12:05 Garage- ’70 Duster build

racerjoe said
I have no idea how many people actually read my build thread since I haven't had many replies, but I'm asking for opinions on engine choice. I hope I get some replies.

I recently came across a deal impossible to pass up on very complete 5.7 out of a cop car with ~60K miles. It's so complete, I have everything from the fan belt to the tail pipes behind the cats, transmission included. So here's the question, should I go ahead with my same plan of my well build 408, or install the 5.7? The only mods I'd do to the 5.7 would likely be a cam swap. I know the 408 will have way more power, but my intentions with this car is to get in it and drive anywhere. Good gas mileage would be a plus, but not required. It would be great to hear from someone who has mad the switch to the modern motor.

Joe;
I bracket race a Duster with a 5.7 hemi stroker and a carb. It really was a ***** to get the motor in the car onto the stock big block K member and make it fit around the manual steering and expensive TTI headers, which you would need also. I went with a 727 torqueflite for racing, if you go with a modern tranny you will have to cut up the floor pan and fab a new one to make it fit. Also I didn't have to deal with drive by wire or kickdown linkage since it is a race car only. I love the Hemi, the car does 6.35 in the 1/8th and 10.0 in the quarter, but I don't see how these guys that put one in a street car with wiper motors, power steering/brakes, EFI, heater motor, etc. made it all fit.