EARLY A V8 SWAP

[A/MP]

Looking at a '63 Valiant. I know that the '64's firewall needed to be dimpled for a /6=V8 swap. Anything extra to know about the 1963 Valiant? Thanks!

 

[RustyRatRod]

Looking at a '63 Valiant. I know that the '64's firewall needed to be dimpled for a /6=V8 swap. Anything extra to know about the 1963 Valiant? Thanks!

Much more than a dimple, but yeah it needs to be modded. You "know" incorrectly on the 64. 1964 was the first year for the V8 in the Valiant, so the firewall fits the rear mount small block distributor just fine. However, the 63 does not. It needs some pretty in depth modification. I believe the wiper motor has to be relocated as well. My solution......although everyone always dismisses it is simple. Put a low deck big block in it. It's a bolt in swap and places the distributor right up front. There are even some exhaust manifolds that will work with little modifications. I believe the passenger's side is a drop in.

 

[junkyardhero]

you'll need a V8 center link. and exhaust is specific to the early bodies. so either headers $$$$, early V8 mainfolds $$ or modding something to fit-- magnum, 340 and early 318 are all choices, however you'll need to address the proximity of the steering column tube, so expect some trimming.

 

[RustyRatRod]

you'll need a V8 center link. and exhaust is specific to the early bodies. so either headers $$$$, early V8 mainfolds $$ or modding something to fit-- magnum, 340 and early 318 are all choices, however you'll need to address the proximity of the steering column tube, so expect some trimming.

Sometimes. I used Schumacher mounts on my 65 Valiant and I kept the slant 6 center link. It was close, but it never hit. I could squeeze my pinky between the center link and the oil pan, so it had plenty of room. I wouldn't pay 300 clams for a center link until I was SURE I had to have it. Also, I'm pretty positive a big block oil pan is not as deep, so it's a better "fit" there, too. lol

 

[junkyardhero]

Sometimes. I used Schumacher mounts on my 65 Valiant and I kept the slant 6 center link. It was close, but it never hit. I could squeeze my pinky between the center link and the oil pan, so it had plenty of room. I wouldn't pay 300 clams for a center link until I was SURE I had to have it. Also, I'm pretty positive a big block oil pan is not as deep, so it's a better "fit" there, too. lol

i have yet to be as lucky in the half dozen or so i've done-- both with and w/o schumacher mounts (and trans-dapt!).

but that's just how it goes sometimes with these cars.

 

[RustyRatRod]

i have yet to be as lucky in the half dozen or so i've done-- both with and w/o schumacher mounts (and trans-dapt!).

but that's just how it goes sometimes with these cars.

What's so sad is, I didn't keep track of which oil pan I used. I'm not sure if I ever knew. If I remember, it was already off and sittin on the shelf at a friend's salvage yard. This was probably 94 or 95. Who knew we'd need to keep track of this stuff?

 

[junkyardhero]

What's so sad is, I didn't keep track of which oil pan I used. I'm not sure if I ever knew. If I remember, it was already off and sittin on the shelf at a friend's salvage yard. This was probably 94 or 95. Who knew we'd need to keep track of this stuff?

if it was a 340 i'd put it as a mortal lock that you used the "early" a pan. that one is SKINNY in the middle.

yeah, if we only had written it all down back then... we'd be looking around today and muttering to ourselves: now where did i put those damn notes! i know i have them here somewhere!

 

[RustyRatRod]

if it was a 340 i'd put it as a mortal lock that you used the "early" a pan. that one is SKINNY in the middle.

yeah, if we only had written it all down back then... we'd be looking around today and muttering to ourselves: now where did i put those damn notes! i know i have them here somewhere!

Nope. It was an LA 360.

 

[A/MP]

Spoke to a retired Plymouth mechanic and he mentioned about having to relocate the heater core to put that dimple in the firewall. Anyone know?