to hemi or not to hemi

[Ryan]

I am currently in the process of restoring my 69 charger r/t. Its a 440 4 speed dana car and I do have the matching numbers engine for it. Unfortunately most of the other original parts are long gone as the car was a custom in the 80's and I also think it was a General at some point (the fact that it has the matching engine baffles me). No fender tag, no build sheet ect.... I know a little about the car but not much. Its F8 green, I think a stripe delete car as well but I cannot prove that the holes weren't added later. I have no idea what interior it had, no idea what color the top or stripe (if it had one) would be. I also think the car had a dealer installed vinyl top as it had leaded seams and the holes I found (filled in) did not line up with the factory trim at all.

So far during the resto I have replaced all the bad metal, used some aftermarket and NOS when I could. I have deviated from stock a little bit (UScartool subframe connectors) but I have not committed to anything else yet.

I know under normal circumstances this car should be restored to stock due to it being a matching numbers 4 gear r/t but in the case of this car would I be crazy to change things around a little bit?

I'm thinking a period correct (looking) Hemi , passion 5 speed (when they become available) and possibly a different color than F8. not sure what yet.

So what does everyone think? Am I nuts to deviate from original on what is a pretty rare car?

This is what she looked like in 02' when I purchased it.



This is after an amateur resto done by me when I was 19. 2004-2005.



And now what she looks like. Doing it right.

[Cooter]

Now why would anybody take a perfectly good 440 Out and stuff a Hemi in there? Hmmmm.....I wonder.

[JB400]

Make yourself happy.  If you want a hemi, go get one.  If you want to paint it a different color, go ahead.  You have the perfect candidate of a car to do so.


Do me a favor and put the correct grill in it.   Unless you like the 68 grill, then it's fine.

[Cooter]

Cept for what looks like SLapper bars underneath, I'm diggin' that old skool look of slotts. Kinda "Mad Max"..

[Ryan]

Do me a favor and put the correct grill in it.   Unless you like the 68 grill, then it's fine.

She looks nothing like that anymore

[JB400]

Thank you   I can understand if a person can't find the correct part, but if they're out there, put it in.  I'm glad you did.

[Cooter]

Nice Vettes.

[JB400]

I like the addition of SRT seats.  Hope you plan on keeping those

[Fred]

Make yourself happy.  If you want a hemi, go get one.  If you want to paint it a different color, go ahead.  You have the perfect candidate of a car to do so.

Absolutely agree..........go ahead and make yourself happy.  

[AKcharger]

Hemi's are stupid!

[Fred]

Hemi's are stupid!

Not to me they're not.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Besides the inflated ego, the gain you get in HP for a stock street hemi isn't worth the $$$ you'll have to shell out. But, if you do go the Hemi route, go for a 470 stroker. But, be forewarned that if you purchase a new crate engine from MP, you should tear it down & have it thoroughly checked out.

[1970Moparmann]

But, be forewarned that if you purchase a new crate engine from MP, you should tear it down & have it thoroughly checked out.

I never heard that before - why?

[Ghoste]

Because they have a notorious reputation for sending junk.

[charger_fan_4ever]

Do as you please man. If you ever sell it you would get ripped apart for no tag or b/s anyway even if it was back original color ect. Hemi's have the wow factor but bigg $$$ for what they offer over a warmed over 440.

My 70 r/t has the tag original motor and b/s gone. Was B5 with white inside/top and i just can't do that color. I won't be going back original color and will have black interior/top.

[Daytona R/T SE]

Stuff a Hemi in it.


Then sell me the aluminum slot wheels that were on it.

[Fred]

Because they have a notorious reputation for sending junk.

    I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole.

[triple_green]

After just selling my hemi car (clone with original 69 426 hemi). I would keep the 440 and build it up a little. The 440 has gobs of torque. From my experience they are much easier to tune and maintain than the hemi and the parts are way cheaper. The only reason I would get another hemi is for the "wow" factor. The 440 is way easier and cheaper to own and work on.

Mark

[Ghoste]

And for the record, in spite of reports about MP Crate Hemi quality, there are plenty of other crate Hemi engine builders who can satsify.

[Patronus]

hemmmi, hemmmi, hemmmi..

[Lennard]

So what does everyone think? Am I nuts to deviate from original on what is a pretty rare car?

Your car, your money, your decision. Built it the way YOU want it, not the way other people would like to see you built it.

[Fred]

So what does everyone think? Am I nuts to deviate from original on what is a pretty rare car?

Your car, your money, your decision. Built it the way YOU want it, not the way other people would like to see you built it.

In the end...............that's the only way you're truly going to be happy. 

[Fred]

hemmmi, hemmmi, hemmmi..

Gesundheit!   

[Ryan]

Nice Vettes.

Thanks, they are fun. One is mine, one is a friends. Swapping heads for him.

I like the addition of SRT seats.  Hope you plan on keeping those

I like them alot, but I dont think I'll put them back in. I like the interior looking stock.... We'll see.

Besides the inflated ego, the gain you get in HP for a stock street hemi isn't worth the $$$ you'll have to shell out. But, if you do go the Hemi route, go for a 470 stroker. But, be forewarned that if you purchase a new crate engine from MP, you should tear it down & have it thoroughly checked out.

If I do it I will building it from the ground up. I have heard a lot of bad things about the MP crate motors.
I'd probably go 500+ cubic inches.

Stuff a Hemi in it.


Then sell me the aluminum slot wheels that were on it.

Sorry those are long gone. Sold them to someone with a 70 Charger.

[472 R/T SE]

My 2nd gen MP Hemi's been just fine, (knock on wood).

Although...if I were to do it again I'll go through ForHemisOnly.