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big block to 69 charger

Started by cowboy4x4n, May 15, 2012, 01:03:12 PM

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cowboy4x4n

guys.  is the bellhousing pattern the same on a 383 as it is a 318.  as well as mounts and radiator setup.  im seeing the swaps more common.  I have a 440 but if the 383 requires less work im all for it.

Thanks.

resq302

i think the big blocks are different mounting than the small blocks due to it being a different trans.
Brian
1969 Dodge Charger (factory 4 speed, H code 383 engine,  AACA Senior winner, 2008 Concours d'Elegance participant, 2009 Concours d'Elegance award winner)
1970 Challenger Convert. factory #'s matching red inter. w/ white body.  318 car built 9/28/69 (AACA Senior winner)
1969 Plymough GTX convertible - original sheet metal, #'s matching drivetrain, T3 Honey Bronze, 1 of 701 produced, 1 of 362 with 440 4 bbl - auto

cowboy4x4n

gotcha.  i knew the 440 was diff i just keep seeing alot of 318 to 383 swaps so figured there was some simple changes

Troy

The big blocks ('B' 383, 400 and "RB" 413, 426, 440) share many parts - including transmission bolt patterns. Not much is compatible with a small block (318, 340, 360). Most small block cars with an automatic transmission got the 904 while a few had a 727 (not positive about this in 69 but definitely in 1970). The only automatic that came behind a big block was the 727 (different case of course) which is slightly longer and requires drive shaft modification. The transmission mount is the same I believe. The radiator may be the same (I believe the small block and big block 26" A/C radiators are the same number at least). The K frame is the same in 69 but the motor mounts are different. Obviously the exhaust manifolds are different - but most people end up putting a dual exhaust on any way so assume you need the entire thing from the engine back. The engine wiring is mostly the same but big blocks have the distributor in front so those wires have to be longer. Other than the complete engine, transmission, and exhaust, the swap is fairly easy - and not really any different for a 383 or 440. It is generally cheaper to buy a 383 so maybe that's why you think that swap is more popular. If you have a 440 stick with it.

Troy
Sarcasm detector, that's a real good invention.

cowboy4x4n

oh ty for the replies that makes sense now