I have a 1974 Dodge Charger SE Brougham with A/C (not working) a 318 and automatic shift on the floor, and I want to keep this American car as American as possible and build it to 500 HP. I was thinking of a 400 with a torque flight tranny, the 5th Vin digit is N. I'd like to know what I can put under the hood with out using a shoe horn, and still have plenty of room for headers and changing spark plugs? I'd like to get ideas that range from low budget to medium budget. Also can I continue with low octane gas? Thank you for taking the time to help me with this problem!

 

74C-

You can do it, (I did), but forget the "plenty of room" part.

First, a 440 would be a better choice, unless you plan on stroking the 400.
The stock K frame and torsion bars are fine.
Contact Schumaker Racing for conversion engine and trany mounts (I prefer the neoprene mount bushings) and you will need a new transmission, as the SB trany won't bolt up the the BB.

End result should be something like this...


You may want to consider a lower dual plane manifold to fit under the stock hood.
A new (larger) radiator would also help - a lot!

I'm over 10.5:1 compression and it runs fine on pump gas.

Check out my photo album here for other ideas or PM me.

Archer

 

Thanks for the suggestion to go with a 440, however how do I reach Schumaker Racing and what will it cost me to get how many pony's from a 440? Your 440 looks great! I hope mine looks that good when it's done? Thanks for the advice!

 

74C -

Schumaker -

http://www.engine-swaps.com/index.html

500HP at the flywheel isn't that hard to do ona 440.
Solid short block, balanced/blueprinted
Compression about 10:1 or a little more
Decent cam (Comp cams are good these days), an hydrolic roller is a good option.
Appropriate headers 1 7/8" primaries into a 3" collector.
Good dual plan manifold (always liked edelbrock)
Carb in the 750 - 850 range (always liked Holley double pumpers)
MSD systems are popular, but the Chrysler Orange or Chrome Box ignitions aren't slouches and cheaper.
Basic stuff.
Sorry, don't have current prices.

First stop(s) should be locating an engine and talking to a local machine shop.

Real question is what do you want to do with the car?
In most cases, the more power, the less happy you'll or the car will be on the street.

If you want to take the easy way out ad have about $7K to spend, try JEGS
http://www.jegs.com/p/Blueprint-Engi...17623/10002/-1

Don't know anything about these, but the price is good and there's a warranty.

Archer

 

Thanks for the 440 build idea, however I'm looking for a price list with the advice and I'm hoping not to spend $7k on just the engine. I don't have a problem with those expect I'd really like to keep my car as American as me. There was no mention of a soda bottle size in 1974 in the U.S. and that's why I said 318 to 400 and not some L size's. I'm hoping to have something street friendly and want some serious pony's as well?

 

Welcome 1974Charger, your name is my car! and i'm ridiculously close to Buffalo.

only i'm sticking with SB as i have a 360 (not built yet) from the stock 318.

Archer, that engine does look nice!