a four speed just the way you want it... and then be too nervous to drive it... 
Or, buy another stocker, even numbers matching ride for a lot less inital investment and allways be able to move on to something better later,.. cause you did bring up the option of flipping it...
I'd guess that for me an emotional attachment to a particular car would be my determaining factor... not logic...
that's a big jump from a daytona to a chally,.. no charger inbetween?.. 

budget is up to mid $50's. this isnt a flipper, it would be a car driven weekly. I only mentioned resale if say in a few years  a business venture went south God forbid and I had to liquidate, id like something I could sell and not have to eat, but if that never happened, id keep it for good due to it's sentimental meaning.

[runninhorn]

My recently deceased mother is the main reason im staying with a 70 Ebody, she always wanted a 70 like her father had, but never had the $ raising us boys and then got breast cancer suddenly and died, so it is more of a tribute car to her. Believe me, I love chargers, but due to her recent passing, im leaning more toward an E-body for her.

[Brock Samson]

I understand, I'm sorry for your loss and wish you luck on your hunt for the perfect Ride...
BTW: if you choose well and dont overspend your classic MOPAR should appreciate every yr...

[runninhorn]

I understand, I'm sorry for your loss and wish you luck on your hunt for the perfect Ride...
BTW: if you choose well and dont overspend your classic MOPAR should appreciate every yr...

thanks Brock, I just want to buy something I can enjoy weekly and even if it was #'s matching and rare id still drive the heck out of and park it in the grocery parking lot, but waaaaay out there. First thing id put on it is Lojack. Mom always wanted a 4 speed orange car, so eventually that is what it would end up being.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Sure would. And wouldn't give it a second thought, either.

me too

[Magnumcharger]

My 
Not only WOULD I swap a fourspeed into a numbers matching car, I'm in the process of doing so.
Your car is an extension of your preferences, as are all of your material belongings.
Don't let your possesions dictate to you what you should do with them, ....do what makes YOU happy.

[six-tee-nine]

Well if you can spend 50 or 60 K to a car i don't see the problem.
Then you just buy a restored four speed car in the color you want......

If you don't (like me) then you search for a model you want like for example a Charger. Then you buy the car that is the most complete (no missing interior parts all the chrome trim still on it) and you'll want a car that is as solid as you can find if unrestored.

And then you start thinking about engines and tranny's...... it's not that hard to convert to manual and there are good aftermarket conversion kits...

[kamkuda]

A buddy is putting a 4 speed in his very nicely restored AAR Cuda.  If thats what you are after DO it! and have fun.

[Silver68RT]

http://www.carsonline-ads.com/colsite/col?use=UC3_ViewPosting&cmd=showPosting&postingID=25283

Here's a '70 Cuda 340 4 speed for $33K.  Originally red, now green, if you want to paint it orange, I think that would be an improvement.  It sounds like you know exactly what you want, and it shouldn't be that hard to find a 4-speed Cuda in your price range.  Why go to the trouble and expense to change an automatic car to a manual?  There's an orange AAR Cuda 4-speed on there in the $60's.

Someone converted my '68 Charger R/T from 4-speed to automatic, and I'm in the process of converting it back.  It has not been cheap.  I'm well north of $3K in parts now, and I still have to get a flywheel and clutch, and a console shell, and then unbutcher the floorpan.  It might have been cheaper to put in a Keisler 5-speed by the time I get it finished, but I really wanted the authentic experience of bangin' gears on a 4-speed musclecar.

[runninhorn]

http://www.carsonline-ads.com/colsite/col?use=UC3_ViewPosting&cmd=showPosting&postingID=25283

Here's a '70 Cuda 340 4 speed for $33K.  Originally red, now green, if you want to paint it orange, I think that would be an improvement.  It sounds like you know exactly what you want, and it shouldn't be that hard to find a 4-speed Cuda in your price range.  Why go to the trouble and expense to change an automatic car to a manual?  There's an orange AAR Cuda 4-speed on there in the $60's.

Someone converted my '68 Charger R/T from 4-speed to automatic, and I'm in the process of converting it back.  It has not been cheap.  I'm well north of $3K in parts now, and I still have to get a flywheel and clutch, and a console shell, and then unbutcher the floorpan.  It might have been cheaper to put in a Keisler 5-speed by the time I get it finished, but I really wanted the authentic experience of bangin' gears on a 4-speed musclecar.

that car has been on there for months, makes me wonder what is wrong with it.

[Silver68RT]

If I had to guess, I'd say it hasn't sold because it says #'s matching in the first line, then tells you it's a warranty block in the next.  Then you look a little closer, and it's not been restored to stock, more of a quickie paint job / dress-up.  The stripes on the hood aren't particularly attractive, and they painted everything under the hood green, wiper motor, blower motor, master cylinder, brake lines - everything.  Lots of chrome dress-up parts.  Aftermarket sunroof is probably going to turn off some people too.  All fixable, but maybe enough for the serious collectors to give it a pass.  I bet you could get a good deal on it, and if so inclined, bring it back to stock so it's worth more as an investment, while still having a fun driver.

[runninhorn]

yea, but for 2k more, I can have a rotisserie restored 70 cuda 340 4 speed. Or for 9k more I can get a restored 70 Challenger RT/SE 440 4 speed car. SO its just deciding which way to go.

[Chris G.]

yea, but for 2k more, I can have a rotisserie restored 70 cuda 340 4 speed. Or for 9k more I can get a restored 70 Challenger RT/SE 440 4 speed car.

So what's the problem? You can pretty much get what you want. Why even consider buying an auto car you want to hack into a 4spd? I WISH I had your dilemma. 

[Ghoste]

If it's a four speed E-body out of respect for your mother, I'd spend the 2k and already have the 70 Cuda home. 

[runninhorn]

If it's a four speed E-body out of respect for your mother, I'd spend the 2k and already have the 70 Cuda home. 

my mistake, the 70 340 cuda is an auto.

[Ghoste]

In that case, and since I'm spending your money not mine, I say pony up for the Challenger. 

[70charger_boy]

In that case, and since I'm spending your money not mine, I say pony up for the Challenger. 

No way get a cuda. 

[runninhorn]

In that case, and since I'm spending your money not mine, I say pony up for the Challenger. 

No way get a cuda. 

yea, i kinda like cuda>challenger, but will take either.

[runninhorn]

In that case, and since I'm spending your money not mine, I say pony up for the Challenger. 

which one?

[70charger_boy]

In that case, and since I'm spending your money not mine, I say pony up for the Challenger. 

No way get a cuda. 

yea, i kinda like cuda>challenger, but will take either.

you know.......You're freaking killing me...You need to buy something and buy it now and post alot of pics 

[runninhorn]

In that case, and since I'm spending your money not mine, I say pony up for the Challenger. 

No way get a cuda. 

yea, i kinda like cuda>challenger, but will take either.

you know.......You're freaking killing me...You need to buy something and buy it now and post alot of pics 

LOL, well, I think ive found my car, but due to work and being on the right coast when it's on the left coast, I wont be able to see it until Saturday Morning. So hopefully saturday night I can post pics. Ill keep you updated.

[70charger_boy]

good luck pal

[Brock Samson]

 that poor man... 

[nakita7]

I'm a true Mopar enthusiast...what do you think?

[runninhorn]

that poor man... 

what poor man?

[Brock Samson]

get to use one.. Troy thanks...





                                                 




...i'll Venture a guess,.. i say get the fourspeed purple R/T SE...

[Harlow]

Not to hijack your post, but I need some opinions.

My car is a 1968 Sport Satellite column auto. Numbers matching 383 and trans(A rare car, but maybe not that desirable ). It has several rare options for 68. The major two being power windows and an 8 track player. I've always wanted a 4 speed car, but this one came up and it was too good a deal to pass up. Plus is was exactly what I was looking for...a big block 68-70 b body.

So heres the question. Do I convert it to a 4 speed and stash the #'s matching transmission away along with the steering column(which my dad would HATE, but in the end its my car not his). Or once I get the new roof skin (Should be here in 3 days) on, put a new vinyl top on and change the cam I'll just leave the satellite like it is and make it my driver and start the search for a 68-70 b body 4 speed car (or a entry level small block car that I can make into the car I want)? I can't decide. My family has never owned a manual car (at least while I've been alive), but I have driven other peoples manual cars. It seems like it makes the driving experience a lot more fun. That might be cause I don't get to drive a manual all that often Does it get tiresome? Just looking for some opinions.

[kab69440]

No, it does not get tiresome. I personally will not purchase a car with an automatic transmission. I despise them.

[PocketThunder]

Not to hijack your post, but I need some opinions.

My car is a 1968 Sport Satellite column auto. Numbers matching 383 and trans(A rare car, but maybe not that desirable ). It has several rare options for 68. The major two being power windows and an 8 track player. I've always wanted a 4 speed car, but this one came up and it was too good a deal to pass up. Plus is was exactly what I was looking for...a big block 68-70 b body.

So heres the question. Do I convert it to a 4 speed and stash the #'s matching transmission away along with the steering column(which my dad would HATE, but in the end its my car not his). Or once I get the new roof skin (Should be here in 3 days) on, put a new vinyl top on and change the cam I'll just leave the satellite like it is and make it my driver and start the search for a 68-70 b body 4 speed car (or a entry level small block car that I can make into the car I want)? I can't decide. My family has never owned a manual car (at least while I've been alive), but I have driven other peoples manual cars. It seems like it makes the driving experience a lot more fun. That might be cause I don't get to drive a manual all that often Does it get tiresome? Just looking for some opinions.

Put a stick in the Satellite and make it your daily driver.  it will never get old.  keep the auto tranny in the corner of the garage.

[Harlow]

Thanks for the replies guys. I had a thread over at moparts and everyone said exactly what you said. I guess I need to start gradually collecting the parts I need. Hopefully I can get it done sometime this school year. By the way the new roof skin for my car should be here Sunday. I think me and Paul (73ChargerSE) will start working on gutting the interior soon. Hes also got some major stuff going on with his charger this week.