need help deciding a motor

-
C

crazybarracuda

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2009
Messages
242
Reaction score
1
okay

here is my situation. im beginning my resto but its not looking like it will be too long of a process. eventually i would like to go with a 5.7L or 6.1L sitting in an alter-ktion k member.

the price of those means i will have to save a while to get it and that setup is a luxury so im thinking if i get the car all fixed up and ready i might just put in a different motor for the time being. I have a few options.


1. I have a 273 in my parts car that is unknown as far as condition.

2. 318 bored over .030 that is sitting on an engine stand. needs pistons, and possibly 2 4bbls to top it and few small things (gasket kit, piston rings and that stuff).

3. I could buy a 400 ci from my brother who is using a 360 in his duster drag car

4. just wait and get what i want

tell me your opinion.
 
My Opinion, if the 273 isnt seized, put it in, and spend a few bucks to get it running in the car, then you have something to putter around in until you decide which other route you want to go. If its a HiPerf 273, and you arent planning to Drag Race the dart, it might do you well enough.

Then you can work on the resto, drive it, and save for the big hp it sounds like you want.
 
i really have to look into the 273 that i have. more than likely its just a base 273 since its out of my parts car which is a 64 cuda. i want to go big with this car but it takes money and that is hard to come by at the moment
 
If the 273 runs OK drop it in for now until you have funds for the engine you want.
 
You say your 273 is out of a '64? That may pose a small problem since the '64-'65s had the intake bolts at a weird angle and limits intake choices. That can be overcome by using the heads off your 318 though. I would check out the condition of the 273 and if it needs to be rebuilt, use the 318. You can buy 2 sets of 318 pistons and rings for what 1 set of 273 pistons cost. Based on the engines you are wanting it sounds like you will be happy with 300-350 HP. If that is the case why bother with the 5.7? You can get that out of a 318 with very little effort with a single 4 barrel carb. Food for thought.
 
im kinda looking at a 5.7L since they have alot of options for it in terms of intakes and setups. i am looking to have a 350+ HP motor. if i do a 5.7L i am going to stroke it with head work and a radical cam in it. i think im gonna get the car running with at 318 since i know that rebuild will be easy and step up later
 
Do whatever is cheapest and easiest for now and save up for the set up you want.
Drive it now and you won't lose interest.
Don't go for the all or nothing approach, or you might lose interest.
Good luck and tell us how it goes.
Forget the big block in an early a body unless you want to end up with one forever, a waste of money and effort for what you eventually want, which is a modern hemi you say.
My 2 cents.
Tom.
 
Yeah sounds good with the 318. Id do it for as low buck as I could. What you want to get one seson out of it ? The go nuts on the 5.7 Make it something you really want. Good luck
 
my bother has a 360 he is gonna sell me for dirt cheap. where can i get motor mounts so i can get it sitting on the stock K member?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top