Honestly, it started when I found a '72 Roadrunner for sale. I went into Reliance, TN to look at the car. Met some real good ol' boys, but they were too attached to the car and it was in REALLY bad shape. I couldn't reach a reasonable deal with the guy. The next day I took a look at a '71 demon for sale, but this car was too far gone for me to even make an offer. Floor gone, no engine, mounts cut out... Demons are rare, but no way I could fix this one up. Finally I took a look at this '72 Duster, and the body was awesome. Lines great, no engine, no trans. Previous owner blew the engine because his "mechanic" didn't tighten the oil pan down... ugh! Anyway, he was going to fix it back up, but his mother fell ill and he needed cash for medical bills. Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for me, his loss was my gain.
I went asking around and found a 360 and 727 tans out of a winnebago for $300. Engine was running when pulled and the trans was rebuild, but never tested because the linkage was wrong. Got it for a steal.
I decided to rebuild the engine to a 408, and have the trans upgraded to include a shift kit, wide kevlar bands, racing clutches and a 2700 stall. Heads went to the shop too, 1.88/1.6 valves to 2.02/1.6 valves. New locks and springs too. The engine I had vatted, bored .030, cleaned, chamfered, new freeze plugs and new cam bearings.
engine before
engine after
Heads before
Heads after
Transmission comes back Monday. :)
I went asking around and found a 360 and 727 tans out of a winnebago for $300. Engine was running when pulled and the trans was rebuild, but never tested because the linkage was wrong. Got it for a steal.
I decided to rebuild the engine to a 408, and have the trans upgraded to include a shift kit, wide kevlar bands, racing clutches and a 2700 stall. Heads went to the shop too, 1.88/1.6 valves to 2.02/1.6 valves. New locks and springs too. The engine I had vatted, bored .030, cleaned, chamfered, new freeze plugs and new cam bearings.
engine before
engine after
Heads before
Heads after
Transmission comes back Monday. :)
