melvin smith
New Member
Recently given a 63 Lancer GT by wife's 100 year old 4th cousin. Parked since 84, was running when parked (they always say that). Still has original paint and upholsters, though both are shot. Neutral button on shift selector missing, radio speaker cover in center of dash destroyed, one 50 cent piece size hole in passenger floorboard from leaky heater core, otherwise complete and solid, though wore out. Would like to upgrade 225 slant six to 318/360 with 727 tranny. I know the steering box location is a problem, but don't know much else. Last Mopar I owned was a 55 Savoy in high school.
Motor mounts?
Is there enough room for the 727 tranny?
Would the original automatic mate up to/hold up to a 318/360? What is the designation for the original tranny?
What about replacement torsion bars for the extra weight of the V-8, or can the originals just be cranked up to compensate?
I'm so in the dark with this vehicle I don't even know what I don't know. What other types of things should I be considering before tackling this kind of project? I don't feel there is enough of a market for this type of vehicle to try and do a full restoration, thought it might be fun to try and do a low budget build (is there such a thing?) to get it on the road and have some fun. I already have too many other cars that need work to really justify trying to do this Dodge, but I've never seen another here around central California and thought this might be pretty unique if I can pull it off.
Thanks in advance for any advice offered.
Motor mounts?
Is there enough room for the 727 tranny?
Would the original automatic mate up to/hold up to a 318/360? What is the designation for the original tranny?
What about replacement torsion bars for the extra weight of the V-8, or can the originals just be cranked up to compensate?
I'm so in the dark with this vehicle I don't even know what I don't know. What other types of things should I be considering before tackling this kind of project? I don't feel there is enough of a market for this type of vehicle to try and do a full restoration, thought it might be fun to try and do a low budget build (is there such a thing?) to get it on the road and have some fun. I already have too many other cars that need work to really justify trying to do this Dodge, but I've never seen another here around central California and thought this might be pretty unique if I can pull it off.
Thanks in advance for any advice offered.
