1973 or 1974 Dodge Charger

[Grim Jhaixus]

TK73 gets what I mean. Yeah, it's kinda rough, but I've been driving a car that I love everyday for the past 6 months. I wouldn't sell it for a million dollars, its the most satisfying relationship I've ever had. Everyone else I know my age (23) is driving a KIA! Tiny claustrophobic bucket-seat cars with zero hp and no fun to drive. The only other people in my area with Chargers NEVER DRIVE THEM. Rough spots can be smoothed out, but the emotional damage you get from a KIA is occasionally fatal.

I'll give you some sane, logical and solid reasons to go with a 318 car first: parts availability, cheaper parts, more DURABLE, you can both smoke cigarettes AND afford gas. I got into older cars with 302 powered classic Mustangs at 15, and starting with small bocks was good for me, but maybe starting with a big block would have been better, I can't know. You can only lose your viringity once. I got a 440 in my driveway (current home is a pristine drivable 1973 New Yorker I found for $800, combined with the $1200 I paid for my driving 73 318 Charger makes only $2k) been there since January, and it'll go in soon. There is no power like big block power, but I can not get this 318 to die! I really have begun to respect it. Or maybe consider this: the less the value of the car, the less likely someone would want to steal it or parts from it.

Regardless of motor, I say get the best body shell. Feel around for bondo, feel for rust holes and severe dents. Body damage is where you will pay, and if you intend to go 426HEMI crate than you will have to convert your drivetrain anyways cuz HEMI Chargers don't exactly fall out of trees. No matter what, you will have to do suspension and brakes and prolly have some nightmares with the very terrible steering systems. Chargers are getting into their 40s and two things more important than drivetrain are being able to stop and being able to steer. The rear end is an easy job if you are going to do suspension anyways, and Ford 9" are easy to come by and before anybody has a stroke they are cheaper, stronger, easier to find, and have more aftermarket options than Mopar rear ends. The pedigrees will scream of sacrilege about Ford parts in a Mopar, but will bolt on Eddie aftermarket anywhere they can. Some of us came to Mopar from other breeds, and I swear we aren't all insane, your experiences will be welcome even if your post count is low, so please keep us all informed it's why we are here. I'm not going to suggest one of the pictured cars or the other cuz I'm not there in person, and its your choice anyways. The old racers have told me that Mopars "choose their drivers". I know mine choose me. Bring on the hate, you get my   anyways.

And slant-six Chargers are stupid rare. They made like only 100 or so a year.

[Axels73Charger]

HOLY SHIT!!! I found a perfect steal but sadly I dont got the cash... It looks to me to be a Rallye but sadly i dont know if it is... Tell me what you think.

http://mcallen.en.craigslist.org/cto/1676349085.html

[ACUDANUT]

 I have a 72 Charger with 90K Orginal Miles on it I would sell for 3,000.  318/auto. Floor shifter, Power front disc brakes, front and rear sway bars, 8 3/4 rear end. 150 mph gauges with a PERFECT DASH.  Never been repainted, however it is time. Some rust in rear quarters.

[Axels73Charger]

Hey what do you guys think about a 340??? There are some comments about it in the posts but I want to know whats the good the bad and the even better about the engine???

[Grim Jhaixus]

It was Chryslers answer to Fords Boss 302, or at least the T/A version was. Circle track racers have told me it was the best motor Mopar offered cause it was lighter than a big block and could make similar hp, supposedly. Whatever was fact or myth, reality is that the 340 is a spectacular performance small block and I would suggest it to anybody. It was the Duster engine that gave those cars respect. You can make one out of a 318 though I wouldn't suggest it unless you can't find one. They used the same block but with a larger bore, so it's alot of work, and it's my exact intention with the 318 I got now. Should you happen across one I'd say to grab it. They share all the same altenator/steering/water pump/pulley system and fit the same tranny, engine mounts, starter, oil filter and fuel pump so parts are easy to come by. Six Pack setups are easy to find for it too, and that's something I would suggest. However, I like the sound of big blocks. I wouldn't listen to me though cuz I also like black licorice, mushrooms, lima beans, and anchovies.

[Axels73Charger]

So what about the 360? I think I'll start a new thread about 340 vs 360 but I still want to keep this thread going!!!!

[Grim Jhaixus]

360 made about 100hp less, had a smaller bore but a longer stroke, it replaced the 340 only for it's increased fuel economy. I always heard the 340 was sturdier than the 360, but I wouldn't know. Whether or not the 360 can be built into a better motor than a 340 I will say not likely because I've never run into someone who was looking for one.

[Axels73Charger]

Heres what I've learned. 340 crate is very good preformance wise if you can find a crate which I only found 1 and it was far from cheap!!!! The 360 has a boat load of after market parts for it and can be a great preformance engine for around the same price as a crate 340. So I think I may buy a 360 when I get that far

[Axels73Charger]

How much do you need to bore over a 318 to make it into a 340? I firgure if the engines bore is the same as the 340 I can get 340 headers and from what i've been told the 340's crank is like the 318's. Or I'll make a 360 I dont know. I heard there arent as many after market parts for a 340.

[Axels73Charger]

Hey do 74 chargers have the cadilatic converter in it? I've been looking at 74's recently because of safety features... AKA I've seen and heard enough from the drivers ed teacher and the videos. Plus 3 point seat belts will probably make my parents happy. And I've found out people sell them for less... Don't know why though...