Sb/bb/...bb???

SB/BB Duster/Dart?

  • 340 68 Dart

    Votes: 21 21.6%

  • 440 68 Dart

    Votes: 20 20.6%

  • 400/451 65 Dart

    Votes: 7 7.2%

  • 340 70 Duster

    Votes: 21 21.6%

  • 440 70 Duster

    Votes: 20 20.6%

  • 400/451 70 Duster

    Votes: 19 19.6%
  • Total voters
    97
-
chlngr1970

chlngr1970

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2008
Messages
1,675
Reaction score
154
Location
Sultan WA
So here's the deal. I have always wanted a big block Duster. Ever since I bought my first /6 Duster back in the early 90's, my plan was to transplant a 400/727, or even a 440/727 into an A-Body. Now, I have a few options, and right now...more time than money. It gives me lots of time to second guess some of the decisions I have made.

Here are the options. I have a 1970 /6 Duster that has a 340/727 in it right now. I also have a 1968 /6 Dart 2dr post that has no motor in it at all. I also have two buildable big blocks, one 400, and one 440. I have 1 727 short shaft trans. My original plan was to put the 400, stroked to 451CID, into the Duster, and transplant the 340 drivetrain to the Dart. Now, I am thinking of putting the 400, built mild, in the Dart with a good rear, and maybe an AOD trans. Then build the hell out of the 440 an put it in the Duster with a stout 6sp manual. That leaves me with a good 340 to put in something down the road.

This is what I hate about having more time than money. If it were the other way around, I would just worry that my decisions were not for the better, and still have some sort of issue to mess me up :D

j
 
Why choose? Keep the SB 340 duster, and use either BB for the 68 Dart. That way you'll have one of each. The low deck 400 might be easier in the A body, but either one isn't overly difficult to make work in that 68.
 
But....he has always wanted a big block Duster. If you have time, swap the 340 to the Dart and go with the 400/451 in the Duster!
 
Ya i agree with you, i think it would be cool to have a duster with a built-up 440... and thats what i plan to do with my duster as soon as i win the lottery or come across a large sum of cash lol. But seeing another 440 duster will inspire me even more.
 
If you have always wanted a BB in a Duster then you will not be happy until you have done it. Either the Duster or the Dart which every you choose. I would make sure the car has the correct torsion bars, disc brakes, and frame connectors. Have fun!
 
practice with the 400 in the dart then put the 440 in ur duster or... send the dart and 340 to me and then you wont have to decide lol
 
No, I'll come and get the 340. You put the 440 in the Duster & all your problems will be solved. LOL! Seriously though, put the 440 in the Duster. That's the cheaper way to get your big block Duster.
 
That poll is like asking which kind of crab do you like to eat fresh.
All of the above!:toothy10:
 
put the 440 in the duster the 400 stroked way out in the dart and put the 340 under a tarp for something else.

a mild 440 in a duster is a trip
 
You known i have always been a Small Block fan ,, but i think i am going with a 440 in my Dakota this time. should be some real fun time ..
 
I'd drive the lug nuts off the Duster till you have the BB built and all the bugs worked out. You can beat on the Duster during the time your acquiring all the needed parts. Then, once you have it together and all the problems fixed, (Yes, there will be some) you can swap the drive lines from both cars. That way you have a minimum amount of down time and still get to enjoy driving the Duster chasing parts for the bb buildup. Then after you have them swapped and the big block up and running/driving, you can tear the 340 down and build up another Stroker for the Dart.
You can even keep an eye out for good deals on parts for both cars and snatch them up as you get the money, but main focus on getting 1 or the other done, then concentrate on the other driveline.
 
70Duster440 said:
A 440 Duster is a lot of fun....
Click to expand...
That is a SHWEEEEEEEEEET car and loved the site.....havent read it all yet but it really does give a great look into what is involved in making such a fine machine...

I was really interested in the "bonding" technique you used for the rear quarter panel.....I have a welder (wire feed with gas hookup) but am not very experienced......Has this bonding technique held up? This is a great option!
 
go big block im doing my swap very soon i just happen to have a 383 im doing nothing with other than collecting dust on an engine stand im goting bye bye slant 6 hello BB
 
CrazyPete said:
go big block im doing my swap very soon i just happen to have a 383 im doing nothing with other than collecting dust on an engine stand im goting bye bye slant 6 hello BB
Click to expand...


I used to have a 68 Charger with a 383... I loved that motor.
 
shadango said:
That is a SHWEEEEEEEEEET car and loved the site.....havent read it all yet but it really does give a great look into what is involved in making such a fine machine...

I was really interested in the "bonding" technique you used for the rear quarter panel.....I have a welder (wire feed with gas hookup) but am not very experienced......Has this bonding technique held up? This is a great option!
Click to expand...

Thanks shadango. I don't want to hijack this thread. I can give you more details via PM or another thread but the quarter was replaced with a combination of welding and bonding.
 
Small blocks only in dusters,if they were meant to have bigblocks the factory would have installed them...
 
stroked 340 said:
Small blocks only in dusters,if they were meant to have bigblocks the factory would have installed them...
Click to expand...
Going by that logic, I should put a /6 back in it. And, if small blocks were meant to have longer strokes, then they would have put them in. Doesn't make much sense, does it...

j
 
I am really leaning toward big blocks in both cars. I'm actually thinking of picking up another B engine just to do it...

j
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top