i am about to restore my 68 Charger. Its an original 383 4 speed but since Hemi car prices are now well above $150,000 I have decided to install a 426 Crate Motor(hey its my car right). I am looking for direction on web sites,books or genral tips in what I need to do. Here is what I know so far: The oil pan on The crate motor needs to be changed to fit the 68 k member. I need to switch to a 26" rad. Brake booster needs changing. Will the A 833 4 speed do the job or will it need a beefier unit? It currently has a 3.23 posi in it but I will probably replace with a Dana 60. Do I need to make any changes to the k Member or torsion bars> Best sources for conversion parts???
Paul, Please don't take this the wrong way but perhaps a site dedicated to something besides V8 Buicks might be more appropriate for your quest. Again, no offense intended, just an observation.
Advice Eddie I have been a member of this forum for three years and have found this section in particular which is brand neutral an excellent place to start on an inquiry. there are many contributors who own Mopars Olds,Chevelles,Fords AMC's,Pontiacs and Studes who can point me in the right direction. I have looked at some of the Mopar sites and founds the information focused on arguments rather than solid friendly bantor on car related subjects. Steve thank you for the web link -That is what I was looking for.
Hi Paul, I'm not an expert on Mopars but I'm happy you're a member of this site. This site can also be a good resource for general knowledge on other musclecars as well. I love the old mopars and many guys on this :beer site do as well. I'm sure someone here can help you. I wish you luck on your project. John.
If you already have the engine, never mind Paul, here is a bit of advice: If you do not have the crate engine yet you better work on that first. Those things and the individual parts are made in batches, sometimes getting sold out driving up the prices. I recently purchased a 426 block, when I started looking for Mopar performance Hemi heads the best price I found was the employee discount at the dealer. Problem was, there were 28 on back order with no deliver date or vendor identified in the system. Had them do a dealer search and found the heads in stock. After I bought them, that dealer said I probably got the last ones available at a dealer. This was less than a month ago. I've heard the blocks are the the same right now however I don't know for sure. I do know the rocker stands are sold out and the exhaust rockers are on back order. At least the rockers had a deliver date, the stands did not. Yada yada yada.....I guess in a nutshell there are a lot of sources for those engines and parts Just don't take it for granted you can order or buy one at any time.
Someone say "Mopar"??? Moparts would be your best bet for questions regarding your conversion. Stick to the "Question & Answer" forum for your concerns. Or, possibly the "Racer" forum. Stay out of the "General" forum as that is more like the social club/debate society on there. It can be "clique-ish" so don't feel bad if they don't warm up to you right away. Moparstyle is more of a social setting overall. Having been involved with Mopar message boards since 1998, I think you will get better tech advice on Moparts. As for Brian's suggestion about the crate Hemi. If you have it already, or still need to order it, make sure you have the thing pulled apart and checked by a competant shop before you install between the fenders. If you're spending $15,000+ on the engine, it's worth a couple hundred more dollars to have it spec'ed out. Lots and lots of problems with the Crate program. Remember, as specialized as they make it sound, the CRATE engines were still built by the lowest bidder. In past years there have been HORROR stories involving the Mopar Crate Engines. Especially the Hemi. Can you say finger tight rod bolts?? Only one half the main bearing installed??? Ring gaps lined up in a nice row up-and-down??? Cams rounding off on initial fire-up. It wasn't pretty. My buddy is the parts manager at Monicatti Chrysler/Jeep here in Sterling Heights. He will send out his crate engines to be checked by a local hi-po machine shop before he releases it to the customer. Speaking of which, if you need anything for your conversion, call Kevin Moore at Monicatti. He can locate your parts beter than any other dealer. And he shoots "straight". If the part isn't there, he'll tell you. And tell you why. He won't won't keep you dangling. He ships all over the USA and is usually the #1 M/P parts dealer in the country. 586-977-1700 ext. 255. Tell him I said "Get to work"!!
Monicatti is where I bought my heads. Paul needs the number one dealer in Canada......west side. :laugh:
Hemi info A local dealer has had a 426 on order since January and they have my name on it. Thanks for the tips on what to watch for and the parts and source leads. I knew I could count on the guys on this site for the right leads.
I lack focus FE, MEL, BBC, SBC, Flathead, 385, Y Block, A, B, RB, Early Hemi, Nailhead, Early Olds, Late Olds, Pontiac, Whippet, Willys........into now or have been into all of these at some point or another. Haven't had a 426 Hemi Until now. :beer
Nothing specific at the moment. I have strong leanings toward a '64 Polara. Might go into the '58 parts car, altered wheel base bar axle type of thing. The only thing I'm sure of is it won't be P/S or F.A.S.T. legal......back to building Hot Rods :3gears:
Any projected delivery date? Also I heard of a guy who restores K members if the brakets are wrong or missing to the Hemi config. He is in the California area......I can follow up Paul, if you like.
