Suggestions for a engine

[1973]

Hi i have a 73 barracuda with a 318, i am going to do a restomod type of job, updated suspension and such, but which engine should i pick? The hellcat, or a 383/400 or 440?
I have a 440 block but no crank and a complete 400 from a 76 cordoba
Will the hellcat be a nightmare?
Is the 440 cheaper?
Want around 600 horse

 

[Katfish]

Are you going to drive it? >3k miles/yr
Or just take out occasionally?

 

[1973]

Does that mean less than 3,000 miles a year, yes!
I hate having issues though, like overheating, coming to a stop sign and having to pop it in neutral, or work both pedals to keep it running. (Poor idle)
Oh and it will be a automatic, if i do go the newer hemi, which tranny should I use? Stick with the tried and true 727?
Rear gear 3:42? 3:73? Ish?

 

[Chryco Psycho]

400 stroked to 451 is one of the strongest / most reliable builds possible .
If you are OK with computers & tech the Hellcat is a great option , reliable & efficient
Be careful with suspension "upgrades" the Factory suspension was well ahead of its time & works very well when updated with good springs , shocks & sway bars , upgrades often are just expensive sideways moves . Ehrenberg had a valiant corning at well over 1 G using stock design

 

[1973]

Ok thanks!!
I don't know much about the computers, but have a good buddy, but he doesn't know mopars too well,
On some other cars we have done (mostly c$e&ys) we have put the tubular control arms on and it does something with the geometry of the suspension and makes it drive more modern?? (My buddy is also the guru on that) But we have kept the front disc and rear drum set up, stock parts, no $$$$ wildwood, im not a autocrosser, just want to stop and steer decent.

 

[Katfish]

No beating a Gen3, but it's gonna cost more. That scares most away, and honestly might not make sense if you're really not gonna put miles on it.
For just going to the occasional car show, go with Chryco and put a stroker in .
Don't need a Hellcat, 392 will make 600 easy, they come 500 stock.

 

[1973]

Thanks!

 

[Xcudame]

Since you already have a complete 400, it makes since to build it into a stroker motor. I'd go with either the 451 (3.75" stroke) or 477 (3.91) stroker kit. Get a pair of Trick Flow 240 cylinder heads and around .540" lift camshaft and you'll make plenty of power to satisfy yourself!

You can make a 500 cubic inch 400, but the rod ratio gets too small for my taste. But you also have a 440 block and if you want bigger, the 512 (4.25" stroke) is a proven engine and easily will make 600 horsepower.

 

[1973]

Ok thanks for all the information!!

 

[Ricks72Chlgr440]

Hi i have a 73 barracuda with a 318, i am going to do a restomod type of job, updated suspension and such, but which engine should i pick? The hellcat, or a 383/400 or 440?
I have a 440 block but no crank and a complete 400 from a 76 cordoba
Will the hellcat be a nightmare?
Is the 440 cheaper?
Want around 600 horse

What is your budget for this project? You already have a small block setup so why not go with a small block stroker from Blueprint Engines? I've put their 408 into my 70 Duster and man, what a ride! Going this way would be close to a bolt in swap for you (except for transmission & converter). Going big block means changing *a lot* of things under the hood. You probably have a 904 transmission so I would go with a prepped 727 that has better clutches/bands. You would need to do that with a big block swap anyway. I do not have any affiliation with Blueprint Engines, but you just cannot beat their quality and 30K warranty. Dropping in an engine that is already quality built so you can concentrate on other areas of the car carries great weight in my book. Regardless of what direction you go, take your time and think things through. Don't be star struck by the bigger engine swap. That 408 I put in is advertised at 465HP. I just ordered another engine for my current 70 Duster and it dyno'd at 493 (dyno sheet was included with the engine).

 

[Challenger RTA]

30K warranty

That's where I would drop my dime!

 

[Katfish]

When I bought my crate motor, it was 3/36, looks like it's better now, but you have to buy the controller on same invoice.

DIRECT CONNECTION HEMI®
CRATE ENGINE KIT POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY
HEMI®
crate engine kits are covered by a 3-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited (parts exchange only) Warranty. Crate Engine Controller Kit
must be purchased on the same invoice as the engine to qualify for the 3-Year/100,000-Mile Parts Exchange Warranty. Failure to provide proof
of the installation kit with the engine will void the 3-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty. Direct Connection HEMI crate engines would then
be covered against defects in materials and workmanship for a 90-day period (parts exchange only).

 

[1973]

Its a possibility for sure!! Its getting hard to find someone to build a quality engine in my area, may even be cheaper!
Not sure on the budget, not too crazy, if i can get it from summit they have a nice program i think 18 months or 24 (??) no interest

 

[1973]

Has anyone actually cashed in on that warranty? Usually there are a bunch of loop holes

 

[Ricks72Chlgr440]

Its a possibility for sure!! Its getting hard to find someone to build a quality engine in my area, may even be cheaper!
Not sure on the budget, not too crazy, if i can get it from summit they have a nice program i think 18 months or 24 (??) no interest

I bought my last BPE engine from Summit. Was less expensive than going directly to BPE with free shipping and Summit has the rewards program too. Was a win-win for me. I contacted BPE and they said build lead time was 6 weeks. From my summit order to my truck delivery was 3 weeks. Another win. Think BPE is giving preference to their corporate clients. Just IMHO.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Tubular upper control arms will help wheel alignment for sure , tubular sway bars increase roll stiffness & decrease weight , much fatter torsion bars & high quality shocks will help a lot , you can use composit rear leafs & better shocks on the rear , better 4 or 6 piston brakes with hydroboost make a huge difference , all of these upgrades make a big difference without changing the basic design