Big block duster pain in the A$$

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My best friend helped me build this one. Other than modifying the bellcrank, there didn't seem much to it. Proparts headers and when you don't mind cutting access holes in the fenders, for accessing plugs, makes it much easier. Previous owner had already cut holes for fenderwell headers so any additional holes were no big deal. I guess I might have felt differently if it was a show car and I was trying to keep everything looking perfect.

Try shoving an RB into an early A and then tell me about "pain in the A$$".
 

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Thank you for all the replies everyone, some great info and pictures here. This is my first real Mopar performance car.
 
With the shumacher headers the driver side plugs are easy,pass side the 4 and 6 are tight and a pain to get the boots on and even harder to get the flame retardant sleeves on.
 
As I'm sure the the "I did it, it was easy" replies make you want to throat punch each and every one of us....I'll add to the fury;-)

I did it from the bottom...2 small furniture dollies for the rotors, one tranny jack for the tail shaft, and a car wheel dolly for the motor. Took a little time a time setting it up and making sure I got everything squared away, but slid the whole thing under the car and bolted up in 30 mins...by MYSELF. No banging, no cussing, no hammers. First time doing it this way and the ONLY way I'll do it in the future.
 

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Fender well headers makes some of it easy but I hate what it does for the front tire size choices!

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Jlcaptain24 said:
As I'm sure the the "I did it, it was easy" replies make you want to throat punch each and every one of us....I'll add to the fury;-)

I did it from the bottom...2 small furniture dollies for the rotors, one tranny jack for the tail shaft, and a car wheel dolly for the motor. Took a little time a time setting it up and making sure I got everything squared away, but slid the whole thing under the car and bolted up in 30 mins...by MYSELF. No banging, no cussing, no hammers. First time doing it this way and the ONLY way I'll do it in the future.
Click to expand...

No wonder it was easy your car is upside down already.
 
younggun2.0 said:
got a part # on that upper radiator hose? or a make/model/yr i could reference?
Click to expand...

If it helps, here's one I found that worked with a 26" radiator after triming Dayco 71281
 

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I put the 440/727 in from the bottom on my 69 Barracuda with no help, not sure I'll ever try to take it out from the top.
 
Is there really much difference from a B motor to an RB motor when it comes to fitment? how much tighter do things get.
 
I have zero sympathy for anybody that does not drop the body down over the assembled engine/trans/headers,
starter and K-frame as a complete assembled unit. One person can do this!

My youngest brother Dave (440 Duster with power brakes) lives across the street. He called me one Saturday and
said he was ready to put it in. I said "let me make a sandwich and I'll be right over". I did. I went. It was all over
when I got there.

My other brother Denny takes his Hemi out, does whatever to it and puts it back in completely by himself and
has done it many times. How can this be? They are doing it from the bottom!

I don't know how many times it can be said. When you do it this way the engine, trans, starter and headers are
already bolted together tight and you aren't going to dent or scratch anything.
 
Fisher said:
Is there really much difference from a B motor to an RB motor when it comes to fitment? how much tighter do things get.
Click to expand...

The deck height is .745" taller on a RB than a B.

I have a B in my Duster with power brakes, which are coming off soon when the RB goes in.

Tom
 
Jlcaptain24 said:
As I'm sure the the "I did it, it was easy" replies make you want to throat punch each and every one of us....I'll add to the fury;-)

I did it from the bottom...2 small furniture dollies for the rotors, one tranny jack for the tail shaft, and a car wheel dolly for the motor. Took a little time a time setting it up and making sure I got everything squared away, but slid the whole thing under the car and bolted up in 30 mins...by MYSELF. No banging, no cussing, no hammers. First time doing it this way and the ONLY way I'll do it in the future.
Click to expand...

From the picture it looks like you "dropped it in" from the bottom
 
Yup,from the bottom is how th factory did ALL of them.
 
I did my '70 Duster 440 swap years ago, (maybe 28?) with no help, CPPA headers. It took some time, maybe a day?

The only regret was not cutting holes in the passenger side inner fender for spark plug access from the wheel well, I had to do that later.
 
NO PROBLEM, did mine from the top with trans by myself.
 

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I had my setup in and out about 10 times total before I got everything to fit - if you don't have the Schumacher motor mount shims get them..

I have 440 CPPA 2" under chassis headers that barely fit, had to pound a few of the tubes on the driver side and still need to pound a little more in front of the starter only bad plug to do is No.6 cyl. which it takes about 30 minutes to do on it's own, and probably won't be able to do it while the engine is hot haha

Mine has to go -

Trans first
Headers second
Starter third - with the wires connected
engine fourth

It all falls right in.. I also have the added bonus of a tubular K member though so I don't know the woes of the stock K if there are any.. few pics of my build - 71 Demon 71 383/727 2" headers













 
I got a Scamp I've been debating on a 440,,,Simple or a 451. Better fit,more power
MORE money. Still undecided. It's gonna be a daily driver 6-8 months a year. I'd like
to use manifolds,,No leaks,but not sure what'll fit. The green 69 looks like its got plenty of blower motor clearance. Nice cars,all of em.
 
Try sliding on into a early A-Body
 

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I knew someone who put a 383 in a 69 Dart. He had a motor plate for motor mounts, and fender well headers , don't know if this helps, but I guess it shows that there are ways to do it. How did the 383 GTS setup from Mr. Norm go together?
 
Yes The motor plate would of been easier and so would exhaust manifolds too. Still have to piss around with the starter tonight after work. Got the tranny mount lined up bolted in and the motor mounts are secure. So its actually in. Spoke to Cass last night at Dr Diff have a 3" chrome moly 1350 shaft on the way now too. Plugs will be next see how much of a twat they are to get at.
 
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