Hello all. My name is Justin, from Maricopa, AZ. I recently picked up a 1970 Charger 500 that was headed to the crusher. It came with matching 318 engine and 904 transmission, and was all original. It's in pretty bad shape, so a full restoration is in order. It was last registered in 1979, and has been sitting on it's belly since then. Thank goodness I'm in AZ, or it would be gone by now. I paid $800 for the car, what a steal.

My plan is to restore the entire vehicle to factory condition...but the twist is that I am going to mothball/store the suspension/drivetrain for now, while I build an aggressive 800-900 HP 440 to drop in. I'm aware of the amount of work this conversion is going to require, and already have the 440/727 torn down and am in the process of researching and buying parts! I've priced my engine build somewhere between $7000-12,000 depending on whether or not I'm going to boost it.

Currently, the plan is to stroke the 440 to 543ci, install Aluminum main caps and a main stud girdle, run a Milodon external oiling system, run a COMP cams extreme .564 profile hydraulic roller cam, roller lifters, and roller rockers in some ported/polished Edelbrock Victor heads and an Edelbrock CH-28 Multi-Quad intake manifold, followed by dual Edelbrock 600cfm Carburetors. I'm also planning on running an electric water pump, and ditching the mechanical fan for an aftermarket race radiator and electric fan setup. My projected compression ratio is sitting right at 10:1 (I've skipped the listing of many steps in between, of course)

If I'm missing anything major, or something catches your eye as being off-kilter, let me know, I'm open to any and all suggestions! This is my first Mopar, but I've been doing research since I bought the car and I think I have most everything covered in my build.

 

First of all Welcome! Anytime a car can be saved from the crusher is good. Great job! Good luck with your build(s) car and engine. This forum is a great place to help you out!

 

I see lots of work ahead. But I have seen worst projects. Good luck

 

IF i remember right the 1969 or 1968 - 500 model had a bigger engine. and different grill a egg crate grill. and a filled back window. I THINK.

 

What are you saying? I think I'm confused.

 

Welcome to the forum.... Thank you for saving this Mopar from the crusher.... Yes, you do have a lot of work ahead of you but when you are done you will have the pride and satisfaction that you saved this car.... Oh, be sure to check out the Mopar of the Month contest.....

 

Thanks! I'm really going to enjoy bringing this one back to life. I rebuilt a few vehicles with my dad when I was younger, and when I saw this car on a trailer, I knew what I had to do. Also, I saw some of the MOTMs, and cant wait to get there! And get there I will!

 

That's the attitude I like to see! Welcome to the show! Be sure to keep us posted with the pics. Doesn't matter what shape its in, MOPAR is too good for the crusher! Congrats on the save!

 

Welcome to the forum,, looks like a lot to strat with, will be a cool ride

 

Welcome aboard.

 

I'll definitely keep you guys posted! I'm going to start my own thread when I've made some good progress so I'm not posting a thousand tiny updates here and there.

Thanks! I do have a full plate, but I'm not daunted by it!

Thanks, glad to be here!