Found this 383, worth it for my 65?

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The difference is 150 pounds from a 360 to a 440. Even less for a 383 or 400. It's just not that big a difference.


Problem solved.


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Haven't done it, but I would look close at a 5.9L Magnum engine. They moved big pickups so should have no trouble with a little 65 Dart. Many aftermarket parts available for that "360" engine. That gives cheap MPFI and crank-triggered spark. If you prefer a carburetor, there are aftermarket alum intakes which let you install one, though perhaps better to go with an earlier small-block for that. Grab the entire wiring harness and controller, then just ~3 wires to hookup. Down the road, you could consider another controller like Megasquirt. The Magnum will bolt-up to a cable-shift small-block transmission, if you keep your floor-shifter. I have a 727 SB one I'll never use and sell for $150 (PM). You need to hammer a lip at the front of the trans tunnel since slightly bigger than the 904. Also need the special adapter ring for the torque converter snout (Charllie_S or such here sells/did). Could also use a Magnum tranny for its lockup and overdrive gear, but must cut and reform the trans tunnel.

Your K-frame will accept small-block engine brackets w/ no changes. You need a V-8 steering cross-member which drops 1" more to clear the oil pan and need to strategically dent the side of the oil pan to clear the link on one side. 1965 V-8 had a special oil pan, but can't recall if it bolts to even the 5.2L (318) Magnum. I vaguely recall the 5.9L shares the oil pan and only the gasket differs to fill-in the smaller rear hump of the 5.2L. Anyway, there is a whole forum on Magnum swaps to peruse. Keep in mind that your early A has a slightly narrower engine bay, so not all 1967+ approaches will work.
 
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so if one was to get a later 5.9 magnum what year/model you targeting to benefit from FI and aluminum heads etc?
 
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