Choosing the best 5.7 engine and Transmission

Ottmundr said

Do the math, the new hemis are cool and all but expensive...

You already have the trans if you stick with older iron, and will save a ton of money by doing so.
You could keep your 318 and stroke it, or just check out rusty's hot rod bliss thread.
RustyRatRod's Guide To Hot Rod Bliss

or,

Magnumswap.com - Your source for Dodge Magnum and Mopar engine swap tech.

or,

have you considered something like this?

Mopar 360 engine and radiator for sale

or,

have you considered talking to @Johnny Mac from blueprint engines?

Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback! I've actually gone back and forth on all of those options but ultimately have settled on the hemi. I also have a 440 and BB 727 in the garage. The builds I looked at for both the 318 and 440, or even a magnum just added up pretty quick to get reliable power. I've been seeing a ton of 5.7 engine and trans pulled out of wrecked cars for under 2,000. Even less at pull-a-part. For the cost the engine/trans plus the hotwire wiring and some engine parts listed above, it seems like I can get super reliable power pretty reasonably priced. Certainly open to ideas and I'll keep researching all options, but I'm pretty set on the idea of selling what I have and building a mild 5.7 with an OD trans. Just seems like the perfect combo for what I am wanting.