65 cuda engine swap

[overhaller]

i want to take out my 6cyl and swap in a 413 or a 383 will this be to much work . or will it just be a pain .

 

[cudamark]

A small block would be a much easier project. Getting a car with a V8 already in it would be the easiest. First, you need to decide what you're going to use the car for. Daily driver......cruise night.......drag race......etc..... and build it accordingly.

 

[65cudalover]

dude lets just get it straight from the start. I have owned two of these early very cool cudas. Never in your mind ever believe it is sensable, easy, or affordable to put a big block mopar motor in an a body car that is made for small block motors period! You can easily fit a 318 and make it run nice and handle nice on the street (my 65 cuda formula s currently is such). My previous 66 cuda was a drag racing car ran low14 and was set to run 13's before being wrecked (a long story) also a 318 with heads and engine set up to run fast and on the street. Keep in mind the car is not that heavy like new cars!!!!!! You can even make them go faster as just race cars not street driveable....Next step go up to 340/360 motors more horse power and set up adjustments but able to do without having to operate on the front end of the car that is made/set up for the samll block motors. If you have lots of money and wish to redisign and rebuild the car into something that is no longer a 65 cuda sell your car and keep the big block motors. You can find many here wh will offer ideas and help to get you going in your 65 cuda! If it is is good condition, please keep it so! There are less and less remaining and they are either 6cylinder or small block v8 cars! I love my 65 formual s cuda, just survived surgery on my brain to remove a small seizure portion. Next year with all things going as they are I will be again able to drive...I am just dreaming of the day when I get my license back and I get behind the wheel of the 65 cuda formula s again, fire up the key and put it in drive step on the gas! Look out lord I am going to leave a line on the road and a smile on my face we will never forget!

Gregg

 

[grimreaper]

I agree. I have put a big block into an early Dart and it can be done. Easily? Not even close!! Then when the engine is in modifications to make it functional have only begun! Then when it's functional desirable is the next step! I would seriously recommend a small block, stroked if you wish, for a reasonable swap. You can have over 420 cu inches fairly easily and the small block will provide a far more satisfactory result unless your car is for race only. If you are set on a big block be prepared for many unplanned headaches. The 66 Dart I helped with eventually came out OK but the owner sold it because it wasn't what he was expecting and bought a 65 Barracuda to put a 416 in. It turns out it is more than he was expecting!!!!

 

[overhaller]

i was just wondering about it . its going to be a dual purpose car strett and track . i will go with a 360 then . i have to 413 at my disposeal .

 

[Dart_Doctor]

remember tho it can be done just not fast lol

 

[pishta]

Streetmaster motor mounts, a 383 with hi-po logs, 727, 4 3/4 nuts, some shim material and a 5 lb sledge. Expensive? Hardly. Getting the 413 to fit would be harder though, its a tad wider and you only have a tad clearance to start with. Thats just to get it in. then you need better cooling, brakes, exhaust plumbing. Thats where it starts to add up. Drop a 360 in there and keep the 413 for a 67 or newer.