This is probably the dumbest question to ask on here (PICS UP)

[irishluck]

So this is a dumb question, i know how to work on cars and what they need to run. But on an older car, its a little different to me. I have a 1973 dodge charger with a 318 small block.
all i have is the engine for the engine bay, nothing else. I know i need the alternator and the radiator, carb and such, but what else do i all need to get this baby running? to get it started and to let it sit and run, what other parts do i needs, ill get some pics later

thanks and sorry for the dumb question=( 

[aifilaw]

We'll lets start theoretically, in order for an internal combustion engine to function, it needs three things, and in proper proportions:
Fuel
Air
Spark

For the fuel side you need a fuel pump, either mechanical (stuck to the side of the engine block, driven by a gear off of the camshaft), or electrical. Of course it needs to be piped in from the fuel tank
You need a means of delivering the fuel to the engine, typically on such an engine through a carburetor via a fuel rail or connection to the carb.

The air side is quite easy, the the carb has a throttle body with damper blades that open and close to meter in the fuel and air ratio, it does this via an air filter mounted on top.

The Spark side requires spark plugs, driven by a coil to deliver high voltage with low current to produce a spark across a gap. The coil gets told when to fire, and delivered power via an ignition module, the ignition module receives the signal of when to fire and where to place the spark from the distributor. The ignition module gets its main power from the 12V system via a voltage regulator, and a ballast resistor.
It cannot maintain power forever or the battery will go dead, and thusly will require an alternator.

For the engine to stay cool, there needs to be a way of moving water through it into the radiator to remove the heat into the air and then remove the heat from the engine into the water in a cycle, and thusly a water pump.

On some cars they have made steering easier by reducing the gears and letting a hydraulic system handle most of the work, this requires a power steering pump tied into the rack and pinion steering.

dumb question gets some dumb, or rather simplistic answers, and I have probably insulted your intelligence with some of what I wrote here, but hopefully there was a few useful hints regarding the names of things you need to have.

best to check out 440source.com, as they have a rather comprehensive list of devices, also moparts

[Grim Jhaixus]

He shouldn't be offended, looks very diplomatic to me. I will add, "Dude, welcome to a higher existence." Older cars are just plain better, ecspecially anything older than 1974 (the pre catalitic converter era) and that 318 will be the best motor you will ever own, and I say this as a recovering Ford enthusiast.

Now, GET A 78 AMP ALTENATOR FROM O'REILLYS. Autozone carries factory original 60 AMP, which will not keep the battery charged. Make sure to use the stock battery, I cannot stress enough the importance of making sure you have the correct cranking amps. I still have not regained my blinkers.

[TylerCharger69]

Also....you will need voltage regulator, with ballast resistor....distributor with either breaker points or electronic  (this will determine what type of regulator to use  and ecu if electronic)  Make sure transmission lines are connected to the radiator or external cooler  (otherwise...it'll make a mess)....A fan..preferrably a viscous fan,.....A GROUND  STRAP!!!.....from the firewall to the engine so the grounding will be correct....This is often overlooked....otherwise, your lights, gauges, and any other component that requires current will act intermittent including the charging system....Send us a pic, and we can determine what's missing!!!

[irishluck]

to tell you the truth, this was quite helpful.
this information has given me alot of things i need to get to get this baby running, i appreciate the comments and if anybody else has anything else to add please do!

[elacruze]

Welcome aboard.

Simple simple. let it breathe, feed it, light the fires and keep it cool. Just like any other car. Once you have the pieces in place you can ask more specific questions about them.
Do you have a carburetor or manifold? Do you have exhaust manifolds? Radiator, etc? Transmission?
Pictures would help us help you.

We love pictures. Pictures are the price the Troll demands to cross the Bridge. 

[irishluck]

ill get some pics up, but no, all i have is the engine, no tranny, radiator, nothing except for engine and alternator

[royt440]

Just engine?

You'll need a transmission (with torque converter) with a housing that matches the block.  That will let you mount a starter.  Your care probably used an automatic transmission but you could bolt up a manual.

If you don't have the drive shaft, you'll also need a plug for the back of the transmission.

[irishluck]

so wait, do i absolutely have to have a tranny to start the engine up?

[aifilaw]

so wait, do i absolutely have to have a tranny to start the engine up?

Depends, how do you plan on spinning the crankshaft without a starter?

[TylerCharger69]

Sorry...i assumed the tranny was there.....need a tranny!!!!

[irishluck]

true..... ehh i can spin it with my hand!!!
hmm so i need to get a tranny to. does anyone know were i can get a cheap working 727=/

also i was going to ask if you guys new if i could get picture diagrams of the engine bay so i new where to bolt everything up too? or if anyone had any pics they could share with me?

my e-mail is vanlee18@gmail.com

sorry i havent posted pics up yet, ive been out of town, hopefully i can get some today!

[Nacho-RT74]

Now, GET A 78 AMP ALTENATOR FROM O'REILLYS. Autozone carries factory original 60 AMP, which will not keep the battery charged. Make sure to use the stock battery, I cannot stress enough the importance of making sure you have the correct cranking amps. I still have not regained my blinkers.

long time whithout read a COMMON SENSE opinion like this one related with this topic!!!!!

[bull]

That's the problem with these old cars. They're so simple it's confusing.

true..... ehh i can spin it with my hand!!!

Sure. Just bolt an airplane propeller to the front of the crank and start turning it. The faster the better.

[irishluck]

[Sublime/Sixpack]

You really don't need a transmission in place just to start the engine and let it run. A small block bell housing and a correct flywheel would do it.

[b5blue]

Do yourself a favor and get a factory service manual ASAP. Not an aftermarket type, like Chilton's a real reprint of your year car. It will be by far the best money you spend!  Do it before you buy or do anything else, the details though not 100% on everything cover so many things you can't even think of yet, they are priceless.

[elacruze]

Do yourself a favor and get a factory service manual ASAP. Not an aftermarket type, like Chilton's a real reprint of your year car. It will be by far the best money you spend!  Do it before you buy or do anything else, the details though not 100% on everything cover so many things you can't even think of yet, they are priceless.

Excellent advice.

[jaak]

Do yourself a favor and get a factory service manual ASAP. Not an aftermarket type, like Chilton's a real reprint of your year car. It will be by far the best money you spend!  Do it before you buy or do anything else, the details though not 100% on everything cover so many things you can't even think of yet, they are priceless.

Excellent advice.

x3....That is the very first thing that should be bought for your project, before any tools, before any parts...get a FSM. They now have them on CD-ROM, so you print off what you need... Books usually go around 60 bucks on eBay, CDs usually around 30-35 bucks.

Jason

[irishluck]

you'll never believe this, but i went into my garage and was looking through some of my dads old books, came across a mechanic book from the 1970's that has my car in it for parts and what not. very old book!

[irishluck]

hey by chance, do you guys know of any swap meets going on in the kansas city area? i figured i could go there to get myself some new body panels and things

[aifilaw]

Todd Wilson was always a great resource as far as Kansas chargers, and the dodgechargerregistry. They hold a show once a year that was attracting nearly 100 of them when I used to be able to go in '03 '04 and it was growing every year. They had a swap meet as well. May be a good person to get in touch with

[irishluck]

by chance, how do i get ahold of him. is he on here?

[mikepmcs]

Here's Todd's profile page. Send him an PM via his page.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=893

[Todd Wilson]

I am no longer affiliated with the Charger Fever club and do not know of any swap meets going on. Doesnt mean they arent out there just means I dont know anymore.


Todd