Early A vs 73 Duster, parts swap help

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340doc

340doc

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I know a guy who has the opportunity to buy a 65 dart with a slant and a 73 Duster with a 340, 727 and 8 3/4. The Duster is very rusty and he wants to swap as many parts onto the Dart. I'm trying to help him out but my knowledge of the early body's is limited so I'm turning to you guys for advice. Do they make a conversion mount for the 6 to 8 for the 65? I have heard the 727 is a tight fit, will it fit? Will the 8 3/4 bolt in? Same width? And will the big bolt front discs bolt on the 65 with the large ball joint upper arm? I appreciate any help on this, Thank you!
 
The disc brakes will bolt in,use the upper A arms,spindles and ball joints for the 73.The K frame of the 63-66 was used for both the V8 and slant.With the proper mounts the 340 will bolt in.The 727 will be tight but works,may have to hammer the floor in a few spots,also flatten the seam where the firewall meets the front floor. The 8 3/4 will bolt in,reuse the 65 springs if good but use the shock plates from the 73. Measure both drive shafts, the 73 may or may not be long enough.
 
Thank you Darter6! So he needs to get stock V8 brackets and mounts for the 65? What about headers?
 
TTI or Dougs for the headers. Only will fit early A. The Duster headers will not work. The early A headers are a VERY tight fit.
 
He will also need an early A body V8 center link, V8 gas pedal assembly, and no, the 340 motor mount brackets will not work in an early A! He will need to find early A body V8 brackets and modify them to bolt to the 340's unique spacing for the motor mount brackets!
 
340doc said:
Thanks cosgig, there's a lot involved
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Yes, there's a lot involved, but worth the swap on every one of his/your plans!! Plus, you have peeps here that can walk him through every step of the transition!! That's the fun of our hobby, making the car your own!! Tell him that were here to help when he needs it!! Geof
 
Thanks for everyone's help, I'll pass the info along and tell him to join this site!!
 
i went the schumacher route as well. ++ running 340 HP manifolds, it will be tight, but i think i can step down the pipe to clear the steering and frame rail, also the 727 will fit but you may need to clearance the body seam where the firewall meets the floor pan.
 
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