71 Challenger 440 or Not?
 

I'm about to dive into restoring / rebuilding a 71 Challenger. Unfortunately, I'm not all too wise on the MOPAR values and best mods. Here's my question. The Challenger has a 318 (not number matching) and automatic transmission. I have the opportunity to purchase a 440 six pack and hemi 440 4-speed tranny with all parts for conversion. Is the value gained from making the upgrades worth the money spent to do them (approximately an additional 10k for the upgrades)?

either hemi ( 18 spline ) or standard (23 spline) can't be both.

Let me take the tranny out of the equation. Is it worth the time and money to put in the 440? In addition is it worth it to make it a manual?

not if you plan to resell it.

Does anyone have a best guess value for a 71 Challenger, completely restored with a 318? I'd like to know roughly what it's worth before I spend a small fortune on getting it perfect.

maybe 20k

Before I go any further with this project, could one of you MOPAR experts give me a rough estimate of what this car is worth in the condition it's in. I know that's a tough thing to do, but just would like an idea. 1971, plum crazy purple, 318 (not original), automatic, new seats, new tires, rust behind rear wheels and minimal front fenders.

Need to know what it was born with ! Post tryout vin or look it up and search for its match on line get a idea where you are at?

If you are planning to make money on restoring it ? You will spend more $$$ restoring it than it can be sold for..

as sits, 4500

Thanks guys. Now I've got to make the decision of whether or not I want to put the money and wrench time into this thing.

Thwack,

for what its worth, What I've learned over the past 15 years (worked on a project car and spent countless hours on it and put a near countless amount of money into it) that it is cheaper and faster to purchase someone else's vehicle for much less than they put into it.

If you can, Buy theirs and then personalize it! :)

for some reason the pic's dont show up for me :(

Thwack where u at I'd give you that for it!!!!! Looking for my next project!!!

if you rebuild it it has to be a labor of love... you have a plan and a goal a custom car in the end that is personal for you.
if the numbers don't match but the car has value to you, and if you restore it also...
some one else may see value in it and you can sell it