slant daily driver buildup

mopar63dart said

I have a 1963 Dart that I want to build up for a daily driver. I have the motor that is in the car as well as a slant in a 73 duster. I believe both of them are 225's but I can not say for sure. What years do I want to look for with different parts to make a dependable motor for year round driving. I want to have decent power as I am driving 30 miles daily one way through the mountains and would like to still get as good of mileage as I can. Also what kind of mileage can I or should I expect?

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Verdana, Can you say "Oxymoron"? Good mileage & power are mutually exclusive terms. Most likely you want a 'solid' slant 6 with a 2bbl carb to wring out the most power for the thrifty size of the engine. Trial & error, are the only sure ways to see if the power achieved by adding 2bbl carb to your 225 slant 6 engine is what you'll feel satisfied with. I'm guessing that a Mopar driver wants ultimate power...and will give up the economy to get it.
..but be sure that you do have a 225ci engine..and not the 170ci engine..bascially the same engine but 225 has 1" longer stroke for more lugging power which you would definately need in mountain terraine. In the end, and if you're transplanting engines..into your '63 (which I have also but in OHIO), you'd be much better to find and rebuild a 273 or 318 block back to new specs for ultimate power the plant will generate, and swap out the slnt6 engines ALtogether. You'll not find that much difference in mileage overall and much better power in mountain terraine. Otherwise it's like going to the grocery store in your slant 6 - it will get you there and back, it's just a matter of how fast. Personally I'd prefer to have the extra power under my foot if I'm springing for an engine overhaul anyway. Good luck, BILL-Cols,OH
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