Rebuilding a 318
 

Well, I was lucky enough to be the only grandson on the both sides of the family, and not only that but the oldest. So, as my first car, I have received a 1974 dodge charger, previously owned by my great grandmother. My parents and grandpa want me to start rebuilding the engine and transmission right now, as I'll be driving the car in two years. :dance: But I guess I came to you guys to ask, where in the hell do I start????? the car starts and runs, but burns oil and leaks transmission fluid. the paint in not only a horrendous color, but is in pretty bad shape. I want this car to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. If you know what I mean. I've been looking into super chargers and such, but I want it to move pretty well by itself too.

here are some photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7428524...7630293072580/

And heres a video of the car, its a cold start, but its a start.

I know the young man wants that cool factor, horsepower, wide tires that rumble get rid of the granny interior let me tell you what I think. You sir have one of the last true muscle car body styles worth keeping for a long time. Many here will tell you their car like your's (just the way it is) will grab more attention driving down the street than any of the new big 3 HP cars. I would start getting books and manuals to learn about your car get it running tip top and drive,drive ,drive it. Don't make the mistakes I made by tearing it apart with some great plan only to not complete the car. That is one very cool car.

Dude that car is sick. They all leak something...keep everything topped off, and drive it! You'll learn a lot just by maintaining it!

Keep it rolling and fix her as you go. You may not realize it but you have a car that drips cool. And it has a v8 318 that can be easily modified for really good power.

Learn how to do a compression test and if all is good get a full length header, clean up that interior add a decent intake and go from there. These mods are good ways to get your hands dirty.

Heads and super charger can be added later..

Very nice. Looks to be in very good condition.. How many miles ? 318 should last 250K miles with just a timing chain and valve job !

Last I checked 67,000 miles

And for the color I was thinking a dark, metallic gray.

I have a '73 charger thats been worked over by many idiots before I bought it. Your lucky you can still refer to the book for troubleshooting . I can't even identify the three speed they put in it (after they pulled the 727 auto, and don't get me started on the rigged/welded Zbar that cracked the clutch fork) Follow the book and you'll find their just big-ass, heavy full scale models. With the manuel and proper tools, it's all possible.

Oh yeah, Id kill, well...maybe hurt for that interior. Beautiful car!

Haha thanks:) me and my uncle are starting an automotive buisness. Disel/gas/body work/tinting/performance haha. Right now we are working on a 1995 dodge ram 3500. Runs like a champ. It's just all body work. So I'm going to take a percentage of that truck and what it sells for and put it upwards my car and just work on it there:)