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1961 Fury 2-door H.T. - Save the original 318 powertrain? Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General Discussion | Message format |
John Serkaian |
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Regular Posts: 62 Location: Novi, Michigan | I'm preparing to restore my 1961 fury after parking it thirty years ago. It's been garaged so the body is still relatively rust free but the chassis and powertrain need a rebuild. Instead of rebuilding the original 318 2bbl w/automatic, I'm planning on upgrading to the 440 Super Commando powertrain from my 1970 police Suburban. Is there any point in saving the original powertrain? I've had other collectible cars where "numbers matching" was an important consideration affecting the value of the car but does that also apply to these oddball models? I don't see much demand for a 1961 Fury to think it would matter? Thanks for any input. | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9684 Location: So. Cal | Few people would care about numbers matching on your car, but you should consider if you really want a 440 in there. Bigger sounds better until its done and you have to pay for the gasoline and feel the weight of it on your suspension. If you aren't likely to be drag racing it, you will have more fun with the 318 in a cruiser. | ||
John Serkaian |
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Regular Posts: 62 Location: Novi, Michigan | Thanks for the feedback. I've driven C-bodies and pre 1965 "full size" models with small block and big block powertrains and I prefer a big block in such large, heavy cars. With aluminum engine components, a lighter aluminum case transmission, battery relocation, and a Glasstek fiberglass hood, the weight imbalance shouldn't be too bad? The chassis and brakes will also be upgraded to manage the added power. | ||
mikes2nd |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 5006 | I dunno, maybe make the 440 plug and play, save the original...except the 440 probably wont play well with an open diff. I don't think 61 furys are garbage to be tossed but I would buy the local 61 convert and use it Weiand has one... It was a very nice car when i saw it, convertible also. Honestly they go too cheap. I know people think they look weird. He only wants 3k for a convertible slant 6 car... Not sure if he still has . http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=74162&... | ||
58coupe |
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Expert Posts: 1740 Location: Alaska | That is a big increase in power you are planning but is it really a lot more weight? I would be surprised if a 440 is more than 50-75 pounds heavier than an early 318. | ||
1960fury |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 7410 Location: northern germany | 58coupe - 2020-10-06 1:53 AM That is a big increase in power you are planning but is it really a lot more weight? I would be surprised if a 440 is more than 50-75 pounds heavier than an early 318. The 318 is heavier than a 383 and I think the 440 is not much heavier than a 383, also the 318 has more weight in the upper end and uses a lot more cooling water. I like original cars, but the big block is so much better in every way, I'd change to a big block, of course only if I can keep the push button transmission. | ||
1960fury |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 7410 Location: northern germany | I forgot, the 440 is probably not heavier than a 318 AND aluminum intakes, water pumps, housings and even heads are readily available and relatively cheap, not for the 318. | ||
mikes2nd |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 5006 | put a 5.7 hemi in it... with a carb | ||
matador440 |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 690 Location: BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND 20705 | If you go to that late of a motor and transmission you will loose your push button shifting ability as the latter model trans is rod controlled. 1965 is the last year for cable shifting | ||
jboymechanic |
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Expert Posts: 2196 Location: Muskego, WI | Sounds like you have your mind made up on the drivetrain, but if you go BB you might want to consider a 383. They just seem to punch above their weight and not be as much of a pig at the pump. You may want to hold onto your 318 since they don't sell for much. I've purchased complete, good running 318s for $200, carb to oil pan. | ||
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