I have a stock original 1973 Ralley Challenger.
Any recomendations of how to make my 37 year old factory 340 run with the newer V8 engines ?
Thx, mz

 

The 1973 Challenger had the low-compression, detuned, smog 360 c.i. engine. To improve performance, you should go the tried and true way;

*Headers and free-flowing exhaust
*Intake manifold
*High performance carb (possibly a six-pack setup)
*Hotter cam
*High compression pistons
*Ram air
*High performance electronic ignition and wires
*Stall convertor (if auto.)
*Slicks (for track)

 

here you go
http://www.autopartsdealer.com/mopar...ent=APD1259613

pull your numbers matching original and store it safely away, toss this in and i dont think you would have problems keeping up with the new cars for less than 5k

 

I was hoping for something a little more "real world".
(More specific than buy a better, bigger, hotter, newer, etc.)
Has anybody done anything to their stock 340 drive train... that they wished they had done sooner ? I'm hoping for some "part nbrs" with the recommendation.
Thx, mz
PS. 360ci engines came only in the 1974 model Challenger.

 

On my 360: I installed headers (first thing you should do), along with a new exhaust system with larger pipes and a crossover.
Added a 6-pak manifold (partly for performance and admittedly partly for the visual when you open the hood)
These two Mods really made my small block come alive. (You can use an after market 4 bbl manifold and Carb, if you don't want to go with multi-carbs, and you will not be disappointed)
Also, have a bit hotter cam installed as well. And, a little head work as well.

Just remember that your engine is nothing more than an "air pump" that takes air and gas, mixes them together and produces power. So working on the intake and exhaust will give you the largest return for the money.

It really all comes down to how fast you want to go, and how much money you are willing to spend to get that fast.