Power steering in a slant 6 to 318 swap

[DarlenetheDart]

Good evening, y'all! Here's the situation. I have a '66 Dart with a slant 6 and power steering. I have a good running 318 from a '91 Dakota that I plan on swapping in. The plan is to find a donor engine for the earlier V-belt setup and I would like to retain power steering in this car. I know pumps, hoses, and fittings changed throughout the years and I have a few questions.

1. First off, is it even possible to use my original power steering pump or hoses with a 318? I highly doubt it, but... ...maybe?

2. If the answer to question 1 is a big "NO" what should I be looking for as far as pumps or hoses to work with my existing PS gearbox?

3. Am I overthinking this? Probably. But any input and guidance from the hive mind is much appreciated!

 

[JDMopar]

Your existing PS pump should work just fine. You will need to find brackets to mount it to the V8. Hoses might be a toss up though. The return hose will be easy, but you may have to get the pressure one made if you can't find an off the shelf hose. Most NAPA stores make hydraulic hoses nowadays. You will need an Early A body drivers side exhaust manifold to clear the PS box in your car if you aren't planning on headers.

 

[Kendog 170]

I used a slant pressure hose on my 68 Dart 340 until I found a shorter hose. Agree with Post 2 as well.

 

[cudamark]

The easiest way is to use all the parts off a '64-6 273 engine with power steering. My 2nd choice would be a similar setup off a '67-9 273/318. All the brackets and pulleys are different than the '64-6 stuff, but as a set, they should work. even though the return line diameter on the '67-9 pump being a mismatch (just get the later fitting). Your existing pump may work if you can find the proper brackets and pulley to match your pump, and the later crank pulley. Not always easy to find these days. Your existing pressure hose likely won't work. Reproduction ones for a stock '64-6 setup are available though. You'll need the stock 273 90 degree fitting for the control valve however, and probably for the '67-9 setup too. You haven't mentioned what your plan is for the cooling system and transmission, but, those will have to be addressed too as the slant 6 stuff isn't going to work with the 318 without some major changes. Engine oil pan, engine mount brackets, steering drag link, exhaust system, etc are not going to work off your /6 either, that's why a complete 273 with all the accessories is the best ticket. Then you can plan on doing something with the brakes and rear axle assembly! Never seems to end eh?

 

[DarlenetheDart]

Thanks guys, this is some good food for thought. I should also mention my car also had factory A/C if that makes a difference. I've been searching for pictures of factory 64-66 V8 PS setups but haven't had much luck. Nothing in my '66 service manual about the bracket setup either.

My original plan was to use the timing cover and all pulleys/brackets/accessories from a 70's engine with the aluminum water pump and passenger side radiator outlet, but it looks like I'd have to get creative to match hoses to my existing PS box if I went that route.

As far as required parts for the swap, I already have a set of 64-66 manifolds and the V8 center link. I've already swapped to 73+ discs up front, so I'm good there as well.

 

[JDMopar]

If all of the pulleys and accessories are still on the Dakota motor, I'd try to use them. Especially if it had PS and AC. Check under each exhaust port on the 318 to see if there are air bleed holes right below the ports. If so, you will need to tap those for 1/4-20 and install pipe plugs in each one to prevent exhaust leaks. Also, dry fit your exhaust manifolds, especially the drivers side, and check to see if the manifold hits the head and leaves a gap between the manifold and port. If it hits, you will have to space the manifold away from the head or it will bust the manifold if you tighten it up with the interference. There's not enough meat on the manifold or the head to grind clearance. It's an issue on all of the later model LA heads when trying to use older manifolds. People have used a header flange as a spacer and 2 gaskets between the manifold and head in this situation before. The later water pump setup like what's on the Dakota motor will work. Just get a proper radiator to make it work. Sounds like you've done some homework to gather stuff needed, so it will hopefully go smoothly when you get to it.

 

[MadScientistMat]

If all of the pulleys and accessories are still on the Dakota motor, I'd try to use them. Especially if it had PS and AC...

That's what I was thinking too. It's possible you may need an adapter fitting or the like, but the Dakota power steering pump should work with the Dart steering box.