new member

['73Dusta]

Hello everyone, I'll give you a little back ground before I get started. Once a year my boss rent Firebird race track in Phoenix, Az. for run what you brung. Well last year I raced my Harley, and this year I raced my diesel truck but a funny thing happened. I got bite by the racing bug. Now twenty some odd years ago I was into Mopars(I wish I still had my Barracuda, Charger and Super bee) but an ex-wife and 2 kids kind of spoiled that fun. and I don't mean to sound like I'm winning. Just a good life lesson. Now for the real reason I'm writin. I've purchased an all original 1973 Gold Duster. 225 slant with auto. for $1000.00 plus an additional $200.00 for a rebuildable 383 w/727 trans. It also came with what I was told was a K member to install the engine into the Duster. I 've read quite alot about the 440 stroker kits and I think this is what I'd like to do, but I need help on that cam and carb to run as well as what torque converter to use( for some reason I always had a stick way back when). Since I bought the car I,ve purchased a 8 3/4 rearend. I could use some help with my build.

Thanks,
Gene 

[qkcuda]

Welcome aboard.  You'll get lots of info on this site.

[IL.DART340- 4SP]

(Welcome) What are you going to use the car for? Street/ drag etc. That info. would help members alot to give there opinions or suggestions. Alot of knowledge and help on this site. I would think for streetability .If thats what you are going for? In a 73 Gold Duster with a big block you would not need to make alot of changes from stock. Just make it dependable with good gas mileage.Rear end gear 3.23 or 3.55. You have to be able to afford to drive it.Gas prices are not getting better. Thats my 2 cents worth.

[bOb shingler]

welcome   

[Jim_Lusk]

Welcome. There's several members here from the Phoenix area.

[satellite65]

Welcome... I'm a fairly new member as well. Pretty safe to say you'll probably get more help here than anywhere else, this is a great group. If you haven't decided on anything yet go out and get a copy of desktop dyno (see thread "cam specs"). Regards...Steve

[Dartsport]

Welcome aboard!!   

['73Dusta]

Thanks everyone for the welcome. The Duster will be a weekend cruiser part time racer. Drivability and reliability are high on the priority list. I originally though of putting the money into the short block with the stroker kit and run the 906 heads. I now see 440 source is coming out with heads so here's another possiblity.  I live in Gilbert, it would be geat to here from neighbors.

Thanks again,

Gene

[oldkimmer]

Welcome Gene it will b a blast for ya..........kim.......

[375InStroke]

Is this the K-frame you got with the car?  http://www.bigblockdart.com/techpages/dck.shtml
Also, if that is not what you got, this site has pics and measurements of different K-frames.  http://www.engine-swaps.com/
Click on K member identification guide on the left pane of the site.

[CudaDon65]

Welcome and good luck with your project.. remember we like pics here.

[67 dartgts]

Welcome aboard.

  Maynard

[fourspeed]

Welcome aboard the crazy train. You've come to the right place. Read all the articles on the tech page for starters. Most everything you'll want to do has been done by somebody before, so just ask.

[MVRCorp]

Welcome, now get ready to have some fun and spend some money. First advice............don't turn down any overtime  , you'll need it. Second, there is a bunch of guys here out of Az. and don't be afraid to ask questions. I've been on this site for a while and have NEVER asked a question and not gotten an answer that is correct. These guys are amazing. 

[dangerdawg]

welcome from glendale az.

[69 GTS Clonvertible]

Welcome from Phoenix AZ.

[ksdartguy]

Welcome Gene,
How fast do you want this to be?
Its true the 383 can be opened to a 438 or even 496 if you want. It has alot of potential just in itself though.
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/155_0209_383_engine_restore/index.html
Read this first, before you go stroking. If you want more, then http://www.440source.com/
this is a good place.
Rick

This is my 500 low deck stuff.

[318_Magnum]

Welcome from Tempe! We're glad to have you aboard.

Boy, I wish I worked for someone who rented out Firebird once a year!

['73Dusta]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I've read alot of the postings and everyone seems to provide  great info..

Ksdartguy-Thanks this was great info. I was thinking that I would try and get about 500hp. My motor is just about torn down and now I'm trying to decide on which parts to start buying. This will be a complete rebuild.   Does anyone in the Phoenix area have a good machine shop that they have had good luck with?  I'm trying to have tha motor and trans ready by May. The body is Az. car so only minor body work and paint are needed. Interior is anthor story.  Also, could someone explain how to post pictures?

Thanks again everyone!!!!!

PS I've got a really great boss...

[318_Magnum]

I use PhotoBucket to post pictures. Create an account at www.photobucket.com and upload your pictures to your album. Then use the "IMG" code to paste pictures into your threads.

As for a machine shop, I'm looking for one myself. There's several quality places around, and I've been thinking about taking my big block in to either D&J Machine or ABC Auto. D&J is on Dunlap, the number is (602) 395-0800. ABC is on Bell and their number is (602) 788-8686. Another local member named Richard (TheBankersToy) recommended W & K Automotive in Phoenix, 602-867-1868. Richard is a great guy and is always more than willing to help a fellow Mopar guy out.

Anyways, I have yet to check any of the shops out myself, but it's a start at least.

PS I've got a really great boss...

Can you get me a job where you work please?

['73Dusta]

Thanks 318Magnum. I don't know about getting you a job but maybe I can bring a guest.

After looking at the Schumaker info. I find my K member is for a 1972. Would it just be easier to buy the schumaker mounts?

[ksdartguy]

Id say yes.
Ive got them, and my dart was a /6 originally
Rick

[318_Magnum]

 

I've used or will be using Schumacher mounts on all my cars. They work great.

And I was just kidding about the job... sorta. I could really use a new one.

-Josh

[Wicked70dart]

Welcome from seattle

[65bcuda]

Welcome to the site. Lotsa info here and a great group of people that are in the "know". I find that there is always something of interest. There is a lot to be learned from the members that always seem to want to help. Wish you well with the duster.

[my64dart]

Hi New Member,
     Wecome to .  Lots of great people & info here.
     Jim

[jackie]

welcome Gene, you can and will get a lot of good answers, and oppions here. ask away!! 383 engine, great start for a stroker!!      jackie..

[Bakaruda]

Welcome.

[dart_451]

everyone from kansas says HI.and enjoy yourself,