Quote Originally Posted by Matthyj View Post
It wouldn't be as powerful but for not much more you could get a low deck early hemi that would add a ton of visual impact and be eternally cool. Most on here remember the mid 80's when we awed at the crossfire fuel injection motors when they showed up in a streetrod, now you see 'em and can't help but chuckle. Do the early hemis fit? Of coarse not but that add's to the visual impact thing. New motors are only new till the newer model come out. Besides that the simplicity of a early motor makes me feel comfortable when I travel. Only my opinion, but I have a blown small block in a '32 and a early in my '37 and way more people get the wow factor with the early hemi, which one runs better?? They have no idea! I love the old dodge coupes, your doing the right thing sticking with something a little different. Best of luck
Thanks for the opinion, Matthyj, and I know exactly where you are coming from. An early hemi was on my list of possibilities, in fact I had one lined up. It was a 1951 (I think) 330, and the guy wanted $1400, which sounded pretty cheap, until he mentioned that it had no starter, carb, manifolds, alternator, etc, etc. In the end, that was not the deciding factor, though. The deciding factor is that I am looking for a car I can drive, any time, any place. I am not sure that a 64 year old engine, or even a 40 year old 440 would be the best way to accomplish that. I totally understand the "wow factor", but for me, it is not the prime motivator. I will likely go to some shows with it, but I am doing this for fun, not to impress others, if you follow me. YMMV, of course... As always, I really appreciate the comments.
Glen