[RRHemi]

Originally Posted by 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.

I have toyed with these ideas as well. For me I do not have the facility, talent or resources to do the mod my self. You could certainly take a slant six cuda and hemiize it. The expense in suspension mods to get it up to modern handling is do able but it must be pricey. I just don't care for the thought of having a hot rod that will probably always requre "tinkering." I like to drive em' more than lay under them.
If you haven't done this yet I seriously suggest you go and drive an SRT LX car. That 6.1L is a serious kick in the pants! Maybe this will help you decide if you like the new or the old better. They really are completely different cars. In my opinion the new Challenger is as close as it gets to that period look, even more than the Mustang I think.