Re: IML: More Power from EFI 318 or Big Block Swap ?

["Bill Watson" <wwatson5@xxxxxxxxx>]

Chrysler did not gut the 1981-83 Imperial with a small block    The 1981-83
Imperial (Y body) was based on the J body (Mirada & Cordoba) which was
derived from the M body (Diplomat, LeBaron, Caravelle, Gran Fury) which
originated as the F body (Volare & Aspen).   The biggest engine any of these
cars had was the 360 V8.  The B and RB engines never saw the engine
compartment of one these models.  After all, when the Volare/Aspen twins
were introduced in 1976 they were compacts succeeding the A body (Valiant &
Dart).

If you want to stuff a 400 or 440 under that hood, you will need to do some
major reworking as the transmission, driveshaft and rear axle will all have
to be replaced.   And considering the cozy fit of the 318, you could be
having a bit of fun to get a 400 or 440 in there.   However, you could put a
360 in there no problem,. and as the 360 was available in the F and M bodies
you could get factory engine mounts, transmissions, rear axles, etc. to fit.
However, I wouldn't try to convert a 360 to the Imperial's EFI as it was not
designed for it.  Should also point out that the front torsion bars are
unique to the F-M-J-Y family and came in two versions - stock and
police/taxi.   They may not be up to the extra weight of a 400/440.

As for tuning up the EFI for more power, you will need to do some research
on its design, etc. as the factory had but one set of parts for it and no
one else has ever bothered to produce hop-up bits.  Or even tried to cure
its many little quirks.  With less than 13,000 built grand total from August
1980 through April 1983, there was not much demand for any development.

Actually, if you want to get more power of a car, you probably would be
better off with a Mirada or Cordoba.   Basically the same car but hundreds
of pounds lighter, for starters. Also the carburetored engines in the Mirada
and Cordoba open doors to dozens of firms out there producing engine parts
to get more power out of the LA block.

Bill
Vancouver, BC




----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Mrfixit1962@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005 6:46 AM
Subject: IML: More Power from EFI 318 or Big Block Swap ?


> I got the gas tank seals in (thanks for the help in finding the part
numbers) and now I hope I can find out how to get more power out of the 318
V8 with EFI. The motor runs great but is totaly gutless especially when I
compare it to my 01 dodge 3500 runs 14.8 in the quarter mile powered by a 6
cylinder.
> I originally bought the car because I loved how it looked and was
intending to do a big block swap to it until I found out that the miles were
original at 33K and it was a rare power moonroof car. It was a shame that
Chrysler gutted the Imperial with a small block. The car looks fast, and
handles & rides great but has no power like all the other Imperials before.
> Now before anyone gets upset, I did try to sell the car at a loss to
anyone who would keep it original, but never had any takers. So now the game
plan is to either get the orginal 318 with the EFI get out of its own way
with some reversible upgrades or do a complete big block swap using a dodge
400ci and restroking it to 500+ cubic inches and 600hp on pump gas with a
727 auto w/overdrive and a dana 60 rear end. The reason for using a 400 is
it is a low deck motor like the 383 which will fit better than a 440 and is
easier to find with all the accessories like AC still in place.  Either
setup I want the car to look and sound all original making it a "sleeper" .
> So first question is what can I do to the 318 V8 & EFI (keeping the EFI)
and get the car to break into 15 second quarter mile? Currently the car is
100% stock and I do intend to replace the exhaust with duals (no emission
testing here in west michigan. Anyone ever added N0S to one of these cars ?
> Second question has anyone out there done a big block swap to a 1981 to
1983 Imperial or Cordoba? what was involved and any suggestions would be
helpful.
> Thanks Kyle
>
>




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