Re: What to do with this original numbers matching engine...
[Re: JF_Moparts]
#2589693
12/10/18 01:32 AM
12/10/18 01:32 AM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,365 N.W. Florida
Fat_Mike
master
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master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,365
N.W. Florida
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Man, 6,000 miles divided by 30 years equals about 200 miles per year... Anyway, it sounds like you just want it to run as good as it looks, and right now it doesn't quite cut it. As was already said, 100,000 miles is quite a bit for a car of that vintage. Does it show any of the usual signs of being worn out, like blowing white smoke out the tail pipe??? If so, I'd rebuild it to stock specs, AND do what's spelled out below. If it doesn't show signs of being worn out, you might just want to spend some time fine tuning it like checking the rotor phasing, maybe degree the cam, and figure out if re-jetting the carb might pep it up a little. Just my thoughts...
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Re: What to do with this original numbers matching engine...
[Re: ScottSmith_Harms]
#2589752
12/10/18 10:50 AM
12/10/18 10:50 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,109 Valencia, España
NachoRT74
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master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,109
Valencia, España
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Personally? I'd stash the original numbers engine (or just the bare block) get another similar engine to build (you didn't mention what it is?) assuming it's a 383 you can get another one, or a 400 which looks the same externally, and build it for fun with a stroker kit, etc. and have a bunch more power/fun.
Shouldn't cost a ton more than rebuilding a stock engine with what's available off the shelf today. This way you can have fun beating on it and not worry about damaging the cars numbers matching status.
.02 Why not to stroke the stock engine from 383 to 426 ? it won't harm the block, original crank can be storaged, is just about upgrade the rotation assembly ( crank and pistons ), and just if whished, one step up camshaft to enjoy the power sensation without loose the driver comfort on street just my .02 :P AN if not... Why not simply rebuild the engine with KB pistons?. They are higher than stock ones so will raise the compresssion a bit. Keep the Magnum camshaft or replace it for something just a bit hotter and done! its time to do it as any other job after all these years. It hasn't to be something to worry or a headache.
Last edited by NachoRT74; 12/10/18 10:57 AM.
With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
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Re: What to do with this original numbers matching engine...
[Re: JF_Moparts]
#2589784
12/10/18 12:56 PM
12/10/18 12:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,730 Stuttgart, Arkansas
rickseeman
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master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,730
Stuttgart, Arkansas
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How can I refresh the engine while keeping the originality of the car? Can a rebuild keep everything original, including the bore?
You don't want to keep the original bore. It's a lot of work/time/money to remove/replace an engine. If you're going to go through all of that you want to do a rebuild. Fresh everything. The bad part is when you get the engine out, the engine compartment is going to look pretty bad. When these cars were 5 years old there was rust under the battery tray, etc. You're going to start thinking, well if I'm ever going to paint the engine compartment, now's the time to do it. So my advice is before you get started on this project think it over good. Either do it right or continue to drive/enjoy it as you have for the last 30 years.
2011 Drag Pak Challenger
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Re: What to do with this original numbers matching engine...
[Re: rickseeman]
#2589843
12/10/18 02:59 PM
12/10/18 02:59 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,272 north of coder
moparx
"Butt Crack Bob"
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"Butt Crack Bob"
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,272
north of coder
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i have an engine deal worked out for my charger that will come together the first of the year. i'm with you, rick. i know the engine compartment on my car already looks bad, and to top it off, i covered it with the texaco equivalent of z-bart ! i'm NOT looking forward to cleaning that mess up ! to the OP, if you decide to re-do your engine, at that time, do what you will want to do to the engine compartment [cleaning, restoration, whatever], or just leave everything together as has been mentioned.
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Re: What to do with this original numbers matching engine...
[Re: FurryStump]
#2590186
12/11/18 01:21 AM
12/11/18 01:21 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,976 Chilliwack B.C. Canada
RUNCHARGER
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,976
Chilliwack B.C. Canada
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Maybe try to do it using some logic: Do a compression test to see how the ring and valve seal is. Check the timing chain to see if it's stretched. How is the oil pressure? Is is smoking on startup, compression braking or acceleration? Does it use oil and how much? After you have this information we can make informed advice. Just because the engine has 100,000 miles does not mean it requires rebuilding but it might.
Sheldon
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Re: What to do with this original numbers matching engine...
[Re: JF_Moparts]
#2591327
12/13/18 02:57 PM
12/13/18 02:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,405 Pikes Peak Country
TC@HP2
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,405
Pikes Peak Country
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FWIW, cylinder bore wear is not linear. It compounds over miles. For example, if it wore the bore out 100 microns its first 40k miles, it wore the next 100 microns over the next 30k, then the next 20k, etc. So even if the bore is still in spec now, and you hone and re-ring it, you are at the tail end of its potentially useful life and you likely won't get another 100k out of it.
It sounds like you use it as a very causal cruiser. I'd certainly agree with some of the earlier suggestions to go through a good analysis of condition, if its decent then a very thorough tuning procedure to see if that net an increase you are happy with. If it does not and a rebuild is absolutely needed, then based on what you find inside, go with a minimal .010 or .020 overbore to leave as much material as possible.
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