[My Hemi]

I have been thinking about this for several years now, and really don't know which way to go. If I had tons of money, I'd do it all, but ---.

I use to own a 70 Charger RT 440 new. Wish I still had it. I almost got a 71 HemiCuda but was much turned off by no A/C plus the local dealer mechanics telling me you couldn't keep it running. So, I punted the Charger on a 72 Camaro. It was gas crunch time, the muscle car era died in 71 (or was going down fast), so I got the 350 engine. Real dog. From about 2 days after getting the Camaro until now I have been kicking myself about the HemiCuda. I want to return to that time, so to speak. How to do that?

Well, I wouldn't be satisfied without the Cuda body and Hemi engine. Any other engine doesn't have nearly the WOW factor. On a scale of 10, the original Hemi was and probably still has a 10 factor. The 440 6-pack, maybe a 7. Then it takes a nosedive with the 383 and 340. Still nice history, but for ME, no way! What to do?

Can in no way afford the 71 HemiCuda. If I could afford the 440, I would not be happy with it because it isn't what I want and would be settling for something less. Enters the restomod.

For about $100K, you could mod an E-body with either a 426 or larger Hemi, get excellent handling and performance, much better than 71 vintage cars, would probably drive it vs. worry about having a wreck or miles or engine destruction on a vintage unit, and if you cared about fuel consumption, could EFI it. What I think I want is the 71 look with better performance.

Or, just scrap that whole idea and wait for the SRT Challenger and make believe it is 71 again. Haha.

I think if I ever find a suitable 71 Cuda, I will mod it to look almost right, but plant a 528 Hemi in it, put on the billboards, new suspension, etc., and be broke.

Any help for my insanity would be appreciated. It's a good insanity though.