273ci thoughts?
Have a '67 Dart GT 2 door hardtop that my father and I are about to get back to working on. I already added power brakes and power steering and rebuilt the front end. Added Cragar 14" SS wheels and air shocks in the back. I've gathered all new parts to redo the interior and even found all the fender trim pieces to have restored! I pulled the back glass a few months ago in preparation for some seam sealer repair at body shop, hope that happens soon...
Now we're at a crossroads on engine decision. She has a 273ci currently. My Dad's Dart in the 70's was 340 swapped from a Duster. Realizing the price tag on 340's currently, we're weighing our options, which brings me here for help. I've read and read and read and just can't make sense of it all, was hoping for some consolidated info and recommendations on one thread, and I thank you ALL for your valuable advice and wisdom!
Questions;
Is the 273 worth rebuilding and adding some power to? It's a 2 barrel Holley setup now, but otherwise completely original. I know the 4 barrel pistons are a bit of an upgrade, and the 308 swirl (think I got that right) heads? What about cam and intake? Will the Hooker headers bolt right in with no issues with a 727 trans?
Alternately, if I were to go 318 or 360, which car/truck years or applications should I look for for a straight forward swap with 727 trans? Would either be okay with just a rebuild, or should we throw some power at them as well? I know the limitations on stuffing some rubber in the rear, so I'm a little hesitant to have a crazy torque motor to blow the tires loose all the time!
New Hemi swap? After it's all said and done, how much can this be done for?
Suspension - is it necessary to go to a torsion bar eliminating K member and suspension? Could we get by for a while on stock suspension with new components and dics up front?
Thanks for any insight, and I look forward to sharing some pics and progress on the old girl.
Have a '67 Dart GT 2 door hardtop that my father and I are about to get back to working on. I already added power brakes and power steering and rebuilt the front end. Added Cragar 14" SS wheels and air shocks in the back. I've gathered all new parts to redo the interior and even found all the fender trim pieces to have restored! I pulled the back glass a few months ago in preparation for some seam sealer repair at body shop, hope that happens soon...
Now we're at a crossroads on engine decision. She has a 273ci currently. My Dad's Dart in the 70's was 340 swapped from a Duster. Realizing the price tag on 340's currently, we're weighing our options, which brings me here for help. I've read and read and read and just can't make sense of it all, was hoping for some consolidated info and recommendations on one thread, and I thank you ALL for your valuable advice and wisdom!
Questions;
Is the 273 worth rebuilding and adding some power to? It's a 2 barrel Holley setup now, but otherwise completely original. I know the 4 barrel pistons are a bit of an upgrade, and the 308 swirl (think I got that right) heads? What about cam and intake? Will the Hooker headers bolt right in with no issues with a 727 trans?
Alternately, if I were to go 318 or 360, which car/truck years or applications should I look for for a straight forward swap with 727 trans? Would either be okay with just a rebuild, or should we throw some power at them as well? I know the limitations on stuffing some rubber in the rear, so I'm a little hesitant to have a crazy torque motor to blow the tires loose all the time!
New Hemi swap? After it's all said and done, how much can this be done for?
Suspension - is it necessary to go to a torsion bar eliminating K member and suspension? Could we get by for a while on stock suspension with new components and dics up front?
Thanks for any insight, and I look forward to sharing some pics and progress on the old girl.
