New to Small Blocks - Info needed to help me make a decision

[Kernel Sanders]

I am planning to within the next 2 years do a slant swap to small block (yes have already put the 8.75 into the car in anticipation) but have a couple quetsions.

As the Title implies, I have no experience with small blocks (slants and big blocks yes).

My question is, is there a significant difference in external dimensions between 318, 340 and 360? (exclude poly) Is it a deck height difference as is 383&400 vs 440?

A quick second question... do front coil over shocks exist? ...just thinking out loud

I'm asking because an aquantence is offering me two 360's each with the 727's for $300. yes they both have to be rebuilt, one he said was running and the other he does not know the background. He is clearing out his stuff and needs the room for winter.

The car I want to do the swap is a 76 dart 4dr that has disk brakes and is not vacuum assist so deck height wont be an issue with the can in the way. The car does have power steering so I am a little concerned about header fitment. I have already upgraded the torsion bars .920 and have a completely rebuilt 8.75 (shortened C-Body rear) with all new 11" breaks & e-cables. Have also bolt-in frame connectors welded in as well.

I do not plan on racing the car but I do want a fun sleeper even if it is an 'old man car'...I'm a young man in an old mans body:toothy10:

Sorry about the story, I just need some info and opinions.

Thanx in advance my friends

 

[waggin]

No external diffrences in the dimensions,yes you could put in coil overs but may need to make new upper mounts for them to do it(other mod's may apply)Good deal on the two 360's with tranny's(unless there junk)headers..........look for headers that are supposed to fit with power steering.Cbody rear shortened....good choice...you wont be breakin them axel's!!!! sleeper.......ya think???? loL have fun with it!!!

 

[rumblefish360]

No deck height diffences or cam height differences. Since this is why in a big block right? Not so with the smallblocks.

Theres a few internal differences. Like a 360 pan fits a 360 only and the others can swap. 340/360 drivers mount are not the same as the 273/318's. You can swap on a 318's to the 340/360 but not the otherway around, there to narrow.

A 1 year only 340 and all 360 are extrnal balance. All 318/273 are internal and all the 340's except 1973's extrnal balance which is not the same as a 360's BTW.

PAY ATTENTION to header fitment notes with a 727 and a small block.
Sometimes some headers are a no go due to the extrenally larger 727 or the 904.

 

[Kernel Sanders]

Thank you Waggin and Rumble! I'll go take a look at the engines. I'm glad Rumble you gave me the heads up about the headers as I had no idea about that particular fitment consideration.

 

[grassy]

great price on the 360s..lots of aftermarket goodies for it..

Grassy

 

[leblanc]

Schumacker makes the correct mounts for the swap and shortie headers are also a way to go, with less install headaches. Shorties clear you power steering, brakes, torsion bars and linkage.