Dany's Early A Magnum swap lessons..

Well , the Magnum is finally in the 'Cuda and we are off to the track on the 10th!!
I know we have been silent for a while, but it was too hard to do it and post about it at the same time!!
Anyway, here are some things we "discovered" that may help your swap go easier.

If you plan on doing a cam swap, FIND THIS PLUG!!
Dorman 555-123 cam plug. No one had it!!
Finally found it at a non chain parts store that was a stocking Dorman dealer.

There is a difference between an Early A 90 degree oil filter adapter and a later adapter.
The late one WILL put the filter right in the right frame rail.

If you can, take the engine/trans out the bottom.
lots easier to test fit headers, set up trans TV cable etc.
I really think if we would have installed the headers (Dougs D450) except the #1 cyl tube,
we could have set the body on the engine with them installed.
We will try it that way next time!!

Stock starter will not clear the Magnum flex plate, and Magnum mini starter hits block
when used with a 904.
ended up grinding block a touch, no big deal but would have been easier to do with
the engine still on the cart!!

Download the template from TTI to modify the trans mount for the right side exhaust while it's off.. only took a min to do.
Same with adding the ear to the right side motor mount. super easy (so easy we didn't remember to take any pics)


I have seen several posts on here about adding timing marks for the early A Passenger side pointer, but ours ( used truck balancer off eBay) had BOTH marks on it already.

We hope this helps someone else..

Good stuff! IIRC the stock 90 oil adapter wasnt clocked down that far, maybe pointing up a little? Didnt know difference.

pishta said:

Good stuff! IIRC the stock 90 oil adapter wasnt clocked down that far, maybe pointing up a little? Didnt know difference.

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The one with the wix filter was on the magnum.
When it didn't fit I swapped it for the one on the 273 and just thru the other one on the 273 to plug the hole for storage. It is a little nose down.

Why the cam plug??

Thanks for the tips, I’m getting ready to put my magnum motor in the valiant next week so now I’ll be more prepared.

TripleL said:

Why the cam plug??

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Need to knock it out to replace the rear cam bearing. It's single use like a freeze out plug.
And NO ONE had one in stock, or they wanted $20/$30 dollars for it.
In reality it's a $2 part, if you can find it!