Have a '67 Dart GT 2 door hardtop.
Looks like a really nice car. sounds like you going for a tight budget build.
Now we're at a crossroads on engine decision. She has a 273ci currently.
Here is the scoop on the engine deal.
1. IF you like /desire an underdog and have money to waste. Rebuild your 273.
2. IF the cost of a 340 vs. a 360 build is a make it or creak it deal, you aren't ready to have an engine built. Your budget just isn't there.
Questions;
Is the 273 worth rebuilding and adding some power to? What about cam and intake? Will the Hooker headers bolt right in with no issues with a 727 trans?
I'll say again, unless you are doing a points resto on a car the 273 is an underdog for a guy who has money to waste. Pistons and/or heads / head work to get your compression and some flow. Cam will be based off your heads, compression, intended usage, car specs, etc. Intake, I'd tel you a performer RPM but as I remember there may be some funny deal with intake fitment on a 273. Any aluminum single 4150 flanged intake will do you fine. You need to look at the specs from the header manufacturer. They are very specific with fitment. I'd be looking at TTI headers.
Alternately, if I were to go 318 or 360, 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.
If you are going to buy another engine to have rebuilt and replace the 273, the 340 and 360 are the desired choices. If you have it rebuilt, you're going to up the stock power level, how much depends on your wallet, choices and engine builders input.
There are no limitations to stuffing enough tire under these cars. It's pretty easy to fit a plenty of tire under them with minimal effort. Crazy torque with a SBM mild rebuild aren't things that go hand in hand considering modern engine outputs.
New Hemi swap? After it's all said and done, how much can this be done for?
You'll need an engine, a controller (or carb conversion), swap mounts and headers at a minimum. No set value can be put on this but I'd plan on spending at least 10,000$ end game.
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?
Necessary? NO, not at all. You can get by with stock front end and discs. As an owner of an AlterKation, I'd never build another without one, but it can easily be done I ran stock stuff for 20+ years.
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