Wrong date coded motor, what do you think?

[wedgeheaded]

I have my old 64 Polara, I have it listed for sale for what I have in it, but don't car if I sell it or not. It has a good running poly 318 (or did when parked) but I just kinda want a BB. I have a 66 361 and a 73 400 I could use but I keep getting hung up on the date code. I'd like it to have a 64 motor. What do you guys think about it? I'm doing it for me so if I'm happy, I guess that's all that matters but, I'll probably be selling it some day. How big of a deal would that be to you guys if you were looking to buy? pic link http://www.flickr.com/photos/75992550@N04/sets/72157629958510260/

 

[RacerRick]

In my opinion, a non original motor is a not original owner. I would throw in whatever one you like and not worry about it. If the poly is the original motor, just put is into storage and sell it with the car if you are worried about numbers matching.

 

[YY1]

Unless it's 99 point car, a 318 matching numbers is just "nice".

Especially since it's not really matching, just date correct, as per pre 1968.5 SOP.

I agree, set it aside and make it known it is included in any future sale.

If you're putting a BB in an SB car, IMO the date code doesn't matter, unless your planning on keeping the original pistons for a specific CR.

I'd build that 400 with some 9:1 pistons and put a 383 pie tin on it (yes I know, no pie tins in 64)

 

[wedgeheaded]

Unless it's 99 point car, a 318 matching numbers is just "nice".

Especially since it's not really matching, just date correct, as per pre 1968.5 SOP.

I agree, set it aside and make it known it is included in any future sale.

If you're putting a BB in an SB car, IMO the date code doesn't matter, unless your planning on keeping the original pistons for a specific CR.

I'd build that 400 with some 9:1 pistons and put a 383 pie tin on it (yes I know, no pie tins in 64)

I've thought the same thing. The 361 is from an old charger and needs the least amount of work, just a freshening, while the 400 needs rebuilt. Part of the reason I still haven't started this car is because I can't make up my mind what I want. I'd like to do the late model hemi swap that has been so carefully detailed in another post on this site but I'm too cheap.

 

[lewtot184]

if you go to a big block you'll need a big block cable tranny or at least a big block case to put the 318 tranny guts in.

 

[vanrj1]

If you make a bunch of HP you will need to rebuild the trany anyway so do the mods to fit the BB. Or build a nice 340 stroker, like .60 over to 422. Mine made just south of 500HP in my Duster for low 11's.

 

[Cranky]

I sold my original numbers matching cars years ago but they were E bodies and bought something that didn't matter if it was correct or not. A 318 car IMO isn't much more of a big deal than a 66 2dr post car with a /6 and AC in it. Some like the 318 poly motors but I'm not one of them. Yeah, you can make them run good but you can make a big block run better even if it's stock.

 

[YY1]

I like poly 318s and LA 318s, and the more I think about how much it costs to build a big block, and how much it costs to fill the tank twice a day with premium for a big block, and how you might be able to beat a new mustang or camaro, while they are getting 12 MPG better with cruise control, a/c, and reclining seats, the more I like my nice old cars with 318 power.

 

[Cranky]

I don't dislike small blocks but like big blocks better. Plus I don't use them for my daily driver anymore so gas mileage isn't a concern and neither is beating a Mustang or a Camaro. Yeah, the new cars are pretty quick but so what. What's cooler than a 66 Belvedere a 68 roadrunner....or any other 45 year old hot rod of the 60's!? A new Mustang or a Camaro? Not hardly!

 

[Moparsmitty]

I don't think anybody is going to care very much if a poly 318 is the correct #s matching engine. I know I don't. If it was a 426W then it would matter to me. Like Lewtot said, if you go to the 361 or any other big block you are going to need a big block pushbutton (pre 64) torqueflite or go to an aftermarket shifter if you use a later BB trans.

 

[67 coronet]

without rare options that car will never be worth any more $$ then a car that has a non matching #s motor.most people only want to hear BIG BLOCK when you are selling an old car.build what you want for the money you have.its all about the fun factor anyhow.

 

[Bull1tt]

I would have no issue using any late motor in the car. I wouldn't use a 361 though, too much work for little gain. Sell that 361 if you can, stroke that 400, and then you'll have something. The car will be more desirable with a nice big-block over the 318 or 361 in the end.

 

[62 Dart Convertible]

I would have no issue using any late motor in the car. I wouldn't use a 361 though, too much work for little gain. Sell that 361 if you can, stroke that 400, and then you'll have something. The car will be more desirable with a nice big-block over the 318 or 361 in the end.

Now, there is sound advice. If you are going to do it, get max cubes for your $$.

My 2C worth?! Date correct or not is up to you. If you can convince yourself it doesn't matter, go a 440, any year. If you are looking for something a bit more date correct, then it really should be a 426 street wedge. (You could consider a '64 413, sonic check and bore .060" (.0625" actually) and hey presto you have a 426. I can hear folks about to say, custom pistons, $$... It's just a thought.