1973 Dodge Challenger – VIN # LH23H3B227990 (purchased 11/8/1988)
Assembly Plant, Hamtrack, Detroit MI, 10/09/1972
Original drivetrain was a 340 cid V8 with a Torqueflite 3speed automatic transmission – drivetrain replaced with a number matching 440 cid V8 with a Torqueflite 727 3speed Hemi/RT transmission (9 clutch discs vs 7) from my 1968 Dodge Charger RT, vin # XS29L8B292663.
Drivetrain summary –
Engine – 1968 440 cid block # PT440S 23980667 (Trenton) 0.30 over bore w/O-ring deck, JE custom forged 10.5-1 pistons, 440 Richard Petty Nascar Rods, Shot-ping steel crank, dual pattern billet camshaft, Isky rockers, springs and retainers with custom 3/8’ chromoly pushrods, cylinder head #2843906 -4 bush guides with TRW stelite valves and hard seats (more detail and specification available upon request)
Fuel System – 440 Torquer aluminum manifold, new Holley 850 CFM carb, fuel pump and filter, Edelbrock air cleaner housing and filter.
Ignition System – new spark plugs, distributor cap/rotor, 7mm carbon wires, 100KV coil and control module, distributor recurved to match carb and camshaft.
Transmission – 1968 727 Torqueflite completely rebuilt with B&M high performance kit (Hemi 9 clutch discs) deep oil pan w/drain plug (2 additional quarts) and 2,800 Champ stall converter.
7290 driveshaft (2 5/8’ yoke) replaced axles with green bearings, seals and gasket, 8 ¾ Sure-Grip 2.94 rear differential.
All body sheet metal is original, only minor rust was present, lower front passager door about 2 inch square and where vinyl top rear molding connected, all the stainless-steel moldings (polished) front bumper and bumperettes and sport mirrors chrome are original, rear bumper and bumperettes were re-chromed.
This vehicle has not experienced any damage from a collision.
Body and Paint – 11-month restoration, painted in original factory color, install custom ¼ panel supports at rear ¼ window to prevent cracking (typical of E-bodies) replaced both door upper hinges and hood hinges, trunk mat and side marker lamp assy, install graphics.
This vehicle is factory equipped with the following,
Power Front Disc Brakes - rebuilt front calipers, combination valve and power booster, new master cylinder, brake pads and flex hoses.
Rear Brakes - original 10’ drums (machined) new wheel cylinders, shoes, hardware and flex hose.
Rear Suspension - all sandblasted, rear differential housing and leaf springs coated in black zinc chromate, sway-bar and brackets, front hangers, rear shackles, spring plate and diff housing U-bolts coated in yellow zinc. All new bushings and dual stage gas charged shock absorbers.
Front suspension - Power steering, 3 ½ ration gear box and power steering pump rebuilt. New power str lines, inner/outer tie-rods, pitman and idler arms, upper/lower control arm bumpers and KYB dual stage gas shock absorbers, all sandblasted, sway-bar and brackets coated in yellow zinc.
Wheels/Tires - all sand blasted (including spare) painted in factory Argent Silver, original lug nuts (only available during assembly) wheel trim rings and hub caps on new P215/70R/14 Cooper GT Radials tires, spare is P215/70R/14 Hankook H724 radial.
A/C-Heater System, rebuild A/C compressor, EPR valve, new hoses, receiver drier, condenser and heater valve, original steel lines, expansion valve and blower motor.
All new cooling system hoses, heater hoses, vacuum, evaporator and fuel hoses and engine drive belts.
Exhaust System – original 1974 Appliance 4-bolt flange headers (I purchased in 1975) blasted and ceramic coated, dual 3” stainless-steel tubing to Turbo mufflers, out to stainless-steel dual exhaust tips (exact copy of originals) factory center and rear exhaust tip hangers.
Electrical System – all interior, dash and rear/front light and wiper (engine compartment) hardnesses are original, engine hardness replaced with new, alternator (brushes replaced) 3speed wiper and washer pump motors are original, new voltage regulator, battery and factory hold down, neutral/backup switch, engine oil and temp senders, horn relay.
Glass - all original except windshield (broke when removing) weather stripping, except for belt moldings and truck seal.
Interior - original interior, except carpet and front seats (redone in original material), light Group (includes dome, glove box, ash tray, map light, center console, and trunk lamp) remote driver side outside mirror and hood release, valet keyed/locking glove box and center console.
