Restomod vs. Challenger T/A

[Cuda340]

In the November 2007 issue of Car and Driver magazine, they compared the performance of a 1970 340 Six Pack Challenger T/A ($86,000) to a 1970 Challenger that was restored/modified by XV Motosports for $176,000, with a 5.7L Hemi (443 hp), 5-speed manual, reworked suspension, Mustang rack and pinion power steering, StopTech vented disc brakes, C5 Corvette knuckles and lower control arms, low profile tires, aluminum trailing arms, adjustable Panhard rod, coil springs, custom shocks, as well as structural enhancements.

The results? As expected the old Challenger got smoked in both acceleration and handling:

0-60 mph T/A= 7.1 sec. Restomod= 5.1 sec.
1/4 mile T/A= 15.4 @92 mph Restomod= 13.5 @107 sec.
Braking (70 mph to 0) T/A= 279 feet Restomod= 183 feet
Roadholding T/A= 0.68 Restomod= 0.90

But, is it really worth paying an extra $90,000 to get a 1970 Challenger to perform like a modern sports car? I'd rather buy a 6.1L Challenger SRT in 2009 and get the best of both worlds for around $40,000.

[jonmandude]

It is all a matter of taste, I guess.

To me the XV Motorsprots car is neat. Yes it handles better. Yes it outperforms the classic. But will it hold it's value? Probably not. The classic will. Personally I am keeping my classic just that...classic. I don't see the value in dropping all of that money to make a car handle better than I honestly need it to. I am not racing it. I don't daily drive it. I enjoy it for what it is..a beautiful piece of functional art.

That is my $.02

[DartSportDude]

In most cases, I am not wild about restomod treatments. I agree with using the modern powerplant in a vehicle with no historical or collector value, but I don't like the idea of replacing an original 440 6-pack engine with a new Hemi (as an example).

I think the older Challengers, Cudas, Chargers, etc. tend to look silly with 20 inch wheels, low-profile tires, etc. Just my personal taste I guess.

I prefer either the factory original look, or an old school rod treatment.

[RRHemi]

Originally Posted by DartSportDude

In most cases, I am not wild about restomod treatments. I agree with using the modern powerplant in a vehicle with no historical or collector value, but I don't like the idea of replacing an original 440 6-pack engine with a new Hemi (as an example).

I think the older Challengers, Cudas, Chargers, etc. tend to look silly with 20 inch wheels, low-profile tires, etc. Just my personal taste I guess.

I prefer either the factory original look, or an old school rod treatment.

My personal taste as well. You are dead on!

[DartSportDude]

"You are dead on!"

Well thank you! I was beginning to wonder if there were any fans of the "old school" look left on this board. Good to know I'm not alone!

[RRHemi]

I love the new Chally but I miss chrome bumpers! At least Harley Davidson understands the importance of chrome!

[jonmandude]

Originally Posted by DartSportDude

Well thank you! I was beginning to wonder if there were any fans of the "old school" look left on this board. Good to know I'm not alone!

You are definitely not alone. Have you seen my 72? Old school is where it is at. Restomod Camaros and Mustangs and other cars that they made a trillion of. But classic Challengers and Cudas look best as is...or as it was then.

[DartSportDude]

That is a great point about chrome bumpers. I am SO tired of the monochromatic look with painted bumpers. Does chrome plating really cost that much? Why not reintroduce some chrome trim on the new breed of muscle cars? At least some of the Mercedes and BMWs have stainless trim around the windows. Today's U.S. cars have nothing but painted bumpers and black plastic window trim. That's a shame.

[RRHemi]

That plastic just loves to bake in the sun to!!!!

[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.