V8 swap- parts list? 66 signet, 225/904 floor shift

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hellfirechrome

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So; my torsion bar carrier ripped outta my K frame on the passenger side. I figure it's a sign that I should just do the swap. I have a '66 signet with a 225/904 stock, manual drum brakes, console floor shifter. What will I need to swap up to a Stock V8 setup? Anyone have a complete list? FWIW, I plan on keeping the drums and 7.25 rear for the moment, budget et cetera.
 
First off, you'll need another early A K frame. 6's and V8's are the same; only difference being motor mounts. You might need a dropped center link although some slant 66's came with them. If you have the rotating rod for a throttle, you'll need a cable operated one. Of course the V8 motor and LA transmission. Upgrade the brakes, probably the suspension, probably the rear end. Best if you have a complete donor car for all the little odds and ends.
 
Time and a safe , dry place to work on the car and store parts....and good lighting..
Engine jack
a flat trolly that is just higher than the legs of the engine jack
excellent time to renew the front suspension rubbers..
larger torsion bars
Engine / Trans/ Rear end - i.e. 360/a727/8 3/4
drive shaft
different throttle cable..
larger radiator
torque wrench..
exhaust
great time to add headers..
fluids
hoses
mod the wiring harness


that is a start..

I love it when I hear..you can just change the engine..easy job..will take less than a day..easy/peasy..
 
I've got a great workspace outside. I'm gonna sell my (smooth-running) slant six and trans when I pull the engine, no rush on this project. Also, yeah, I'll do shocks and bushings etc. but since (down the road) I plan on going with disc brakes, I'll be leaving the suspension mostly alone for now.

Already found a K and torsion bars. Woohoo!
 
Here's the manifolds you will need.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=273752

There is a story out there that some sixes came with V8 center links but I have never seen one so you will need drop center link.

You might want to modify your trans cross member unless you go with single exhaust.

I did this swap 3 times. Last one was last spring so it's pretty fresh in my mind. Pretty easy. Did it in one day AFTER getting everything together. Dennis
 
The 2 biggest items are of course the drop center link and the throttle cable assembly, simply because they are early A body specific! You will also need a set of early A body V8 exhaust manifolds unless you are planning bigger things, but headers start around $600 and stock manifolds run less than $100 and are good for a start!

Things like the pulleys and radiator co figuration will come into play when you decide on your motor..there are 2 different water pumps and the pulleys don't interchange! The later style aluminum water pump also dumps out on the opposite side of the early cast iron pumps, which can cause front cover confusion and radiator hose issues!

A V8 under hood wiring harness from an early A body will be a plug in deal, so I would suggest getting one of those! Make sure you retain the lower shift pivot bracket from your trans if its a floor shift car, you'll need that for your V8 trans!

All crossmembers from early A body cars are only cut out for single exhaust as no dual exhaust was available! I happen to do the conversions on the original crossmembers to accommodate running duals if you're interested when the time comes for that!

That's about it, if I think of anything else ill post it here!! Good luck with your project, Geof
 
I recently just finished a 225/ 3 speed to a 318 swap in a 64 dart.

Things you absolutely NEED:
Drop Center Link
Early A v8 engine mounts (or aftermarket swap mounts)
Cable type accelerator linkage
Early A exhaust MAnifolds or Headers
Small block tranny

Things you might need.
Radiator - for correct inlet/outlet depending on the small block you use
BRAKES - you go faster, should stop faster
Rear end - That dinky thing that you can lift with one arm is going to break.
Shifter linkages - kickdown, cables and whatnot for your engine/tranny/shifter combo

Stock /6 Torsion bars are fine. just crank em up a bit. The small block only weighs like 75 pounds more.
Wiring is pretty easy to change. Not much needs changed. Maybe the coil wires. But no need to get a full wiring harness.
 
Stock /6 Torsion bars are fine. just crank em up a bit. The small block only weighs like 75 pounds more.

I think many on this board would argue this but it is only your life (and anyone who is also in the car) that you are playing with....

Why take chances for $ 100 bucks..

This is just an opinion...
 
I think many on this board would argue this but it is only your life (and anyone who is also in the car) that you are playing with....

Why take chances for $ 100 bucks..

This is just an opinion...

Had a friend who didnt swap in v8 torsion bars, it cornered like a pig., till he replaced them.
 
You will need to check for oil pan clearance(car pan).When I first went V8 I still had the 6cyl centre link which just touched slightly.I shimmed the motor mounts(biscuit type) til I found a V8 centre link.I also went with a 72 Duster gas peddle and throttle cable(V8) for easy install.I also boxed in my K-frame for some added strength up front.I still run the 6cyl torsion bars,but I,M just going in a straight line with my car.These parts are getting harder to find around my parts and shipping usually kills deals on need parts,so have had to improvise some.Good luck and have fun.:burnout:
 
Ok I'm gettin the hang of this! So; another related question, will 67-72 upper control arms (for SBP disc) work on my 66?
 
Also, how about torsion bar interchangeability? Can I use the 340 bars from a 67 barracuda?
 
Good thread. i am getting ready to do a V8 swap into my "64" Dart. I have a freshly built 318 and am gather parts for a fall swap.
 
Ok I'm gettin the hang of this! So; another related question, will 67-72 upper control arms (for SBP disc) work on my 66?

Yep. All the A-body control arms, upper and lower, will interchange. The later ('73 and up) disc uppers take a larger ball joint, but all the others should be the same smaller one.

Also, how about torsion bar interchangeability? Can I use the 340 bars from a 67 barracuda?

Also yes. All A-body torsion bars interchange. Make sure to keep the even-part-numbered bar on the right side and the odd-numbered on the left.
 
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