63 DART SAME AS 65

A/MP · Dec 25, 2018

Not the body but doing a V8 swap. V8 center link required? /6 trans member same a V8 904? All the changes I made to my '65 /6 Dart into a V8 are the same?

Dana · Dec 25, 2018

I think the distributor wants to hit the firewall in a 63,

RustyRatRod · Dec 25, 2018

Dana said:
I think the distributor wants to hit the firewall in a 63,

It's not just a "want", it's a "WILL". lol

Also, not every early A needs the V8 center link. It all depends on how the engine sits. When I did my 65 Valiant, I didn't need the V8 center link. It was close, but it never hit the pan.

MOPAROFFICIAL · Dec 25, 2018

'63 and earlier have different things...like ring gear bolts, trans,ETC

barbee6043 · Dec 25, 2018

Like said, the firewall is different on the 63. There are threads you might be able to do the search on here and find info. The wiper is the main problem, but I know years back I have read how it all can be accomplished. Good luck, I wish I could remember everything I used to could remember.

TXDart · Dec 25, 2018

Relocate wiper motor like the 64-66 or modify distributor like 63 MorePar did,search his threads on how to.

63 MorePar said:
The wiper motor is located differently on the '63 A.The 273 was not an option then. The distributor and/or the fire wall will require some mods to clear. '64 & '65 A bodies had the wiper motor relocated and the fire wall was reshaped.
Me and my machinist friend took a stock LA electronic distributor, cut out about 2'' on the lathe and TIG welded it back together using the distributor shaft to line it up. We then shortened the shaft to match. I have not had a lick of trouble with it for over 10 years. I still had to ''adjust'' the fire wall slightly but not as much.
Schumaker conversion mounts are the way to go if you plan to use the stock slant six K member! They fit perfect the first time! No brainer. Mr Schumaker has an amazing wealth of knowledge regarding the early A body LA swap and it is definitely worth your time to give him a call!! He helped me 10 years ago when I started this project, and I continue to do buisness with him today.
If you plan to use a 727 you will need to modify the trans hump. I used a donor hump from a big Caddy and still got the carpet to work.
I think people out there are making the original two cable push button shifter set-up work on the newer single cable trans, but I went with a B&M floor shifter that worked with my bench seat. I use a reverse shift, manual valve body with a 3200rpm stall converter in my 727 behind my 340.
I used a universal aluminum radiator from Northern and made my own mounts. No mods to the O.E support. Be sure what side your waterpump inlet is before you order, they can be on either side depending on the vintage of your small block. I run a mechanical fan. Not enough room for an electric puller.
The kicker is the exhaust manifolds. Not a lot of choices. Stock early A body 273 manifolds are vey restrictive if you plan on building any kind of power. Spit Fire headers??? No thanks. See all the other FAB posts for the long story. I used Hedman tight tubes in the beginning and modified the drives side to fit without power steering. I did not have to touch the pass. side. Getting around the steering linkage was a plumbers nightmare! TTI & Doug's make long tube headers for $$$ and requires a clockable starter(I think?)and will not fit a 727. Not sure about power steering. I am currently modifying a set of Hedman Huslers to fit my '63 and hope to have them done this week with some photos. I did not want to cut the inner fender wells so I am attacking the headers instead.
I will get some photos out when I get to my home computer as I am on my lap top.
Go for the LA and you will have a little screamer no doubt!!!
This has been my experience with my build and this is how I dealt with the issues that I ran into. I may stand corrected and that is what this forum is for.
Opinions are like teeth! Some have 'um.. some don't.
Let's all learn & share!! :thumblef:
Have Fun!