Long-off 340 build
I'm starting this topic now so I can keep a public list of plans I have for my build, and get feedback regarding them. I'm still in a position of working on my education and starting my career, but I figure now is a good time as any to start ironing out some of these ideas I have.
So for some time now the car I've wanted to get is a Dart Demon 340 (preferably the 71).
While the prospect of a badass muscle machine is a huge turn-on, what I'm really after is a fun street machine that'll be more than just a garage ornament (I don't just mean a weekend driver either). Even though I don't have much experience, I've done some research on the matter and I've got a small block to work on and get familiar with while I'm saving up (I also have a friend to help who knows his $h!t, he's a Chevy guy but he knows the engines of that era). So far I've put together a start list of ideas in mind for my build, as well as a starter shopping list:
*This list may change over time as I receive helpful input and/or go with different ideas
Any input on this one is appreciated. I still got plenty of time to look forward to, but I wanna try and snatch up my own Demon before they disappear (who knows what will happen, with the Challenger Demon getting attention they might suddenly get some increased popularity amongst collectors). In the meantime, I'll just open up my "Rebuilding small-block Mopars" book and get to know this lil 318 inside and out (once the pickup it's in wears out I may yank it out and save it for a future project)
I'm starting this topic now so I can keep a public list of plans I have for my build, and get feedback regarding them. I'm still in a position of working on my education and starting my career, but I figure now is a good time as any to start ironing out some of these ideas I have.
So for some time now the car I've wanted to get is a Dart Demon 340 (preferably the 71).
While the prospect of a badass muscle machine is a huge turn-on, what I'm really after is a fun street machine that'll be more than just a garage ornament (I don't just mean a weekend driver either). Even though I don't have much experience, I've done some research on the matter and I've got a small block to work on and get familiar with while I'm saving up (I also have a friend to help who knows his $h!t, he's a Chevy guy but he knows the engines of that era). So far I've put together a start list of ideas in mind for my build, as well as a starter shopping list:
*This list may change over time as I receive helpful input and/or go with different ideas
- EFI system; I'll be the first to admit that I know little about dealing with carbs, and I'd like something that won't be as finicky with the change of the seasons (while the general idea about EFI is that it gets better mpgs, the difference isn't that much between EFI and a properly-tuned carb, then again my skill with a carb is nil). EFI kit > http://www.jegs.com/i/FAST/244/30227-06KIT/10002/-1 (has 4150 throttle body fitment)
- Aluminum heads and dual-plane intake; The general concensus is that aluminum here cuts weight and helps shed heat better, which I'd say is worth the extra cost. No particular pick for heads, but I hear heads may be swappable across the LA small blocks Intake > Mopar Performance P4876335AB: Aluminum Dual Plane Intake Manifold Fits 1967-91 318/340 & 1971-92 360 LA Engines | JEGS (4150 throttle body fitment)
- Aluminum radiator & electric fan; General concensus says electric fans are more effective and efficient, so it'd be nice to have good cooling in slow traffic. Radiator > Champion Cooling Systems CC526: All-Aluminum Radiator 1970-1972 Plymouth Duster & Dodge Dart | JEGS Fan > Derale 18217: 17" High Output Single RAD Electric Fan - Standard Mounting Kit 2400/1800 cfm | JEGS
- No solid idea on cam yet, but I do want to have power brakes so any recommendations on the proper cam setup with enough vacuum or alternate brake solution would be appreciated
- Headers would be nice; An exhaust system that sounds awesome would also be nice, but nothing too awesome where I'll be put on someone's hit list for making him $h!t his panties. How do these look? Headers > Hooker Headers 5901: Competition Headers 273-360 MOPAR Small Block V8 | JEGS
- For the tranny I have my eyes set on the A-833 4-spd manual, but may be open to other options. Since I want a street machine, it'd be nice to be able to cruise the highway without revving high the whole time. I've heard about the GearVendors OD unit, but that looks like it'd be complicated to get that setup. I'm told the 833 4-spd version has an awkward ratio spacing between the gears, leading to awkward rev drop on certain gears, but I also hear one or two shops on the interwebs sell gear conversion sets that fix this ratio gap. I added a poll to get some ideas on this one.
- 8-3/4" suregrip rear end; Limited-slip can't hurt, right? Was looking for a street appropriate gear ratio, like in the low-to-mid 3's, and so far only found a 3.55 pinion/ring set. Diff > Auburn Gear 542051: Pro Series Differential Chrysler 8-3/4" | JEGS Pinion/ring > Motive Gear C887355L: Ring & Pinion Gears Chrysler 8.75" (Late 489 Housing) | JEGS gear install and bearing set > Motive Gear R8.75RLMKT: Master Installation Kit 1960-74 Chrysler 8.75" 489 Casting with Sure Grip & Power Lock Includes: | JEGS
- Brake cylinder, booster, and discs-all-around; I mentioned I'd like power brakes, didn't I? Wanna make sure this thing can stop (especially with some of the idiots on the road around here). Cylinder/booster > Right Stuff G80011001: Brake Booster/Master Cylinder Combo Mopar | JEGS Rear disc kit > Right Stuff MDCRD01: Mopar 8.75 & Dana 60 Rear Disc Conversion With Parking Brake | JEGS Front disc set > Right Stuff MDC66SD: Front Disc Brake Conversion 1960-76 Mopar A-Body (Barracuda/Dart/Duster/Valiant) | JEGS (will be looking at front disc replacement sets to avoid mismatching old and new brakes). There's this in case I need an alternate way to generate vacuum > JEGS Performance Products 63016: Electric Vacuum Pump Kit 18" to 22" (Hg) | JEGS
- 4-or-6 link rear suspension; I hear those are in season for keeping that rear end planted
- Just some other preferences other than all that: Full rotisserie paint job if that's called for (torn between hemi orange or lime green as a base); 2 seperate, black leather seats and center console as opposed to the bench seat (like in the picture below, although I prefer a plain white-ball manual shifter); swap in the rectangular-speedo cluster from the '72, I don't know why but that rectangular speedo just gets me.
Any input on this one is appreciated. I still got plenty of time to look forward to, but I wanna try and snatch up my own Demon before they disappear (who knows what will happen, with the Challenger Demon getting attention they might suddenly get some increased popularity amongst collectors). In the meantime, I'll just open up my "Rebuilding small-block Mopars" book and get to know this lil 318 inside and out (once the pickup it's in wears out I may yank it out and save it for a future project)
