help with engine swap

[plybel]

My 67 belvedere has a 318, 3 speed man. in it. Just bought a 440 and 727. I dont know what it come out of. Is that going to matter. What else am i going to have to change? Any help will be great. Thanks!

[Alex Vasquez]

I am considering the same thing, and here is what I think/believe has to be changed at the very least. I'm sure there's more, I just haven't thought of it yet.

1--Engine and transmission mounts (to BigBlock units)

2--Torsion bars (383/440)

3--Pig and axle (to 3.23s or better)

4--Fuel lines and Radiator cooler lines (wider diameter)

5--Radiator (heavy-duty unit)

6--Engine wiring harness (maybe?)

And since I'll have to re-do all that, I am thinking about completely rebuilding the front suspension with modern pieces (the polygraphite bushings, etc.) and going to modern disc brakes.

I believe that for the same amount of money I could have a VERY well-built 318-340-360 (my choice) using the same mounts/etc. and then have money to invest in other areas.

Alex Vasquez

[ajmopar]

As long as you have the car pan on the 440 (mid sump, the truck pan is rear sump) You are most of the way there. The transmission mount will work, and you can get the engine mounts from Schumacher http://www.engine-swaps.com/
I would guess that your car already has an 8 3/4" (pumpkin style) rear in it, but maybe only 2.73 gears (with the 440's torque, that's liveable until you can score some 3.23 or 3.55's). You will probably need to find a driveshaft (I can't remember if the B Body auto and 3 speed are the same length). Of course you will need to either use the transmission cooler lines from the car that you got the 440 from or buy some or get busy with a flaring tool and a bender. The engine compartment wiring will work, but you may have to extend some wires, like the coil wires for instance (a great time to wire up an electronic ignition). You will probably in the future want to upgrade to 3/8" fuel line, but with a stock 440, 5/16" is usable until you can get to it. You will need to get a bigger rad, and depending on hose location etc, you may want to change the water pump housing (later big blocks have the lower rad hose on the passenger side, older drivers side). The big block torsion bars are a good idea, but I have done this without using them (good for weight transfer on a drag car, not so good for cornering). I would reccomend going with the big incher over a small block in the moderately heavy B-body because it makes so much more low end torque, which is what you want to throw the car down the street. Have fun!

[dirty dan]

Hey Alex
The trans mount from your 3 speed will do the job.
As for torsion bars I wouldn`t worrie about it.
Drive the car and then see if you need to up date.
As for gears 3.55 is a very good all around street gear.
But even that is adjustable later.
You will have more engine to cool.
But try your original radiator you may be surprised.
As for the wireing ,its no prob a longer wire for the coil (if points in the 440) .
Motor mounts depends on what year 440 you have.
72 and older will work in your car.
If you look at your trans mount .
the bolt holes that hold the mount to the trans are sloted.
You may have to lengthen the slots but it is no big deal.
If you go from small block to big block you`ll never want to go back.
lol

[plybel]

The rear end is a 2.94 sure grip. I hope it will work. Thanks for all your help! If you are going to go better go BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dirty dan]

One thing I forgot to mention.
The oil pan will have to be from a 72 and older big block.
It doesn`t matter what size big block as long as it is 72 and
older.
As for the 294 gear .
Yes it will work much better with the 440 then it would with the small block.
How ever You will notice an lot of differance when you change
to a 323 or a 355.
And you will like it much better then the 294`s.
But yes it will work.
294 gears are great for hyway driveing.
But Not that good for stop light to stop light.