engine choice

I would keep it Mopar, 318 is a good motor. I have Chevy's so I stay with them.......

 

Does a 35 Dodge 5 window coupe have ANY current or future value regardless of running gear or condition?

 

I again agree with they guys above to keep it mopar.. if you really wanted you could even find a good running 318 mated to a 727 or an overdrive and clean it up, and dress it up and just have fun til you decided to build it up, or find the perfect hemi to put in or whatever you want to do. If you wanted a car with 3 pedals, look into the dodge dakotas that were 318's with a 5 speed... I used to have one and it WENT LIKE STINK! would be a good swap I think.

 

So you HAVE to have a new engine? I just bought a usable Craig's List '64 Olds 330 with a TH400 for my '52 Pontiac...$150.00 out the door...

You don't HAVE to spend a lot of $$$ to be in this hobby.