the smart thing to do.....or the 440?

[2much2learn]

got a 73 charger that ive been working (FOREVER) on with a 318 (insert joke here). IM SOOOOOO close to getting it running after 17 YEARS of it not running (only had the car a couple of months, bought from original owner) hey at least # match. anyway a friend of mine is selling me (due to some financial reasons) a 440 for $100. now the engine isnt in perfect shape but its all there, and he said when he pulled it, it ran.now the question at hand is, should i stick with trusty ol 318 witch i KNOW will run great and ive put much $$$$ in OR get the mean ass 440 which ill probably re-build (remember, im not rich) and the swap out for the 318? i really want the opinion of those who own 440's, and dont give me that "..well gas prices" bulls#!T.
thank you.

[rav440]

1st things first what year is the 440 what #s are the heads $100.00 is a deal but a better deal is a better deal .
id keep the 318 in the CHARGER and build the 440 over time . trust me thers nothing worse than watching your car sit trying to gather up cash to build a motor  well there are alot worse things but it does suck 

good luck 

[Dave22443]

Get the 318 running and enjoy your car.  Then, as money allows, build the 440 up.  But remember, its not just the 440 you'll need to take care of.  Before you can drop it in your car your going to need a new transmission, a radiator, a new driveshaft and possibly a new rear end, just to name a few things.

[Brock Samson]

i agree with those guys, stay the course get the car togeather then deal with the 440 on the side,.. later...

[challenger70]

i agree with those guys, stay the course get the car togeather then deal with the 440 on the side,.. later...

I concur, but the 440 would be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more fun.  It comes down to do you want a less fun/more reliable car to drive now or sacrafice more time/reliability/money for more fun.  But on the other hand a functioning 318 is more fun than a busted hotrod 

[PocketThunder]

save the 440 for a rainy day and drive the car now with the 5.2L.

This is almost as easy as answering the question of "do i go to Hawaii for the summer or work on my Charger". 

[Mike DC]

 
Yes, take the 440 for $100 and store it. 



Cruise the 318.  Don't put money into making it faster, just keep it in good tune and use it to enjoy the car. 

 

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Agreed, especially when you take into account the price of gas.  The 318 will make it a good cruiser.

[CB]

Get the 318 running and enjoy your car.  Then, as money allows, build the 440 up.  But remember, its not just the 440 you'll need to take care of.  Before you can drop it in your car your going to need a new transmission, a radiator, a new driveshaft and possibly a new rear end, just to name a few things.

That's what Ron (firefighter3931) and others told me when I wanted to change the old and worn 318 in my Cuda. Rebuild the original 340 or get a monster 440 was my question. I decided to sell the cuda and buy me a Charger again
So, yep, cruise the 318 and save up some cash for the big swap.
CB

[challenger70]

This is almost as easy as answering the question of "do i go to Hawaii for the summer or work on my Charger". 

Well which is it?   Hawaii or work on the Charger?

[moparstuart]

 I would work on the charger ! money better spent 

[PocketThunder]

I would work on the charger ! money better spent 

NO way hose A.  I'll take this instead.