[Rallye72]

I believe MP offers a "new" replacement 340 block for sale, you don't hear about it much.

Since the original engine is long gone then, for collectors, the value of the car is much lower and can't be replaced. You can go to the trouble of finding a correct date coded repalcement but it's still not the same. Since post 71's aren't really hot collector items anyway I'd do what makes you happy and you can afford.

Having gone thru the "keep it original" drill with my Charger there are many days I'd rather have a non # matching car so I could indulge myself a bit more. If the Challenger hadn't been announced I would have found a RR to play with.

I would recommend that you keep the car a small block as I think they handle better and, well, I just like small blocks. If you're not hung up on hemi this or hemi that and don't have an ego that requires the fastest car on the block then you should have a blast with either a crate 360 or replace the 340. Of course the other option is to go with a new crate 5.7 which I aslo think would be a hoot. MP offers a book that discusses conversions I believe.

good luck.