JonnySlick

Hey guys,

I just purchased a 1972 Plymouth Duster X as a restoration project. (see below for pics and description from original seller) Body overall is in decent shape and it use to run with a 383 engine and a 727 trans. However the car came without a engine or trans. It was also originally manufactured to use a small block 318 according to the VIN, but previous owner modded it for a 383 engine. I'm looking over options for this car. It's going to be more of a weekend driver and going to strip every now and again.

I'm having trouble finding proper specs on what is interchangeable with this car part wise. I know due to the year and model it is more interchangeable with its parts than a lot of other makes/models, which is good for me. I guess I'm here looking for advice on parts to fit my description above of what its going to be used for.

I'm also trying to do the restore at a decent price as well. Not really budget but also not all balls to the wall either.

From my understanding the bay can handle a 361, 383, 400, 413, and 440 engines. I'm looking for something with decent horse power but not anything crazy. I'm leaning towards re-adding a 383 that has been rebuilt with high performance parts.

As for trans. This is where my main problem is. From what I'm seeing online there are tons of trans that fit this beast but out of all those, the ones I have listed here are what I found to work with the horsepower a 383 can provide. (400ish range).

200R4
700R4
TH350
TH400
727

Any recommendations? Which is better? Should I consider getting an OD trans? Any of the above that might require mods to make it fit? etc....

Again on this, I'm leaning towards re-adding a 727 again rebuilt with high performance parts.

And then my final question is does the model matter for this year of car as donor parts go? For example, you can get a 727 out of tons of different makes/models. Dodges, Chevys, etc... what models would require the minimal about of fabrication? Is there any that can be a simply swap/bolt and go without fabrication work? (I'm assuming yes with the 727 since it was in there before but not sure what model.) etc...

What do you guys think?
Pics

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Description from original seller

1972 PLYMOUTH DUSTER X RACE CAR CAR RAN MID 10 WITH A DAN DVORAK 383 AND IT SETUP FOR A BIG BLOCK AND NOW IT HAS NO ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS SIX PACK FIBERGLASS LIFT OFF HOOD AND FRONT FIBERGLASS FENDER AND IT HAS FRONT DISK BRAKE AND 8 3/4 REAR END WITH NO CENTER SECTION AND IT HAS SOME SMALL HOLE IN FLOORPANS AND TRUNK NOTHING MAJOR PRETTY SOLID CAR AND NEWER TIRE AND HAS CLEAN FLA TITLE

senor honda

I would write down all your questions about trans/engines and find some drag race guys
at the track....but not bug them when they are really busy.

Next choice would be to find a shop that works on them and ask if they would recommend
a mopar performance book that includes engine/trans combinations. Some of them may
require new motor mounts. The dealer might also have a performance book.
I know that both Ford and Chevy have them.

Third would be to go by LKQ, pay the $3 admission and ask for an interchange.
They print out the combinations of what will fit certain engines/trans for certain years.