69 Dodge 383 for my 27 roadster...Thoughts?

I'm going friday to look at a 69 dodge 383 for my 27 dodge roadster. It has an aluminum intake and 906 heads...I wanted a hemi but I couldnt find one near this price...I know its not traditional but it should definitely "roast" some white walls I'm also going to build a new frame to handle the extra hp...

 

mopar theme is good.

 

Thats exactly what I was going for. It has a 305 in it now...thats gotta go

 

pics??

 

A Mopar-powered hot rod is always a good idea! I'm installing a '69 440 in my '56 Ply wagon. Pics??

 

I'm hopefully going to get my 2x3 tubing for the frame this week and start taking everything apart and building this roadster right. I want to do a whole different rear suspension to make it more sturdy and "safe." Then one the frame is done then it will be time to fix the body and get the windshield back on along with building a partial hood for it. Some custom headers to make the neighbors mad...SOOOO much to do!!

 

randaddy has some dodge roadster bodies and parts. he's an okie .

 

I am with you on that damn chev motor ! Every Mopar deserves something better than a run of the mill sbc . I have a 37 Ply. p/u that I want to get a 383 or 440 Mopar for but can't afford on yet . I have a nice Ford Y block w/3x2 and big cam and all the other stuff to put into my 37 if I can't get a BBM .
Keep the pics coming when you get that BBM in your roadster !

RetroJim

 

I like the Mopar/Mopar theme, too.

Just be prepared for the additional weight. The 305 probably weighs around 525-550 lbs. The 440 comes in around 670.

A build thread on that critter would be great! I don't think I've ever seen a 440 in an early roadster.

 

Great choice for power - lots of boosting parts for 383 - Ive run lots of mopar big blocks and love them all - Im going with a donated 318 in my 25/26 DODGE rpu build but am looking forward to seeing how yours come out just incase I want to UPGRADE- Jaxx

 

Same here. You might want to get rid of the 906 heads if you plan on driving it quite a bit though (unless you put in hardened seats). 452 heads flow the same and already have hardened seats, so they would probably be a little more street friendly since you don't have to add lead to every tank. If you plan on building it, there aren't many better or cheaper builds than Mopar Muscle's Resto to Rad 383. http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0209_383_engine_restore/index.html

 

thanks guys!!

 

uh... hell yeah

 

383 is a fine motor , make plenty of power ins tock form . put that 305 chity in the scrap heap where it belongs

 

Who says it's not traditional? The 350 B motor was available in '58. 383 looks as much or more like one of those as a 305 looks like a 283. There are some cool dress up parts out there for the 383, but you gotta hunt for em. Not like the SBC where cool dress up part will smack you in the face. You'll be rewarded nicely by a fine running/performing reliable mill

 

Weight and torque of a big block Mopar, even a 383, is going to need a real stout frame. 2" X 4" or 2" X 6" rectangular tube will make for a much stronger frame than that 2" X 3" you're considering.

Another idea is to find a stock Dodge frame of near vintage. Six inch deep rails with big sturdy crossmembers. Box one of these frames and it should stand up to even a HEMI. Semi elliptic springs front and rear locate the axles and simplify suspension issues. Stock fuel tank is carried behind the rear axle like most "modern" cars. I'm going to run a double dip tube front axle from a '37 Mopar of some sort in my '28 frame along with a Mopar power steering box.

 

You may be right on the 2x4. I may do that instead

 

hey 90SSP...man i love those 383 mopars, and don't be concerned about the weight. that 383 has some bigtime torque. mopar mills have allways been very reliable too! good luck with your project. call me POP...or the old FART!

 

Thanks...that article has some good info

 

that 383 and a four speed would be bad ass
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0209_383_engine_restore/index.html

 

now i just have to find the 4 speed trans now

 

Just tell everyone its a 413.

I guess I don't see anything wrong with dropping something as non-trad as a high grunt big block in an old roadster. Paint "Anti-Rod ! ! ! " in large letters on the deck lid. They should be able to read it if they took the Evelyn Woodhead Speed reading course.

 

Why not use the '27 Dodge Frame ??

Way Stronger than any 2x3 Tubing & actually looks like a FRAME, Not 2 sticks of scrap metal.

I used a '26 Chrysler frame under mine with a DeSoto Hemi.

LOVE Them MoPaR Frames !!!

I have an Rebuilt Early 413 in the Sale adds that needs a new home for those interested.

 

I got a 383 sitting in my garage waiting to be put in my 1988 Dodge pickup replacing the 318. Its a good solid motor, parts are a little more expensive though.

 

Mopar wedge big blocks came out in 1958, it's traditional-ish.

 

383's came out in '59. It's as traditional as a 327. A few even had the long ram (Ram-O-Sonic) intakes on them.

 

Big Block Mopar? Hell yes!

I have a '75 400 in my '48 Dodge pickup and I think it looks as traditional as anything out there



Stock 383, very tough motor, tons and tons of potential there as well.

Don't go too nuts on the cam and you will be very happy, especially in that light of a car.

Good choice my friend, I am starting to tear up a little here . . .

 

there are areas of the frame that are suspect so thats why i wanted to build another frame. I want to make it as safe as possible because my 2yr old daughter loves it and will be riding with me

 

Thats a nice 400. My other option is a 76 440 that is bored 30 over....decisons....

 

If your worried about tradional looking, just do what I'm doing in my '47 Dodge.

Dress it like a Golden lion 383. or you could get golden lion 413 labels for the valve covers. both are available on Ebay.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=415290&highlight=golden+lion