late model engine in a 65 barracuda

[drummertom]

Hi guys. Newbie here. My son has a 65 barracuda with a tired 273 3speed in it. We want to swap a later model engine into it and have found a 318 out of a 98 truck with a 5 speed. Anyone got any idea how hard this would be? We want to use the electronic fuel injection, ECM and transmission and possibly the clutch from the truck. My main concerns are of course the ECM and the clutch. Is the clutch hydraulic? ANy sugestions on what else we should look for? Thanx from a newbie.

[drummertom]

Also, we were wondering if headers for a Ram truck or a Durango would work for this application. They are shorty headers.

[Mopar Guy in Delaware]

I believe I'd go to a 360 from a wreck that was already operating as a full unit. Engine trans and all. Truck units are usually beefier and all that but a little weight gain takes a tremendous amount of horsepower to overcome. Leave the truck motor in the truck.
You need a good smooth, lean powerplant. Actually the 273 could be made to perform well. What's it equiped with now and what are the problems with it. There's a lot to be said for a good fitting engine and trans installation. If its stock and unmodified, you may have the best unit there now for that car. A 273 with open intake, 650 holy, headers, four speed or tight torqueflite with mild cam and mild rear gears will do you well for a lot less than replacing everything, trying to line it all up, and then starting to tune the engine. Just my ideal thoughts. Good luck. Plus, mild cams are not expensive.