John, I agree to a point. I like carbs, they re relatively inexpensive, and simply work.I have seen a lot of the EFI tuning issues, and it depends on the company it was purchased from. its no surprise, a couple of the common EFI companies seem to not have very good tech support.( as witnessed everyday on the interwebs) Thats what happens when you sell a system so cheap, there is not enough profit to re-invest in technical staff. People want cheap, they got cheap.

in this case, I think because its quite honestly, a "younger guy", it makes more sense to go EFI, as thats what they are typically more comfortable with.They do run crisp, can be tuned with some sort of computer or hand held ( once again, thats comfortable to them) and they do typically help quite a bit with fuel mileage.I recently did a 514 BBF, and used the FAST EFI, and I can say I wasnt blown away, but the handheld control was really nice, and all the information was right there, just like a dash mounted GPS. I liked that part.The carb made more power though....Doing a few more EFI deals shortly, we'll see how some of the " budget" EFI's work.

CompWedgeEngines, that is very true, I guarantee my son would rather have the efi and laptop and I wouldn't mind trying it someday but I think the same thing goes with carbs, if you want cheap you will get cheap.
A lot of guys that badly want efi have carbs that don't work right. My ProSystems 950 runs almost like fuel injection, zero problems in any kind of weather or temps. I've had the same good luck with BIGS and Quickfuel.

Hulmule, I read the part earlier where you said the motor and trans were long gone but I failed to see that you have a couple other small block options. So I retract my 451 option, stick with the small block, and try to find a smokin deal on a stroker kit.

if it's a car that your son rally wants to be a driver, i'm betting he would be happier with an simple build on the 360. spend the money on a t56 and put that in there.
a google search of "t56 in a mopar" will bring up lots of hits so you can see what's involved.

EFI VS CARB is like an AK 47 vs a M16 LOL
It all depends on the USER!!!!
Pick your poison and enjoy!
Matt

Totally agree and please explain how "EFI" and "budget" play out here when starting from scratch.............A guy I did a carb for a few years ago converted to EFI because he said the carb leaned out when he went from our 3200+ elevation down to 1000 ft. and was too damn lazy to make the needed changes to fatten it up and I'm not talking jetting just a simple bleed and fuel mixture screw change usually works. Another "I don't want to get my hands dirty" guy but what's funny is that he came by a few months ago to get my opinion on his plugs which were bone white lean then proceeded to call a guy to help him tune over the phone...........

Doesn't answer your question, but many people I know built cars for their children. The results vary, but few turned out as expected. Your dream wasn't his dream. Many were either:
1. If the son had the money (instead of the project) he would have bought a 30 year newer car and left it alone.
2. He got it, he broke it, and he wants you to fix it.
3. He drives his girlfriend's stock Toyota.
4. He wanted a Harley-Davidson.

Another option,,,, 360 with a procharger or turbo. You can have the 450 hp easy, run a highway gear for daily driving, get decent mileage, and idle like a stocker. On top of that, you can build the motor first, then add the type of boost you want down the road aa funds permit. Once you have driven a car with boost, you won't want to go back! it is addictive!!

My vote would be a junkyard 440 with a cam, intake, and headers.
That will make 450 easily. Then when he is ready for 600 or more later, he can build a big block on the side.
My second choice would be a 340/416.

It says you have a 360 Magnum. They have roller lifters and make good power easily. It will fit in the car without re-engineering the wiring and everything else. You could slightly warm up the Magnum and be driving this thing in a month or two rather than rethinking $$$$ everything. It depends if he wants a longterm, expensive project or wants to burn rubber this spring.

Well , it a long term project. Trying to upload a picture. Polyspheric , my son is learning about cars as i did at his age. Got screwed by an engine builder at his age cause i was on my own. So at least he asks for my input. Only bummer is he graduates from college in May and moves away. I'm ok building a car. He will be doing more research after he graduates. Carrying 18 credits, missed the dean's list one semester. He fixes his own car now and works on them at college for kids. Going to start pricing stuff out. But always open to opinions and help for this resto.

The 5.9 Magnum you have makes the most sense and will make the power you want. To do a Hemi you'd have to want to do it as it will be abit more money.

And hes moving away in May. Sounds like a dad project. Do whats easiest for you.

But since you say its a Long term project, g3 if you can handle it. Easy fix stay with the 340 stroker or 360 mag. A g3 project could stall the build for Years, from what your stating.

I helped my son build a 70 duster 340 sixpack as his first car when he was in high school. He drove it until he graduated college, he sold it after he was married and bought his first house. We had great times building it, and he even raced at the track when I took my race car. If I was to build a car for my son to enjoy today, I would go with a gen 3 hemi crate engine. Plenty power and the resale value, at least right know seems to be in the retro rod type car, with late model reliability, and comfort of a new car with the look of an old muscle car.

The biggest question is, What does your son want? He sounds like an intelligent young man (gotta be smart if he's asking the old man for input!) and may have an opinion. I suggest offering up the options you have so far and let him choose.