So, I've been thinking about this lately randomly and I'm trying to think of future drivetrain options for my Dart. In the future I think I'm going to stray from being the all-purpose jack-of-all trades sort of car and swap it over to a more dedicated autocross/road racing car (not necessarily competitively) that I can drive to the track and back if needed be. The reason for this change in direction is that I'm most likely going to buy a R/T or SRT8 Challenger to replace my DD when I graduate and that will be able to handle the road trips, reliability, spirited driving, and comfort department. I haven't worked on my Dart since September and have been halted anyways as I just shipped my spindles back for recall this past weekend.

My 273 seems to be on it's last leg. The compression was checked a year ago and it had low compression in one cylinder (#2 I think, somewhere around 60 psi while the others were 120-150 psi). There's occasionally a small cloud of smoke that pops up during the first couple minutes of driving when I'm on the gas. It leaks everywhere. I'm not sure what's not leaking.

The 904 is running fine-ish. It has a small leak and it won't shift into 1st when I manually try to change it, but besides that, it's seems fine and is shifting crisply.

The suspension will be setup with stiffened LCA's, Hotchkis TVS, Bilstein shocks (will go to a better one in the future), 1.06" T-bars, Dr Diff 13" Brembo-style front brakes, Dr Diff 11.7" Cobra Mustang rear brakes, 8 3/4 w/ 489 case/3.55 gears/Eaton TrueTrac, 18 x 9" wheels with 255/40/18" tires (going to try to make them fit) all around.

So, for short term options I was thinking about possibly finding a used 360 engine (maybe even a 318) and replacing the 273 with it. Idk much about engines and which are good; however, I think an LA should be fine. There seems to be quite a few trucks, vans, and motorhomes on CL with them (I know they're not necessarily "performance" engines). I don't see pulled engines quite frequently. I'd like it to be more of a pull the 273 out, drop the 360 in sort of ordeal. For the 904, I was thinking about rebuilding it and possibly adding a shift kit that way I don't have to cut the driveshaft again. From what I understand the rebuild process on those are fairly easy and affordable, plus I can order a more aggressive first gear. The exhaust would need to be redone as I've still got 273 manifolds, the driver's side exhaust tube was hammered to clear T-bars so it's about half the diameter, and it seems the exhaust system is flat on the bottom towards the front of the car (meaning it's bottomed out a couple times in its life).

Long term goals (2-3+ years from now) I'm unsure of what I want. The transmission I'm pretty much set on and would like to utilize is a T56 Magnum. I'm also pretty much set on 91 Octane as that's all you can find readily over in CA. It must have PS... There are 3 big engine swaps that pop into my head:

1) KISS... Mild 408 stroker w/ forged components. I believe the SCAT rotating assembly is fairly affordable. I think I'd be happy with something in the 9-10 CR range that makes 400-500 hp. That way if I wanted to add boost in the future, like turbos, I'll have room to build.

2) GEN III Hemi... It seems this swap seems to be getting more popular w/ more information popping up every month. The Hemi's have a huge power potential. I love almost everything about it except the tight fit. I've read lots about the Borgeson and TTI fitment issues with these engine components and that may be enough to push me away. I guess, if I really wanted to and was going ahead with this swap, I could try paying TTI a visit to make clearing headers as they're in Corona CA, I believe.

3) SRT4 Swap... This one's a little more complex and would require a little bit of ingenuity. They've been slowly taking off as a couple guys on FABO have started them. The stock intake would face the firewall and the downpipe would aim toward the core support when the engine is turned 90 degrees. So a lot of custom components may need to be made. Essentially, it would be lighter than the other two options and closer back to the firewall saving a lot of room. There are adapters for it to hook up to a sb bellhousing. However, I don't think I'll be able to pull much/enough power out of this one with 91 octane.

These are just some thoughts. I've also thought about a boosted Pentastar V6 (either a 3.5 or 3.6L); however parts are lacking and they already have over 10:1 compression making it more difficult to add boost to get more power. The pros to the V6 is it's a 60 degree, all aluminum block design. It's lightweight and will add some exhaust clearance to the T-bars. A bellhousing adapter would have to be made.

Idk... What are your thoughts? I'd like to keep it mopar and I like things that are different. I'm just picking at your guys' brains and hopefully you guys can pick mine. The long term items won't be addressed for a while so it's no pressure on me. Short-term stuff would be this summer's project. I'll have more free time and weekends available after March. Right now, I'm swamped.

Engine Options? multiple choice
	Boosted Pentastar V6
	SRT4 Engine
	GEN III Hemi
	Stroker SB (maybe boost)
Votes accepted starting: 11/13/14 02:42 AM
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You also can setup the T56 with the engine you have now and only have to swap flywheels when you go to a Gen III. Find a good 360 now and to a T56 and have fun. Powersteering is a Borgeson planned? Because that can also stay in the car during a Gen III swap.

Those are just 2 things that could be done now and allow pretty much any engine decision later.

Long term plans always change.

Just jam a 318 under the hood do you can drive it if your current motor is half dead.

If your seriously thinking about getting an srt8 than maybe throttle your build on the dart. I.e. having two v8 6 speed cars is kind of a waste. I would rather have a car and a boat. Or take the Money and save to get a house for all your stuff.

I agree with house/garage if you don't have one.

Well Samy, as you know we are building fairly similar cars for Autocross-Track day duty, and 72Swinger is right on target. What I've learned mirrors his statements:

1. Engine. A new Hemi is nice, but the swap is still expensive and labor intensive. If cost and or your time is important, a 360 is the only way to go. A stroker is even better, but I wouldn't waste time with a 273 or 318 when 360s are plentiful and cheap (my craigslist Barracuda 360 cost me $300).
2. Trans. For Autocross/Track day a manual trans is just more enjoyable. I'm using an A833 and it works, but if you are going to drive the Dart to and from the track, a 5 or 6 speed is best. Spend the $$ you're saving on motor and do the T56 now.
3. Clutch/Headers. I wish I had gone hydraulic clutch, as the header options for a power steering / Zbar car are almost non-existent.
4. Steering. I have a Firm Feel stage 3 in my Barracuda, and a Borgeson in the Valiant. I love the on-center feel of the Borgeson, but the Firm Feel is much cheaper, and actually fits better with headers, because of the Borgesons off-center issue.
5. Get the Dart up, running and racing as soon as possible, you will have a blast!

07+ 5.3+4L60E. You can do the swap for under 2k if you can find exhaust that will fit.
Make killer power, plus if you pop it you go buy another one for $500 and move on.

If not then a modern hemi without a doubt.

Gen 3 Hemi if you can swing it. Stroker small block if not.

If you don't have a good garage to keep the car while doing the swap, then I would recommend an LA motor and 4 speed given it is an A body.

I'd put a sub 100k magnum motor with a healthy cam and valve springs and let it go.

400hp is about the max I see for a stock headed Magnum and that is mostly just a cam swap away. The LS is much higher, depending on what stock head it has. Dunno about the GenIII Hemi though.

To avoid scope creep, keep the car on the road, and give you more time to define longer term objectives, I suggest an unlisted option:

Tear down the 273 and re-ring it with some JC Whitless super seal chevy rings of the appropriate diameter, file fit to minimum allowable gap, and give it a dingle ball hone. Install a set of Aerohead rebuilt iron heads for $400. Adjust the shift linkage to eliminate the missing low gear capture, put it all back together, and drive the piss out of it for under $600.

If you really don't want to tear into it and have abplace to store the 273, then start calling salvage yards until you find one with a running, low mileage 5.2 magnum. Swap out the efi intake for a standard manifold, carb it, bolt it up to your 904 and drive the piss out of it for under $800.

Then you can decide later if you really want to continue working on it after daily driving a Gen 3 Challenger.

So I've been looking and thinking about your responses throughout the day and have just found the time now to sit down and get myself settled and relaxed.

First off, no more LS talk. I am tired of everyone and they're mother telling me to install it. NO... Nope... Nada... Not happening. It's too boring and overdone and there's no reason (besides maybe cost) to throw one in there when the Gen III is more than capable of doing the job.

Secondly, I see where you guys are coming from with regards to purchasing an SRT8. Having two V8 6-speed cars with identical engines does seem fairly redundant and unnecessary. I'm just not pleased and very bored with my DD. As far as garage space goes, I have quite a bit. I'm currently living with my mom and the Dart has been occupying a 2 spaces of the 3 car garage (last space is very small and shelves deter more than one car occupying the space). However, I will have to move out eventually and purchasing an SRT8 will definitely deter that. Unfortunately, houses are expensive around these parts. A $300k house in this area usually only yields you a condo or a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house with 1000-1500 sq ft. So, purchasing a used SRT8 may not be the brightest idea as a graduation present to myself.

Third, with regards to the T56, I was looking towards a close-ratio T56 Magnum. I believe they can handle up to 700 ft-lbs which should be more than enough for my purposes.

Forth, I'll most likely get back to working on the car in a month (after finals). The 273 will be in there probably till at least late March. Then I graduate. The only major components I need to order to get the car running are wheels and tires.

The GEN III Hemi shouldn't be an issue for me in the future and to collect parts in steps. I'm pretty good about my money and should have a well paying job with my current company after I graduate.

I don't blame anyone for wanting a T56 Magnum with the sweet ratios. Be aware though that the Viper T56 has the 1-4 of a close ratio Magnum and the 5th and 6th of the wide. There have been 1000+hp V10's running through them since the 90's, so don't get hung up on torque ratings unless your car weighs 4500lbs. Where im going with this is the Viper T56 is THE best fitting T56 in an A-body period, and if you keep your eye out can save some money over a Magnum.

I say get both cars in 6 speeds because they are each unique and will not be boring at all. I have two 6 speed cars and when you don't drive one car for a month it feels way different, like you're being re-acquainted. Kind of like having two girlfriends that know about each other and when you sleep with one after a month it makes you yell "damn you feel great!" Having only one hobby car would get boring for me, maybe that's why I'm still single? Haha

I also say to save up above what you plan to buy before even thinking of purchasing that item because there are always extra costs involved. I saved up a bunch way before I got my T56 Magnum to cover all the installation expenses. Same went for the cage, suspension, brakes, fuel cell, etc. I saved up enough capital and then some before I went and tackled a modification project.