Newbie; What's the fastest/cheapest way to get my 69 Charger running??

[Cooter]

Question; Is there a way to test engines out of cars?  Do I need a bellhousing/starter etc and rig up something?  I want to buy a used engine but the ads usually say, 'running when removed'.  Which means basically nothing to me (I'm cynical yes??!) 

Well, If you wish to buy the entire car or pay someone to pull an engine that is in a car and running, then you may hear one run, but otherwise, most have been removed.

This way, it's FASTER to just pick up an engine that "Ran when pulled". Nobody's gonna gurantee a used engine once it's in your posession. You may or may not put oil in it, pre prime oil system, put coolant in it, run it hot, run the hell out of it, etc. Most will be honest and tell you that it ran well when removed. I don't think there are but a handful of dishonest people on here. I know MY 440 ran well and would be willing to fire it up on the ground if that's what you wish and had the CASH in hand. I might even have all the BB stuff you need to perform the swap as well.

[69finder]

Cooter; I'm not worried about the people that are on this forum.  I'm searching my local Kijiji ads and ALL of them say, 'ran well before pulled'.  Seems a little strange if not impossible to me.  But the other reason I would like to test before buying is because I'm still new to these engines.  If it runs before hand and doesn't afterwards, then at least I can work to an end.  (Ie it ran before so I can do something to make it run again!) 

Anyone near Edmonton, AB?

[Finn]

Nice find man! I have to say I agree with six-tee-nine. Use what you've got if it tests out ok. As far as testing it out of the car, at that point I'd take it to an engine builder and have them hot tank it and check for micro cracks/warps.

[Dino]

Seems like a prime opportunity to me to tear that block apart and learn while you rebuild it to your specs.

[Cooter]

Seems like a prime opportunity to me to tear that block apart and learn while you rebuild it to your specs.

By reading his posts above, I think he'd need one helluva sledgehammer to get the pistons out. Sitting in the open with no carb wouldn't do it any favors.

[Dino]

Seems like a prime opportunity to me to tear that block apart and learn while you rebuild it to your specs.

By reading his posts above, I think he'd need one helluva sledgehammer to get the pistons out. Sitting in the open with no carb wouldn't do it any favors.

You're probably right but what has he got to lose?  If it's the original engine I'd say go for it, if it's too far gone then you can stop right there before you put any money into it.

I've never opened up a V8, I think it would be a great experience!

[Cooter]

Nothing but a Lawnmower engine with more holes, and different head. All have rods, crank, and pistons..

[70 Charger RT]

Anyone near Edmonton, AB?

Yes 69Finder.  I'm just outside Edmonton in St. Albert.  I'm working on my 4th second gen Charger so I will be able to offer up some info.  I have a few mopar contacts as well.  Call and we can discuss.  70charger@hotmail.ca  I also have some parts for your Charger depending on what you need.

Randall in St. Albert

[69finder]

Seems like a prime opportunity to me to tear that block apart and learn while you rebuild it to your specs.

Sounds like fun!   I'm going to tear it apart, but I make no promises to put it back together.  At least it will be easy to dispose of in pieces than in one lump if it's not going to work. 

70 Charger RT; I will contact you!  I'm actually in St. Albert but no one seems to know where that is.  Here's a pic of the car outside of Tudor Glen Market and of the engine.



I highly doubt this will turn, but I will give it an honest go.  Just about everything is taken off it to remove it from the car.  Even the motor mounts, it's just 'resting' ok the 'K' member.

[69finder]

As for the condition of the car itself.  I know rust!    So without deluding myself, I think, it has rusty quarters, sails, closeouts, passenger rocker front, front inner close out, fenders.  The underneath is rock solid and the floors are mint!  It has driver rust, not that horrible inside out rust.  It came from down south which is like a desert (seen some crazy dry cars come from that area).

So it's not a rusty heap by any means and it's structurally solid enough to drive as is (just looks very very ugly!).  

Not original paint.  The original paint is a very light green under that dark green.  This is the 'good' side.  The quarter still has it's rear arch!!

[FJMG]

Running is one thing but if you own the tow vehicle then renting that trailer is definitely the least expensive way to get your charger mobile! 

[69finder]

Running is one thing but if you own the tow vehicle then renting that trailer is definitely the least expensive way to get your charger mobile! 

You might be onto something!!  I have had 5 people offer to 'buy it'.  Except when I tell them how much I want then they get quiet   I have had ALOT of fun with the Charger just on the trailer that last few days.  I think I might roll it out of the garage and park it on the front lawn!