79 Lil Red
#2827464
10/01/20 04:11 PM
10/01/20 04:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,249 fredericksburg,va
cudaman1969
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,249
fredericksburg,va
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Getting opinions, I have a choice of engines in my stash, 74 440, 360 Magnum-380 hp, 360 reg engine, 5.7 Hemi. Truck has the original engine but need total rebuild $$ and it’s in boxes. Not trying for a resto, more of the rat rod thing, rust spots and ding driver. The reg 360 is still in a 92 Van with the overdrive trans (what I want to use). I can get a cheap adapter for the 440 from ATI. I want to be able to drive 500 miles if needed. All the engines are new or real close to it and ac, power brakes and steering will be put back on. Opinions?
Last edited by cudaman1969; 10/01/20 04:43 PM.
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Re: 79 Lil Red
[Re: cudaman1969]
#2827480
10/01/20 04:40 PM
10/01/20 04:40 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,831 east side of Ohio
basketcase
master
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master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,831
east side of Ohio
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My '81 stepside has a rebuilt 360. Runs great. About same gas mileage as the 383 in my road runner. 440 would be nice, but I'd love to have a 4 speed in the truck more.
Dave
1981 Dodge D150 360 auto
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Re: 79 Lil Red
[Re: basketcase]
#2827627
10/01/20 09:51 PM
10/01/20 09:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,555 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,555
Freeport IL USA
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For me it would be the 5.7 hands down, and keep the EFI. www.hotwireauto.com has a plug and play engine harness that flat works. Not cheap, but what is these days. More power, better fuel mileage, reliable package. Gene
Last edited by poorboy; 10/01/20 09:53 PM. Reason: corrected the web site address.
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Re: 79 Lil Red
[Re: poorboy]
#2827866
10/02/20 01:01 PM
10/02/20 01:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,109 Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,109
Byron, NY
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For me it would be the 5.7 hands down, and keep the EFI. www.hotwireauto.com has a plug and play engine harness that flat works. Not cheap, but what is these days. More power, better fuel mileage, reliable package. Gene
'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60 '01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust, '05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list '60 Willys CJ5 '01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison '64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
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Re: 79 Lil Red
[Re: chargerbr549]
#2828402
10/03/20 07:49 PM
10/03/20 07:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,249 fredericksburg,va
cudaman1969
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,249
fredericksburg,va
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You could probably get away with using an 8 1/4 for a while but definately upgrade to an 8 3/4 or 9 1/4. If your set on a 440 and you have a good one I definatly would use it that low rpm torque you get out of big cubic inches is tuff to beat. I have a 77 Ramcharger that I have a very mild 500 cubed big block with 3.23 gears and its a total blast to drive around town, no loose sloppy convertor and idles great sitting in traffic.
Yours sounds like fun, mine has the unleaded valves and runs on regular gas, came in my 64 Savoy race car and ran 7.77 best, of course it had good vert, 509 cam and 4.88 Dana, big tires all steel. Pulled it for a better 440 and been sitting there waiting.
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Re: 79 Lil Red
[Re: mpt]
#2828567
10/04/20 11:32 AM
10/04/20 11:32 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,249 fredericksburg,va
cudaman1969
OP
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,249
fredericksburg,va
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If your Lil' Red Express has the original rear end in it, that should be a 9 1/4 and have 355's gears. I have a old 1978 Lil' Red Express that was my dads at one time and have owned a few of them over the years.. I had a extra Lil' Red 9 1/4 rear end and it's under a old 1937 Plymouth Truck right now.. .. Almost sure it’s an 8-1/4 looks original but I’ll go check again. First time for these trucks so unsure whats supposed to be there, thanks for the help all. Went and looked again, definitely an 8-1/4, perches on the top of the housing like it’s supposed to be
Last edited by cudaman1969; 10/04/20 09:20 PM.
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