Swap from LA 273 to magnum 408 water pump and cooling

[GoneShawn]

Hi everyone,
Quick group of questions.. I imagine you guys and gals may know.

When switching from the LA 273 over to the 408 magnum, is it recommended to use the old LA style waterpump and radiator (this is prefered, as I like the old school look) and would like to keep the current radiator if possible, however I do want to run aftermarket AC.

Reuse old radiator?
Use 1965 barracuda style water pump? (new of course)

Thank you

 

[Dana67Dart]

70 and up uses an aluminum water pump.
Passenger side inlet

69 and down uses a cast iron water pump.
Drivers side inlet.

BUT....

you have to use the accessory drive that matches the year.

And on the 69 and older you will need a pass side bolt on timing mark and maybe cut a grove in the balancer for a new TDC mark

 

[GoneShawn]

70 and up uses an aluminum water pump.
Passenger side inlet

69 and down uses a cast iron water pump.
Drivers side inlet.

BUT....

you have to use the accessory drive that matches the year.

And on the 69 and older you will need a pass side bolt on timing mark and maybe cut a grove in the balancer for a new TDC mark

thank you...Should I consider using the timing cover and accessories from the original 273, The car currently has all it original accessories. Or is that same timing cover avalible aftermarket?

 

[Dana67Dart]

I can't say for sure but I believe the front of the block /heads and the later up to 80 something use the same timing cover. (69 down use a different timing cover.) And there was a change making the front seal externally replaceable. But if you have all the accessory drive parts and the front cover from a 273 and a cast iron water pump, it should bolt on and fit correctly.

What year is your 408, and does it have a fuel pump on the pass side and standard type intake, not the magnum type of the 90s

 

[GoneShawn]

Its a magnum which is not currently in hand but paid for and awaiting delivery. I also have trickflow heads.

 

[66fyssh]

I don't have a 408, but I used the front end and radiator on my 5.9 Magnum. I just couldn't see having a serpentine belt.

I recommend a FlowKooler water pump. They make one with driver's side outlet. It made all the difference in cooling my Magnum.

 

[GoneShawn]

Sounds good, I think the 1701 has the 2 outlets vs 3 with the 1701-3. Ill but running afterrket ac so I guess go with the 1701. ?

It seems my intake manifold has a good set where I can do.the same bypass as currently set up?

Thanks

 

[Dana67Dart]

I have read some heads interfer with the alt in done setups.

If it was me I would get the stock parts cleaned up and mock it all up before commiting

If all the accessory drive parts fit like stock you should be good to go.

Btw if you plan to use your OEM radiator be sure to have it disassembled and rodded out. Don't want to put old radiator crap into your new engine.

One of the nice things about using year correct parts on your car is in the future you need a 67 part you ask for a 67 (or what ever year your car is) part. Only change is internal engine and block (motor mounts, flywheel / flex plate, harmonic ballancer etc.)

 

[66fyssh]

I just looked at mine. Seems I bought the 3. Didn't notice options when I ordered. I plugged the unused port. Finding the bypass hose was the most challenging part.

 

[GoneShawn]

I just looked at mine. Seems I bought the 3. Didn't notice options when I ordered. I plugged the unused port. Finding the bypass hose was the most challenging part.

View attachment 1716536287

View attachment 1716536285

You're very helpful. Thank you

 

[66fyssh]

I used everything from my 273...except I used a 70 timing cover thinking I could see the timing marks. The Magnum has timing marks on the driver's side. Trouble is the power steering gets in the way. I can just barely see it. I bought an early timing tab, just need to install it and mark the balancer.