Steve Erickson
Member
I have a 1965 barracuda I am new to the A bodies I would like to replace the 273 and a 904 with a 318 I’m looking for any suggestions and information and things to look out for.
thanks, correctedYou may have meant cast iron water pump?
Looking for what 318’s will work what won’t any mods needed or adapting to the 904not sure what you need to know...
acquire 318
remove 273
install 318
pretty much a straight swap
yup, or you can swap over your old or same style water pump / timing cover. that way all the brackets you have will fit. if you change to a 70' later WP, getting the matching timing cover and accessory brackets will be a big helpwelcome! If your 273 is original, the water pump will be cast and exit on the opposite side as a '70 and up 318. Also, the timing marks will be on the opposite side. A few ways around it, one being a different radiator.
all 318's will bolt up and work with the 904. when you find one, then you can figure out what that one specifically needsLooking for what 318’s will work what won’t any mods needed or adapting to the 904
Thank youwelcome! If your 273 is original, the water pump will be cast and exit on the opposite side as a '70 and up 318. Also, the timing marks will be on the opposite side. A few ways around it, one being a different radiator. I swapped out a '65 273 with a '85 318. I used the 273 torque converter behind the 318 and it worked great.
Thank youTorque convertor snouts come in two different diameters, be careful there.
Thank youyup, or you can swap over your old or same style water pump / timing cover. that way all the brackets you have will fit. if you change to a 70' later WP, getting the matching timing cover and accessory brackets will be a big help
I would like to use original transmissionDepends on what you are doing "with" the transmission. You using a later transmission or the original in the car? I think the converter snout "changed" in 68? You used to be able to buy an adapter/ bushing that went over the small early converter and into the larger/ later 318/360/340 crank to use the old trans in the newer engine
I guess one could just use a newer transmission and get a floor shifter and a newer drive shaft along with the newer 318.Ah yes - the use of the later crankshaft motor would be facilitated by use of the aforementioned adapter, another consideration when looking at what transmission to use is the early shift linkage (shift cable and park cable) will not work with later transmissions. It's a pain in the butt to find a modified stall speed torque converter for the early 904 (later ones have a different spline count) AND the front universal joint is different. If you are going to change to a later 904, it is a good idea to change everything all at once. Me? - I found someone to modify my torque converter and am using all early stuff - works great! (I did freshen up the transmission and put in a shift kit) and I have put a much modified 318 (350 + horsepower) in front of that setup with no problems.
Cheeh14/Art (RT)
btw - does anyone know who is making those crankshaft adapters? I made mine, but don't work in a machine shop any more! Thanks Art(RT)
I’d like to use the original transmissionI guess one could just use a newer transmission and get a floor shifter and a newer drive shaft along with the newer 318.
I’m interested in purchasing a bushing from you.I still sell the adapter bushing. If wanted, message me.