1964 Belvedere Post engine dilemma/advice needed

[PMux]

Hi guys, I've had this nice, supposed to be 12K, 1964 post car body for over a year and am undecided about what engine and transmission to use. Neither the engine or transmission came with the car although it was a V 8 car. I can't figure out if numbers matching 383 or 426 is appropriate or is this car worth trying to locate a date correct numbers matching engine. The car has a 10/21/63 production date and so far I haven't seen any mid 1963 blocks or engines available that would be appropriate. I've collected enough parts to complete the car and I intend to restore the body, chrome, interior and install a 4 speed instead of an automatic but one consideration is what is the point of diminishing returns on this car? Is numbers matching motor and transmission acceptable or does date correct for the Belvie make a great monetary difference in value? Thanks in advance. Paul

 

[383man]

Myself if its not a real Max Wedge of Hemi car I would build it to your liking. My 63 you see here is an original 383 car but I gave it the 60's SS look with the Max Wedge scoop and built my own pump gas eng to push it in the 10's as I drive it alot but also like to race every now and then at the track. But if I were I would build what you like and then drive it and have fun. Ron

 

[Endangered Species]

If your starting from scratch put a Hemi in it. It won't cost that much more but it's more impressive and it will have more resale value.

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If your starting from scratch put a Hemi in it. It won't cost that much more but it's more impressive and it will have more resale value.
Nice Ride... I'm envious

 

[dvw]

Build it like you want. In the words of a friend, "I don't build by committee". I wanted mine to look old school and go fast.
Doug

 

[khryslerkid]

Build it like you want. In the words of a friend, "I don't build by committee". I wanted mine to look old school and go fast.
Doug

Damn, I love that color!

 

[Richard Cranium]

but one consideration is what is the point of diminishing returns on this car?

I hate to break it to you, but the moment you bought the car was the point of diminishing returns. 99.9% of all builds are a loosing proposition and that includes my current project.

 

[eric383]

You got that right Dickie! If you do all the work yourself you might be lucky enough to break even. Build it like you want it and then drive the wheels off of it. You don't know what tomorrow holds.

 

[Jackpot50]

If you put a 4 speed in it, then it won't be numbers matching.
Build what you can afford and drive it.

 

[Moparsmitty]

It kind of depends on what you want to do with the car. Is it going to be a weekend cruiser? Are you going to race it? Are you going to show it? I would build it the way I want it without worrying too much about what it's going to be worth when it's done. You aren't building it to sell, right? My '64 has a fairly mild HP code 440 with a push button TF that sounds good and is a pleasure to drive. It would be nice to have a Hemi/ 4speed car but it's not worth the $ to me if it's not all original JMHO. Whatever you do, build it, drive it, and enjoy it. Good luck on your build.

 

[aldal]

Hey Paul nice project you have there. I am building my 65 Coronet the way I want it, but I have no illusions that what I invest will ever be recouped. I just have my vision and with advice from the great people on this site someday it will be completed (or at least close - always something else to add :headbang. Good luck

 

[Budnicks]

It's not really a big dollar car to begin with

"Build it how you want it, drive it like you stole it & who cares what others think"

It pretty much fits here,
most will never recoup the investment, just have fun...


Please don't take this the wrong way,
it's not meant to be derogatory or to put you or your car down...
BUT;
Unless it was an original Max Wedge or Hemi car,
or 100% correct #'s matching {then possibly worth 25% more},
it'll never be a high dollar resale car anyway... such is life

Who cares, build it to have fun & how you want to...

My $0.02 cents

I like the style so far...

Hi guys, I've had this nice, supposed to be 12K, 1964 post car body for over a year and am undecided about what engine and transmission to use. Neither the engine or transmission came with the car although it was a V 8 car. I can't figure out if numbers matching 383 or 426 is appropriate or is this car worth trying to locate a date correct numbers matching engine. The car has a 10/21/63 production date and so far I haven't seen any mid 1963 blocks or engines available that would be appropriate. I've collected enough parts to complete the car and I intend to restore the body, chrome, interior and install a 4 speed instead of an automatic but one consideration is what is the point of diminishing returns on this car? Is numbers matching motor and transmission acceptable or does date correct for the Belvie make a great monetary difference in value? Thanks in advance. Paul

I hate to break it to you, but the moment you bought the car was the point of diminishing returns. 99.9% of all builds are a loosing proposition and that includes my current project.

we're all there...

You got that right Dickie! If you do all the work yourself you might be lucky enough to break even. Build it like you want it and then drive the wheels off of it. You don't know what tomorrow holds.

exactly my thoughts too, there are exceptions to the rule,
but they are rare...

 

[PMux]

Hi, What Hemi would you put in this car for maximum impression and practicality? Would you consider a modern Hemi? I see that they make conversion parts for these. A Hemi appeals to me but I don't know where to start looking for a suitable engine and transmission. There are very few Mopars in this area. Thanks, Paul

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Thanks for all your input. It's appreciated.

 

[65hemi]

426 based genII hemi. Mine is from FHO (For Hemis Only).

 

[dvw]

Wedge

 

[bobtile]

That car would look great wrapped around my motor and trans!