Hey gang, I need some advise on several levels.

I am building a 38 Plymouth business coupe. I am using a Mustang 2 front suspension style via Fatman.

Right now it has a late model 8 3/4 in it that was there when I bought it. Its going to be a full fendered rig as I have all the parts, fenders, grille that are near perfect.

I now need to decide on what motor. I would love a 5.7 HEMI but I hear thats an expensive endeavor due to the wiring harness, ect. I planned on finding a salvage vehicle and pulling the motor, trans, computer ect.

The car will have electric windows, after market air and creature comforts. I want this to be a driver that can run cross country.

So that said, I keep hearing that a nice 360 is a LOT cheaper in all respects???

Can anyone give me some details on both, costs, what is available in the way of wiring for both, ect.

I am no wiring expert and will have some help from a guy who is not a mopar guy, but understands EFI, ect.

I dont mind spending a few more bucks, 2-3K to get the 5.7. running, and going but cant aford an outrageous cost difference when I know a nice built newer 360 will do the job and give me a nice RUMBLE when running.

any suggestions or advise is greatly appreciated. The car will more than likley also use a rack and pinion style steering.

Dave

talk to your law buddies and find out about local impound yards. See what donors are available and prices.

Dave, the most economical way would be a carbarated 360,then a small block stroker, then a efi 360 magnum then the 5.7-6.1 HEMI.
I hope to someday have a 5.7 or 6.1 HEMI in something for my wife,either the 34 phaeton delivery or a 70 challenger.

I think any of those would work well for a great cross country cruiser and reliable rod.

at the fall fling there was a 5.7 crate HEMI comlete,new and ready to go for $2,800. OBO

as more and more start showing up in the junkyards the prices will be coming down. its the wiring that has me holding back. Ron...




I found this place that has harness'
but I dont know how much the computer goes for?

http://www.hotwireauto.com/?page=sales-dcx

price list:
http://www.hotwireauto.com/?page=pricelist#Hemi



EDIT:
found some more info
it looks like the wiring harness is $995.
and a NEW computer is $650.00

if that is all you need to get one of these up and running I guess that's not to bad

more info here, including measurements
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/

I have a 5.7L block and heads that I am hoping to build into a 392, the block and heads were cheap the stroker kits are still killers at ~3000 for the piston, rods, and crank.

Anyway, I was leaning towards running the 518 I have for the joy of overdrive and a higher rear gear. A cruiser I would consider either a 518 or a 545rfe for the overdrive aspect.

I agree, it all depends on what you want. I like the idea of a 5 speed stick. but the 518 makes the most sense.
also I like the 5 speed auto in my wifes 05 truck(545rfe I think) I would like to find a wrecked hemi truck and use the engine and trans out of it. Ron...

If you buy a the engine & trans from a wrecked car or truck, get the computers and wiring as well. (get the fuel pump from the tank too.) Then you have the whole package that works. Gene

I see 5.7 hemis, with trans, computer, and harness on craigslist from time to time for anywhere between $3,500 and $5,000. I was very close to going this route on my 34 coupe. The wiring was the thing that changed my mind. I wouldn't know where to start.
Arno