318 to 440 swap 1966

[DaveWrex]

Yep, Poly motor.

If it were me, I'd keep it, but it's your car. It's not a real complicated swap to a 440, but it depends on what you want to do, how much you want to spend etc. It's not going to be cheap to do... Depending on what you want for an engine. A basically stock 440 is going to be easier, but it gets more involved and more expensive as you up the horsepower.

At minimum, transmission will need to be changed and that's assuming it's a 727 and not a 904 in the car now. Torque convertor and flex plate. Motor mounts. Probably a radiator too. Then there's all the little parts that are getting harder to source like the throttle linkage to the trans, some pulleys, along with power steering and alternator brackets. There's other stuff that I'm probably not thinking of. None of it is cheap anymore either. If you start thinking about a modified engine, then you need to get into beefing up the driveline.

Again, your choice, it's your car and your money. I'd strongly suggest that if you want to do the swap, you gather ALL the parts first. It sounds to me like you haven't done this before (no offense meant if you have) and you'll want to keep what you have running so you can still have some fun with the car.

Again, if it were me, I'd keep the poly. It's a great reliable engine that can be built to make some power or fine left stock. Visually, it has a unique appearance that some of us kind of like. There are plenty of big block cars out there... Not a lot of poly motored cars at the Saturday morning cars and coffee at the local Dairy Queen. You could just do a 4bbl manifold swap along with a dual exhaust too. Just some food for thought.

That's really good advice thank you

 

[CBODY67]

I realize the Poly is the displacement it is, BUT many have forgotten that its bloodlines go back to the "double-rockershaft" 1950s Chrysler V-8s. Namely, the original Hemi V-8. So "the bones" are there for power to be made.

Yes, some items are harder to find these days. BUT getting a modern-lobe cam, any 4bbl intake, and better exh manifolds/headers might well improve on what used to be around, back then.

At a cruise event, when somebody asks about the engine, just tell them it is a budget version of the Original Chrysler Hemi, just without the hemi heads, from Chrysler. THEN, if they know of which you speak, they will smile.

Just some thoughts,
CBODY67

 

[Snotty]

"Hey look, another 440 was swapped for a 318!" Yawn....