It wouldn't be as powerful but for not much more you could get a low deck early hemi that would add a ton of visual impact and be eternally cool. Most on here remember the mid 80's when we awed at the crossfire fuel injection motors when they showed up in a streetrod, now you see 'em and can't help but chuckle. Do the early hemis fit? Of coarse not but that add's to the visual impact thing. New motors are only new till the newer model come out. Besides that the simplicity of a early motor makes me feel comfortable when I travel. Only my opinion, but I have a blown small block in a '32 and a early in my '37 and way more people get the wow factor with the early hemi, which one runs better?? They have no idea! I love the old dodge coupes, your doing the right thing sticking with something a little different. Best of luck