ToMang07

So without writing a book, I've had a couple muscle cars over the years, but my favorite was a 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger I had in high school/college that I basically ruined. (Drove it year round in the north and rusted it out.)

Learned my lesson there. I've pined for one ever since. Have a house/garage now, much more versed in mechanical abilities, (still not much from that era however) and I would like to get back into it.

So I'm looking for another swinger. I like the 70-72 best with the flat nose, just the aesthetics are better IMO. Currently trying to locate a project car with a good body/frame and would eventually like to put a larger small block in, like a 340 or 383. (Manual preferred, but I'll get there eventually.) Seems all I can find are slant 6 cars right now, which would not be the final product.

I guess right now Ideally I'd like to build a 340 Swinger clone, but would like advice as far as what works and what doesn't. Would a 383 be a good choice as well? Seems there are more of them and they are certainly cheaper.

Ideally not looking to sink a ton of money into this, however I do want to do it right, not looking for a car show champion as much as a nice weekend cruiser.

I've pulled engines before, and I wrench a lot on newer stuff, (mostly my and my brothers' trucks/bikes) but never really done any swaps like this.

I did find a rusty 73 Dart Sport with a 340/4-speed that I could use as a donor car, (has posi, rally wheels, and disc brakes too) however the rust on the block has me worried.

Appreciate the input fellas.

(Avatar/Green one is the one I had in high school.)
(Gold/Brown one is a 70 Swinger and potential runner)
(Motor is the 340/4-speed in the rusted 73)

TVLynn

Personally I would look for a rust free example, have it shipped to you.. The extra cost would be offset by not having to do a lot of rust repair. V8 or 6. The 6 requires more work but, Put a late model 360 in. Maybe even an overdrive. You are right that car shown would be good for a parts car

Iowan

I have to agree with the no rust , very expensive to repair correctly!

ToMang07

Can I ask why a 360 over a 340?

TVLynn

360 would be more available and cheap.. I would buy that car FOR parts only if it is cheap like $500 or less..

Iowan

There is a benefit to building a15 year old 360 aposed to a 45 year old 340 , the 340 is going to have more history so it's going to cost more to rebuild. But the trend nowadays is stroker kits and aftermarket aluminum heads for small blocks over 400" and 500 hp, something you didn't have back in high school.

ToMang07

Gotcha. I'll put that on the table as an option. I'd like to keep it at least semi-original, and I've always wanted a 340 Swinger. Thanks.

RacerHog

Build what makes you happy.....
But Me myself... I'm in with the 360 unit... Just my 2 cents...

Iowan

Those tin 340 4 BARREL air cleaner appliques look great on a 500 hp stroker. Just saying some guys do it so I've been told.

Iowan

If you use a 73 or 4 , 360 block you can use a standard 340 piston for a 374 I think, cubes rule, rpm drool!

ToMang07

Well....I just did something stupid.

Found a '70 RB 440 with a rebuilt/fresh 6-Pack.

Iowan

Stupid?
Good for you , 440 is my swap I say GO FOR IT!!!
I have always made my own mounts but shoemaker makes a kit , motor mounts to K frame and headers.
A body 440 6 pack I hope it came with carbs, COOL 😎!
Let us know how it goes

Iowan

Or did I miss something again?

ToMang07

No, just a big project for a rookie, lol

ToMang07

Picked up the 440 and 6-pack today!

RacerHog

I like 440's...

Iowan

The only mopar cast iron I own.

RacerHog

Do you know what to do with them?????

Iowan

Hold down the garage floor.
Until they hold the front tires in the AIR!

RacerHog

Good Idea.... I'll have to try that...

Iowan

Did you get the edit ,Bob?

Iowan

Bob just asking, do you have any thing that makes big power or are you all talk?
Because I have about 1200 hp of mopar in my garage ready to install, what do you have?

Been working hard to get back to the track and it will happen, but then there's life and it gets in the way.
Give me crap all day, I'm guy who will tune your car when mine is running like crap with a smile on my face because I want to help you out, help the sport.

I learned from the best and I'm willing to pass it forward, I get frustrated with those who don't know the basis automotive skills before modifying for performance.
Iowan

Iowan

Now back to the thead, pull it apart and see what you have. For the cost of a gasket set you will know!

ToMang07

I'm debating how far I want to tear it down. (New rings, bushings, etc) Once I get it on the stand I'll probably throw some oil in it and check compression. Then start teardown. Supposedly it only has 90k on it. She turns smooth.

Iowan

What year is it supposed to be?

ToMang07

1970 according to the stamp. Been out of a car for 4-5 years.

RacerHog

All sold 10 Years back....

Iowan

So. All you have is bs left ?

RacerHog

Yep... Looks like 1970 to me also....

Iowan... Lets move this other stuff over to the good morning Tread... Just so we dont screw up ToMag07's Thread...

Iowan

If you pull it apart you will know what pistons it has in it, then you can have an idea of the compression ratio and ciylinder condetion, heads and a look at the bearings.

All for the price of a gasket set, cheap.
If the parts are good you gut put it back together, no harm no fowel.not