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Engine Swap?360 0r 318? Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
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kari613 |
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Veteran Posts: 112 Location: Lake Havasu , Arizona | I'm considering replacing my 56 Dodge 315 poly with a early 70's 318 or 360 . I want to keep my original 56 drive shaft and Powerflite trans. Which would be the easiest swap? Is there an adaptor to mate these engines to my Powerflite? thanks | ||
Rodger |
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Expert Posts: 1506 Location: Colo Spgs | Bill 1. I am always leaning towards keeping the original engine ( it is cheaper to repair than to replace ). 1a. Unless the original engine had "a wake", is M.I.A./ A.W.O.L., or has a hole in the block ( in need of "A Wake" ). 2. The next choice for myself would be any of the A-318 Family of Engines ( up until the last of the 1961 Production Year - they will bolt directly to your Bell Housing/ Transmission ) 3. The 2 bbl Carb'd 1967 to 1974 LA-318 from any source will appear the best and need The Car Division Exhaust Manifold on The Left Side ( Starter Motor Side ). 3a. The after 1969 Water Pump has a looonger "nose" and will place a hole in The Radiator. Any 1962 -1967 LA-273/ LA-318 or LA-340 Water Pump is the same part number. 4. The 1972 Harmonic Balancer has a "new bolt pattern" and all Pulley's are depth matched to clear The Looong Nosed Water Pump Unit. Rodger & Gabby Colo Spgs Edited by Rodger 2014-01-22 5:01 PM | ||
Mopar1 |
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Expert Posts: 3068 Location: N.W. Fla. | kari613 - 2014-01-22 11:30 AM There are adaptors for your 315 to the newer 727s, but not the other way around. most want the better drivability/MPG of the 3 spd vs 2 spd tranny. I'd rebuild the Poly (or convert it to hemi) with the new 727 & modern rear axle, or the LA & modern power train., or just keep it OEM(last choice if it was mine).I'm considering replacing my 56 Dodge 315 poly with a early 70's 318 or 360 . I want to keep my original 56 drive shaft and Powerflite trans. Which would be the easiest swap? Is there an adaptor to mate these engines to my Powerflite? thanks | ||
BigBlockMopar |
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Expert Posts: 3575 Location: Netherlands | The '70+ 318s are pretty gutless with their ridiculously low compression ratios. I would at least go for a 360 for some added torque in the lower rpms. I have a stock 318 in my daily '73 Dodge Dart and I would not want to know how much more lame this engine will be in a heavier car. Personally, I'm not really a restoration minded guy, but if the rest of the car is still nicely stock I would def. think about rebuilding the 315 engine. | ||
Mopar1 |
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Expert Posts: 3068 Location: N.W. Fla. | BigBlockMopar - 2014-01-22 3:34 PM In that regards the LA 318 is lighter than the 315, and can be built cheaper, throw in a little C/R bump, a little hotter cam & a Performer & Holley 600...The '70+ 318s are pretty gutless with their ridiculously low compression ratios. I would at least go for a 360 for some added torque in the lower rpms. I have a stock 318 in my daily '73 Dodge Dart and I would not want to know how much more lame this engine will be in a heavier car. Personally, I'm not really a restoration minded guy, but if the rest of the car is still nicely stock I would def. think about rebuilding the 315 engine. | ||
wayfarer |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 896 Location: Peoples Republic of Oregon | If you are on a tight budget then rebuilding the original engine can be a challenge. Have a chat with your favorite machinist and parts supplier. A second option...distant second...is swapping for a late model LA engine/trans/rear. There will be plenty of collateral damage that will not be inexpensive. If you go this way the jump to the Magnum series, plenty available on craigslist... | ||
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