Engine Build Question..

[chapdog105]

I keep going back and forth on my engine build preference.

I don't have the 383 that was original to my car, and I'm okay with that.

I do have a 440 block dated from 69 that has been balanced, and is waiting to be built.
I haven't purchased the cam, carb, gaskets, etc. because I haven't been able to make that large of a purchase while having the body and paint done, and I also haven't committed to a combo.

I have been tossing around going with efi lately. What is that take on this? Looks like it will cost about as much as building out a 4-barrel with a repop Air Grabber set-up, or going with a 6-barrel set-up, both of which I've considered.

My goals for the car are to have a clean classic Mopar, without going over the top with correctness, as it will drive me crazy trying to make it 100% correct. I'm doing my best to make the car as correct as possible in most areas, but if a bolt is incorrect, or the paint color isn't correct, I'm okay with it. The body and paint is amazing, and most parts and pieces will be brand new or restored.
Having a car that I can drive as often as I want all summer long, that will get up and move is the plan.
Having about 400-450 hp wouldn't hurt either.

What do you fellas think? Is EFI a good option? Or will it destroy the "classic" look and feel of my rare Mopar? Could I run my 906 heads I had reconditioned and the valves hardened? Or should I go with aluminum heads?

I found a MSD kit, EZ EFI kit, as well as an Edelbrock system.

 

[cj69RR]

It's all personal taste for what you want to do. I like the idea of the EZ efi myself. And it will make it nice to drive any time. And if you go with one that just mounts to a stock style intake manifold the air cleaner housing will hide most of it. Build it to drive and enjoy it.

 

[chapdog105]

Crickets?

What about a Gen 3 Hemi? I see new crate 6.1 SRT Hemi's for about $7500 with the core cost.
I've been tossing that idea around too. The harness is another $1k, and you have to change out the oil pan to fit the 69 k-member, and that's about $400. The TTI headers are $800, and the another $800 for the radiator. I would need to kit to fit the 727 to it too.

By the time I build out my 440 with everything I still need, I may be just as deep into it. I don't know of any 69 RR verts that have a gen 3 hemi. Maybe the Red Runner that Year One put together a few years ago.
I wouldn't change or modernize the exterior of the car, just under the hood stuff.

450 hp at 25 mpg would be pretty nice! Plus it would really make my vert even more unique and rare, and a whole lot more reliable.

Just thinking aloud....

 

[sixgunrunner68]

:cents: I'd be more impressed with an injected 440 than a new gen three engine when I look under your hood. Speaking for myself,I tend to walk right by old cars with new engines at shows. Just doesn't do anything for me. But when I see an old mill custom built with some modern tech, it piques my interest. Probably because I feel some more thought went into the build rather then just an engine in a box.

 

[chapdog105]

That's good to know! That's what I'm looking for, great opinion. :yesnod:

I will say that my biggest problem with my 440 is that they never made a 69 RR vert with a 440. They also never made one with a 3rd gen hemi.
I don't have my original 383, and would rather have my non-matching 440 over a non-matching 383.

I wish I could afford a crate 426 or 528 hemi. Unfortunately they're just too far out of my reach at 33 years old and all the money I already have in my car. My kids gotta eat!

 

[Basketcase]

:cents: I'd be more impressed with an injected 440 than a new gen three engine when I look under your hood. Speaking for myself,I tend to walk right by old cars with new engines at shows. Just doesn't do anything for me. But when I see an old mill custom built with some modern tech, it piques my interest. Probably because I feel some more thought went into the build rather then just an engine in a box.

my thoughts excatly. modern engines, modern interior, I'll walk by everytime.