1965 Barracuda 273 engine 904 Torque flight.ENGINE SWAP....

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jpott

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My 1965 Barracuda with a 273eng bit the dust.. I have a 1988 318 LA low miles engine. I am going to do a engine swap. My question is what starter motor would work.. 65 273 starter or a 1988 318 starter.. any help would be a miracle guys..
 
My 1965 Barracuda with a 273eng bit the dust.. I have a 1988 318 LA low miles engine. I am going to do a engine swap. My question is what starter motor would work.. 65 273 starter or a 1988 318 starter.. any help would be a miracle guys..
Either one will work.
Be aware that there will be issues ahead of you with the '65 904 & TC mating the 1988 crank, and interference issues with the 1965 exhaust manifolds and 1988 heads. Among other things.
I will elaborate only if you are not aware of these (and other) issues, as they have been covered repeatedly in many other threads.
 
Just a question. I did a Google check on the 273 and 318 heads and it said that there's no outside physical difference between the two, I'm not saying that this is true. I'm just wondering why the use of the 1988 318 heads could cause problems. Please remember that I'm only asking a question.
 
You will need the adapter ring for the early small torque converter hub to the larger later crankshaft register as well.
 

Just a question. I did a Google check on the 273 and 318 heads and it said that there's no outside physical difference between the two, I'm not saying that this is true. I'm just wondering why the use of the 1988 318 heads could cause problems. Please remember that I'm only asking a question.
Once again, Google is wrong.
1965 273 heads have a different intake bolt angle than post-'65 heads which eliminates any interchangeability between the two.
The later 1988 318 heads also have an extended exhaust port flange which interferes with the down leg of the 1965 driver's side exhaust manifold, necessitating use of a bare header flange used as a spacer between the two to obtain the necessary clearance.
 
Just a question. I did a Google check on the 273 and 318 heads and it said that there's no outside physical difference between the two, I'm not saying that this is true. I'm just wondering why the use of the 1988 318 heads could cause problems. Please remember that I'm only asking a question.
1st of all, google is wrong

2nd of all, everything early a-body is specific, especially V8 flavor. trying to fit later model stuff into the narrow bodies is an exercise in frustration.
 
1st of all, google is wrong

2nd of all, everything early a-body is specific, especially V8 flavor. trying to fit later model stuff into the narrow bodies is an exercise in frustration.
I believe what your saying. The under hood photo that you sent me of your dart looked like the 318 fit rather well. Exhaust manifolds looked like they fit good too. Are certain year Exhaust manifolds required? Remember I'm just asking
 
Just a question. I did a Google check on the 273 and 318 heads and it said that there's no outside physical difference between the two, I'm not saying that this is true. I'm just wondering why the use of the 1988 318 heads could cause problems. Please remember that I'm only asking a question.
I will check tomorrow I have the 318 on a roller stand and the 273 is completely disassembled.. I really appreciate your input...first A body I have owned many B bodies.
 
Once again, Google is wrong.
1965 273 heads have a different intake bolt angle than post-'65 heads which eliminates any interchangeability between the two.
The later 1988 318 heads also have an extended exhaust port flange which interferes with the down leg of the 1965 driver's side exhaust manifold, necessitating use of a bare header flange used as a spacer between the two to obtain the necessary clearance.
So, a flange for a header has to go between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold on the driver's side? I don't want to say at this time why I'm asking these questions. And I'm not trying to start anything
 
So, a flange for a header has to go between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold on the driver's side? I don't want to say at this time why I'm asking these questions. And I'm not trying to start anything
That's the easiest and surest way to deal with the interference (which is only an issue with mid '70s and later heads). Some claim to have been able to use double exhaust gaskets, or grind the interfering part of the port flange away, or a combination of the two. More often than not, grinding the head in that area just hits the water jacket and junks the head.
Note that this is with the early A manifolds, which many times are the only option in these cars depending how it is equipped- ie power steering, etc.
 
My 1965 Barracuda with a 273eng bit the dust.. I have a 1988 318 LA low miles engine. I am going to do a engine swap. My question is what starter motor would work.. 65 273 starter or a 1988 318 starter.. any help would be a miracle guys..
I’d get a mini starter off a magnum. Faster cranking, much smaller, and they litter the junkyards
 
66 and earlier 273.

They are easily identifiable because the collector on the drivers side points directly back, not forward and down like on a later manifold.

Mock them up first and be careful as you tighten because if they’re hung up on something they can break.
 
I will check tomorrow I have the 318 on a roller stand and the 273 is completely disassembled.. I really appreciate your input...first A body I have owned many B bodies.

I will check tomorrow I have the 318 on a roller stand and the 273 is completely disassembled.. I really appreciate your input...first A body I have owned many B bodies.
I don't have a clue where to find a flange..Never saw one ...appreciate all you guys with this A body knowledge..thanks..
 
I don't have a clue where to find a flange..Never saw one ...appreciate all you guys with this A body knowledge..thanks..
Mancini, Summit, Speedway, Jeg's- most vendors have them. They're normally used by guys building their own headers. Just go to their sites and search "Mopar 360 header flange" or something similar.
There's a pic in the link I posted above.
 
Awesome I thought it was going to be a treasure hunt for sure...
Fairly common and not overly expensive, they just come in pairs and you only need one on the driver's side.
The crank flange/convertor adapter ring that you'll need is getting a little tougher to find now though- but they're out there, too. Ebay is your best bet on those; I'll see if I can find a link...
 
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