engine compatibility, dodge ram hemi, block chevys

1950 PlymouthI have a 1950 Plymouth coupe...the engine and trans is shot but the rest is solid...can a newer (1990s/2000s) motor be installed along with an auto trans?  For instance a 2000 Dodge Ram Hemi with a auto trans?

Answer
    You can put any engine in this car that you want.  Most hot-rod versions probably have small-block Chevys, but there is nothing to keep you from installing something else.  You are going to have to fabricate the mounts, the linkages, and the driveshaft.  You will also have to change the whole car over to 12V electrics.  The advisability of all this depends on how nice the car really is.  If the body and interior are real nice, requiring only minimal repair, then you might want to get the engine and trans repaired and keep the car original.  Hot rods don't come close in value to original cars until you spend about twice what they're worth.  That L-head six does not cost much to overhaul, nor does the gearbox.
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