engine swap
- Thread starter 63@dart
- Start date
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DionR
Well-Known Member
Well, since no one else has answered, I will tell you what I know.
They can be swapped, but you have some hurdles.
1. Need to find a V8 center link. The slant 6 center link is flat in the middle and the V8 one has a drop to clear the V8 oil pan.
2. The firewall on a '63 has a bulge for the wiper motor, the '64 and later do not. This buldge interferes with the distributor on a V8. I've heard you can clearance the buldge with a hammer and make it work, but this I've never tried.
3. The exhaust manifold on the driver's side is different on the V8's, compared to the later A-Bodies. I can't confirm that you absolutely need an early manifold, seems that some have used the later 340 freeflows without issue, but I haven't. Give a later one a shot and see, I guess.
4. This might relate to the exhaust manifold, but I know the '64-'66 cars had a notch in the firewall at the bottom on the driver's side that the '63 do not have. I think it is for the special exhaust manifold, but I can't say for sure. May not need the notch if the later manifold works.
I wont turn this into a for sale ad, but PM if you are looking for any of the above things.
That's the best I can do, maybe someone else has some more specifics.
They can be swapped, but you have some hurdles.
1. Need to find a V8 center link. The slant 6 center link is flat in the middle and the V8 one has a drop to clear the V8 oil pan.
2. The firewall on a '63 has a bulge for the wiper motor, the '64 and later do not. This buldge interferes with the distributor on a V8. I've heard you can clearance the buldge with a hammer and make it work, but this I've never tried.
3. The exhaust manifold on the driver's side is different on the V8's, compared to the later A-Bodies. I can't confirm that you absolutely need an early manifold, seems that some have used the later 340 freeflows without issue, but I haven't. Give a later one a shot and see, I guess.
4. This might relate to the exhaust manifold, but I know the '64-'66 cars had a notch in the firewall at the bottom on the driver's side that the '63 do not have. I think it is for the special exhaust manifold, but I can't say for sure. May not need the notch if the later manifold works.
I wont turn this into a for sale ad, but PM if you are looking for any of the above things.
That's the best I can do, maybe someone else has some more specifics.
A low deck big block will actually fit better.
DionR
Well-Known Member
Really? That's cool!
I can see it really helping with the bulge interfering with the distributor, since the BB one isn't in the back.
The engine will fall in with the right mounts. Transmission is another story. lol
BillGrissom
Well-Known Member
My 64 slant centerlink isn't straight, but has a drop. It looks about the same as my 65 V-8, but I haven't compared both exactly.
For BB, you will need a 727 tranny. To fit a 727 in the tunnel, you must bend up a lip in the body. I don't know if the BB 727 adds other issues. It is longer, but that might help since your 4 dr needs a longer driveshaft, I think.
A cable-shift 727 should connect direct to your linkage, but you need a little ring to adapt the torque converter snout to a later engine (~71+) crank (other options). They had a Detroit joint output, which is harder, except the 1965 BB which had a sliding yoke. Probably better to use a later engine & 727 and a Lokar cable adapter or such.
You might need custom motor mounts to fit a BB to an early A K-frame. In sum, a BB would give a few more issues than a SB. Do a lot of reading first. Consider the rear end, front disk brakes, and radiator too.
For BB, you will need a 727 tranny. To fit a 727 in the tunnel, you must bend up a lip in the body. I don't know if the BB 727 adds other issues. It is longer, but that might help since your 4 dr needs a longer driveshaft, I think.
A cable-shift 727 should connect direct to your linkage, but you need a little ring to adapt the torque converter snout to a later engine (~71+) crank (other options). They had a Detroit joint output, which is harder, except the 1965 BB which had a sliding yoke. Probably better to use a later engine & 727 and a Lokar cable adapter or such.
You might need custom motor mounts to fit a BB to an early A K-frame. In sum, a BB would give a few more issues than a SB. Do a lot of reading first. Consider the rear end, front disk brakes, and radiator too.
DionR
Well-Known Member
You're right, it does look like a slant 6 one does have some drop to it. But I know it isn't enough for a V8, or for that matter a later slant 6.
Here is a picture of my slant 6 center link.
Here is a V8 one.
discharger1332
Well-Known Member
64 and 65 k member is same for /6 and v8. need correct mounts. not sure about 63
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