Big Block 400ci daily driver. Am I INSANE?! Yes, and help!

[Kramersdodge]

With the recent sale of my small block dream car project, a 70 Dart, I've set my sights on an old friend

Recently my uncle decided to pass down the keys to his (now my) '73 Charger hard top. It's all original and equipped with a 400ci 4barrel, 727 (I assume) and 8 3/4(again, I assume).

I've loved this car since I was a kid so it's a true dream to now be driving it whenever I want. But the more miles I put on it, the more I want to turn it into something a little more than it is.

I'm kind of a stickler for keeping it looking and feeling classic, but I'd like to get it to a daily-able level. So the oxymoronic question comes up: how do I get this beast to perform at its best? How do I attain peak power, torque and MILEAGE. All while keeping it reliable and "old".

My main concern is the engine itself. She's got about 140k original miles now, but she's burning oil and guzzling fuel at the cyclic rate now. Figure of I'm gonna tear it down in the next few months, might as well do what I can to upgrade it as well. I am weighing the pros and cons of goin the EFI route but that's not a garuntee. I'm also looking into throwing a GeavVendor at the transmission. Is it even possible to get somewhat decent MPG from a 400? End goal is hitting the Power Tour in the next 2 years

[RallyeMike]

You just are not going to get a 4200lb car with 400 cubes anywhere near "decent" mileage. You can add EFI and overdrive and improve mileage, but anything near 'decent" is a dream. Keep it stock and well tuned, swap in some 2.76 gears, and keep your foot out of it. Then spend the EFI and overdrive money on beer and you'll be as happy as a clam.

[moparguy01]

The definition of decent mileage will make or break this. My truck gets 11 in town and 14 highway, so when I picked up a new daily driver that got 15 in town I was pretty happy with the decent mileage. Most people cry with numbers like I have. I also work 8 miles away from home so it doesn't bother me.

I'd make sure the ignition system is up to snuff, and just get everything in good mechanical working order.

[Kramersdodge]

Decent is about 15 to me cuz I'm getting about 9-10 right now!

[Scaregrabber]

My Dad owned a new 77 Cordoba with a 400, 4 barrel and something like 2.45 gears. It got 20MPG on the highway regularly. No reason a fresh 400 with 915 heads, fuel injection and a gear vendors couldn't do that well.

Sheldon