So it begins | 1967 Charger (Central Jersey)

So I had an original, parts matching car...

But now that the engine is blown, I feel like putting my money toward a Gen 3 Hemi instead of replacing the 383 is probably the smarter choice here. Rather than reinvesting my money into an engine that is not well supported.

It’s the way I wanted to go anyway. I just figured I’d have a driver and be able to enjoy it in the meantime.... and although I’m not happy, at least I won’t have to feel guilty now about taking original parts off.

Ultimately, what I do to the car will be to fit how I will use it. It won’t be a daily driver, but it WILL be well used and driven.
I plan to update as much as I can, within reason, making the car more drive-able and convenient while still retaining a mostly factory appearance.

Anyway, some of my plans for the car:

• Drivetrain - Gen 3 Hemi | My goal here is to eventually achieve between 700-750hp boosted. I would not supercharge it right away though. I’m thinking a 6.4L mated to an 8 speed auto. Not sure what block is best... thinking maybe a Scat Pack.
  I know the trans tunnel will also need to be modified. Anyone know a good shop in NJ than can do the swap/fabrication?

• Rear end - Needs to be able to withstand that kind of HP. Not sure if the 8 3/4” is up to par or if I should be looking built 9” Ford or Dana 60?

• Suspension - New K member for sure, to mate up to the Gen 3. Otherwise, looking for suggestions on a good suspension setup that can be upgraded/retrofitted with a performance air ride system down the line. To be included here would be 4 wheel disc brakes.

• Power Everything - Looking for power window and lock retrofits. Would prefer to eliminate the window cranks entirely. So I’m not sure if I’d go with a belt driven kit here or a scissor kit. I assume the later?
  As for locks... actual working locks would be a good start, let alone power locks.
  The headlights need fixing. I have this really cool idea in mind, that is probably sacrilege and I’m not yet sure possible. Otherwise, I’m liking the whole linking the two buckets together to a single motor.

Ideally, I want to spend twice as little as possible. So I’m looking for whatever advice I can get. I’m assuming the best order of attack is suspension, rear end, drivetrain?

You really have to be careful where you choose to spend the money. It can get twice as more than you thought it would get very quickly . I've been there

Almost sounds like you need to buy a new scat pack or SRT and move the charger..? The only thing left that is old mopar is the tin. Just my opinion, as far as support goes never knock a 383, many were built, parts are cheap, easy to perk up( cheaper than a new gen 3), trans can’t beat a flite, rear differential— this always gets me like a trans idea— ford 9” is worse diff than a 8&3/4! Yes hot rod even did a test years ago on them to confirm, they use smaller bearings and pinion stem then ma but have a tiny pocket bearing for a locating purposes . Also I know a guy put one under a Buick and twisted the pinion right out. So build the 8&3/4 put a brace on if your really running it and forget about . The trans folks seem to be going the hot rodder why? Mixing in Gm hydramatics and 4L60 and 80s. not sure other than physical size why you would.? they are like typical GM parts cheap and plentiful but the aren’t the most durable by no means I’ve replaced many. The trans would be a toss up if want overdrive with dependability I’d build the torque flite and add a gear vendors it go manual 5 speed. Suspension in my book I’d get a hold of firm feel , start with a gear box, add their springs and bars, quick ratio pitman and idler arms,box the lower control arms and install a rear sway bar with a bigger one up front and some bilstien shocks from them and your more than set! I’ve been very pleased with their products and I would not do a coil over swap.. but I’m a dedicated Mopar guy and have studied them and learned and will always continue to learn.. I also don’t take the path of least resistance! So the choice is yours ls entirely I love my old Mopars and I love my SRT what do you want and how much can you spend.? Also for trans support get a hold A&A or cope they will fix you up and treat you well. Electric upgrade — I’d put cruise on it and leave the windows alone — aftermarket set ups are not impressive . Good Luck and enjoy it for what it is and or however makes you happy but I also believe for the coin I’d stick with the 383 . They can run good cheaply.! Not trying tell you what to do but just offering my ideas with what I’ve delt with and seen.

I personally think modifying that beautiful car is a mistake. A properly rebuilt 383 is enough power for the street, for the transmission, and for the 8 3/4 rear end. It sounds like you'd prefer a street legal drag car (over 500 hp, etc...). I think an original car with original engine compartment has a wow factor of its own. I also think you'd save a ton of money. Just my opinion.

Your proposed build will cost you twice the price of a new SRT, and you'll still have a 67 Charger with a resale of maybe 25K two years after it's finished. Don't get me wrong I love the 66-67's B bodies. IMO build the 383 or toss in a 440 and enjoy.

With all your specs and then the price thing at the end I have one question.

Have you lost your mind?

I can see people are very set in their minds as to keeping things the way they are...
... However, this is my car. I know I will incur a greater expense going this route. That is not the question. I’m just trying to save from spending twice or otherwise unnecessarily to achieve the results I’m looking for.
If I wanted a modern Dodge car, I’d have bought one. I wanted a classic that I could mod a little at a time as I drove it.
The whole driving it part was removed from the picture, so I’m amending my plans a bit.

I am open minded to people’s factual input, but your opinions are just that. Don’t worry if you can’t filter between the two... I can.

I like your optimism. If you are going for the whole ball of wax that you mentioned is to buy a late model with most everything you are looking for and do as I have seen many times. Cut, chop and make it fit the 67 Charger body. This will save you many, many headaches. No one here is trying to diminish your dreams, they are just offering you some of the realities. We are here to help, not hinder.

Hello,

If you want to keep the original EL instrument cluster, it can be done with a modern drive train. Good luck with the restomod!

Mark, The Gauge Doc

gibber said:

Hello,

If you want to keep the original EL instrument cluster, it can be done with a modern drive train. Good luck with the restomod!

Mark, The Gauge Doc

Click to expand...

I may or may not. If not, I have a completely functional set in very good shape that I will surely offer up here if I do wind up switching them out.

I have a 66 Charger. To be honest I like the idea of keeping the can of worms simple.