Is An A Body Worth It?

Dad always tells me never to sell anything. I think it would be really cool to restore the numbers matching block. If the heads can't be made to work, buy a set, but I'd keep the originals.

I'd figure out what it will cost to fix the block vs what you can buy a block for vs what you can buy an engine for. If it's cheaper or the same to fix the block vs buying a block, it's not much difference in work done. If you can find an engine you're comfortable not dismantling, then there's something saved there.

Going hemi would be really cool, but it's the most work. You'll need a lot of stuff. Bigger torsion bars, different motor mounts (I'm not sure if the Schumacher mounts will work for a hemi or not) or a motor plate, you have to work really hard to keep power steering and I'm not sure you can keep power brakes (nor do I know if you have either of those). That said, it sounds like you already have the Hemi, and the duster would be a great home for it.

....I'm bad at making decisions, but I do know that I wish I could drive my car and staying 340 will put you on the road the quickest and cheapest. If you want more, you'll still have the Hemi :D