The engine is original to my 62 Dart 330 sedan (might have 60k original, it sat for a long time). Runs but is blown by and it will smoke at the tailpipe (not all the time). I traded the road draft tube for a closed crankcase vent set up and that helps the smell. I did a compression test (operating temp) and got 1-6 (106, 101, 50, 91, 91, 80) It runs well, that is, no rod or piston noise and after I lashed the valves it did better. I replaced the exhaust manifold and changed plugs, fuel pump, cleaned and serviced the carb. It has electronic ignition. I drive it for fun only. It does not have much power, but as long as no one is behind me... it's been ok. Car is an auto (904) and AC. But I can't put it off -- it needs to be done.

So, I have located a 1980 Slant six with 904 taken out of an Aspen ($300-500) seller has video of it running before he pulled it for his V8. Is this a good candidate to rebuild? I will take some of the advice I have read about and add some power to make the Dart easier to drive in Dallas area traffic! (cam, exhaust, and intake/carb) I can also remove the original engine to rebuild as well. I have a machine shop (my abilities are to remove, add stuff the rebuilder won't and replace!) I value the experience here and wonder what would you do? I am in a regular garage and did this a few years back with my Truck (my wife does not love the idea, but is a trooper) To be able to move the car while an engine is built, then remove/replace is a good option to me (and worth the added 300-500 bucks)

What have you done? Thanks in advance - Jerry in Frisco TX

That's a big spread in years...you'll have some crankshaft related issues and it won't look original, if that bothers you. I'd personally rebuild the stock engine from 1962 for the above reasons.

there are rebuildable slants that are practically given away,
if you have the courage, wait the seller out a few weeks then offer 75.00 to
take it off his hands.

also, I have to agree with Greg Con, unless you really need to have the car driveable,
why not pull the existing motor and re build it.
That way you are not stuck with your existing slant,,,you have the original motor, back in the original car.

While the motor is out at the machine shop, use that time to really clean up and detail the under hood area.
De grease the K frame, clean-paint the fire wall, inner fenders,, say on it and you will not be pressed for time,
nice to do when the motor is out of the way, would make it look great under hood when the motor is re installed.

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Doo Ron Ron and the Duke of Earl are friends of mine.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX8Nj8ABEI8

, but I'm all about STOPPING before Going! Upgrade Brakes, Suspension, Tires/Wheels, electrical all work?, then add Performance parts to the engine. IMO

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1964 Dart GT

Ain't it amazing how far a Chrysler engine can be neglected and still appear to purr like a kitten? That's pretty much what my compression readings were, a similar story at 99k miles, a combination of sitting and really short trips for 40+ years. No wonder it wasn't happy. And yet, after making the decision that "it's time", I then went on another 1000 mile trip first. Ever the optimist.

Good for you for upgrading the road draft tube.

Sure, I can understand wanting to keep it roadworthy while you rebuild, but $300-500 for an engine that you'll use only temporarily? That seems exorbitant. How long do you plan the rebuild to take, approximately? For a car that you don't rely on for transportation, are you wanting to keep it rolling just so you can move it around the yard? Or avoid street sweepers? You certainly don't need a terribly good engine for that… heck, another one in its current condition would do, and a specimen that "needs rebuild" would probably be free or darn close. The guy with the video is trying to demonstrate that his is a whole lot better than that. If you can budget enough effort to complete this work in 2 or 3 months, I agree with the others that there's plenty of stuff you could amuse yourself doing in the meantime. The suggestions so far seem on target.

Welcome. There's lots of good folk here.

- Erik

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Lots of early Valiants and Barracudas have crossed my path.
Also a handful of other toys for variety now and then.

Thanks very much, everybody! Lots of great advice for the Dart. I drove it Sunday and it still runs pretty well! I think rebuilding the motor that she came with is the way to go. Happy Driving! Jerry Kenney, Frisco TX