Drop in a HEMI or not?

[johnnyseville]

My Daytona does not have the original 440, but tracing it back through owners, so hopefully even if it is a paperweight will get it and try to rebuild.  To be honest, a 440 does not do it for me after having had only Hemi cars for so long.  Can pick up a crate pretty cheap, 12K.  Toying about the idea of dropping it in.  Engine compartment is totally mint as is.  Should I?  One other thing, if I do it, should I opt for an original Hemi instead of crate, perferably 69, though it will be more expensive.

[garyd2831]

If I'm correct, don't quote me, the new crate hemi will bolt up to your existing k-frame unlike a 69 block which will require a hemi k-frame.  If you don't have the original motor, I would drop in a hemi.

[JB400]

Is this a car that you're going keep forever or just one to play with for a couple of years and flip?  If it's one that you're keeping, make yourself happy and get a hemi.  If you're just going to flip it later on,  I would choose the 440.  Putting the Hemi in it might make it harder to sell.  But, then again, there are those out there that would rather buy the Hemi.  But, looking around, a few members have Hemis in thiers and have been trying to sell for a while.

[billssuperbird]

keep the 440. but put the hemi in it.

[johnnyseville]

Who really knows, but more than likely it will move on eventually.  The only 2 cars I will never sell are my  69 Charger and 70 Chevelle, they have sentimental value.  Just like to fiddle with things.

[johnnyseville]

keep the 440. but put the hemi in it.

Yeah, I would never sell the 440, unless I found the original block.

[Ghoste]

Put the Hemi in.

[hemi68charger]

From one 440 Daytona owner to another, put the Hemi in it. If I could afford it now, I'd have a 426 Hemi in mine faster than you could blink an eye......

[Julius2]

In some cars a hemi makes it worth more, but in a Daytona, I would leave it stock. If you are worried about the horse power, you can build the crap out of the 440 and leave it looking stock. But what it comes down to, is personal preference. If you want the wow factor when you open the hood, it has to be a hemi.

[moparstuart]

go hemi just dont alter the car to where it cant be returned to a 440 

[DC_1]

Elephant motor.....nuff said...

[Mopar Nut]

Keep the 440, add a six pack, drink a six pack and go rip some Hemi a$$.

[JB400]

Keep the 440, add a six pack, drink a six pack and go rip some Hemi a$$.

Sounds like a winner as well

[Daytona Guy]

Keep the 440, add a six pack, drink a six pack and go rip some Hemi a$$.

Sounds like a winner as well

If you have the money - go HEMI. A wild car and a wild engine just fits. I'm trying to make mine drivable.

Dane

[tan top]

 if you got the dough , drop a elephant motor in it    , will do the same one day , hopfully  

[pettybird]

my thoughts here, too.  if $12.5k is 'cheap' to you, do it. 

you'll probably be money ahead with it in there, too.  a NOM 440 car is a NOM 440 car, but that Hemi adds value.

[Aero426]

In some cars a hemi makes it worth more, but in a Daytona, I would leave it stock. If you are worried about the horse power, you can build the crap out of the 440 and leave it looking stock. But what it comes down to, is personal preference. If you want the wow factor when you open the hood, it has to be a hemi.

What he said.

I am not down on a Hemi transplant as it sure is a "wow" when you open the hood, at least to the unwashed masses.   But if you are going to drive the car, the 440 is really the way to go.   End of story.

The other thing is that do do the Hemi right, you need to have all the right appearing accessories.   No single carb.   No Mopar Performance valve covers, the right air breather, the right exhaust manifolds.   You also have the deal where, in my opinion, just about any "12k crate Hemi" is a starting point.  Lots of stories out there on crate Hemis needing to be looked at.   I guess it depends on your builder.    If you are buying over the counter $12k would seem to be the down payment.    You could spent that money on other stuff and get a lot done.