One of the things to consider when looking at engines that are making large HP/Torque numbers, are the number of changes you’re going to have to make downstream to safely support the power. For instance, if it’s solid, I would not be concerned with running the stock frame, (especially if you box it) with an early Hemi, 340, or reasonably stock 5.7…….once you start talking about 440s and 6.1 etc, you are starting to get into the territory of needing an aftermarket/custom frame with new steel, additional bracing and gussets etc. Then there will probably have to be a better rear end to handle it and a better suspension to get the power on the ground.

When you are talking about the older engines I’ll admit that most likely you are not going to find one in a junk yard somewhere that you can just pull out and stuff into a car and drive for another 100K miles. Ryan’s point about cost is also well made. As demand for older engines has fallen off and the parts supply become less even engines like the venerable 283 can cost more to go thru than you’d expect.

“……The deciding factor is that I am looking for a car I can drive, any time, any place. I am not sure that a 64 year old engine, or even a 40 year old 440 would be the best way to accomplish that……”

When dealing with the old engines unless you can find a (quality) recently rebuilt one, you just plan on going thru it and freshening everything up. Once you have done that, there is absolutely no reason they can’t be driven any time, anywhere (hell they were capable of driven cross country when they were new and there’s no reason it can’t be done now). A single 4 barrel and factory electronic ignition (or quality after market unit) is just about bullet proof with a lot less to go wrong with it that the electronics required for something like the 6.1 you’re contemplating (think sensors, injectors, coil packs, in tank fuel pump, wiring and computer).

I take an annual 4000 mile vacation, and have done it 3 times in my 57 Plymouth with a 60 year old 354 Hemi with no problems or worries. I’ve done it 4 times in my 83 El Camino (planning on a 5th time in a month or so) with its 44 year old 500 CI Cadillac engine. Of course both have been rebuilt and both converted to electronic ignitions (and in the case of the HEMI, a BB Chevy water pump conversion has been done and a GM alternator has been added). I currently in the process of installing a 55 year old 283 in a truck I suspect my grandsons will be driving long after I’m gone.

The decision on what you eventually end up with is of course all yours, I’m just saying don’t discount the older engines just on the basis of their age.

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