Back to basics

Moper - Thank you for your reply. I have watched your advice to several other folks and am fortunate for the chance to hear your suggestions.

The car is in storage (Yes, actually in a barn) and I can't get into it to get complete answers to "what it is". The parts that I know are: this is a 1973 Dodge Dart Sport. Bought it from a Ebay actuion about a year and a half ago. It comes with a "strong" 360 and a newly overhauled 727 transmission (Per the 2nd hand seller). The engine has an nearly new Eddy carb and a Torker 340 intake(???) and stock exhaust. Other than that - I am not sure what it has. I am planning to begin building a garage this holiday weekend and as soon as I that is done, I will get the car moved and have a better chance to answer your questions. I plan to work on the car throughout the winter.

The car has already been started as a project car and most of the exterior paint has been sanded by a previous owner. NO major rust issues anywhere. Was originally a 318 auto tan with tan interior. No A/C, P/B or P/S at this time. I would look at changinig the brakes and suspension options before I could tell you that part of the plan. I think that I remeber it had drum brakes and an 8.25 rear end (gears???)

My wife and I had another 1973 Dodge Dart Sport, 318 auto when we first got married so this car is going to be a sentimental rebuild/reminder of our first one. Top Banana yellow exterior with black interior. We will be using it as a fun street car and possibly enter a few small charity auto shows/cruise ins. We want the car to have some "muscle" for those special opportunities to "get on it". I think that the 400HP target is plenty for us for a long time. We plan to keep the car for a long time.

The budget is still being decided based on what we do to the car. My guess is probably in the $8K - $10K range. We know that power will cost (ie. 408 Stroker=$$$$$). From what I have learned so far, I think that I am planning on getting the block torn down and inspected. IF it is rebuildable, I plan to put it back togther with KB-107 pistons, a Lunati 60403 Voodoo cam, Airgap intake, Eddy heads or something similar (that has been "worked on" for good performance), TTI headers, "X" pipe, the 727 with a shift kit, correct carb, the 727, 15" tires and the correct gears, carb, etc.

We are still in the design phase so our budget plans are not set in stone. We have watched similar setup cars for sale and know that it will very hard to get our money out of it, so we don't want to go too far into the money pit.

Hope this gives you a little to work with.

OCDart - THANKS so much for the encouraging comments. It is awfully tempting to jump right in BUT with the vast talent pool here at FABO - I would like to learn from other folks mistakes and spend my money wisely.