318 wide block

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May 16, 2007 | 01:31 PM

jeff325tater

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318 wide block

Hello I am new to the group and have a question about this wide block motor.
I just bought this 66 Satellite yesterday and it runs but not great.
I am rebuilding the carburator tomorrow and that should help.
My question is if I don't like the power or the way it runs, what will I have to change to put a 383 or 440 in it.
I'm guessing that the trans is 727 for small block?
Will crossmember and k frame work?
Or would it b e easier to put a newer 318,340, or 360 in it.?

Thanks
Jeff

Nov 25, 2007 | 09:19 AM

Stockdog

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Hey Jeff, I have a 64 Dodge 440 car that I pulled the poly head wide block motor and tranny and putting in a 440 motor. Yes you will have to get big block tranny for it and all you should have to do is motor mounts. Go to www.engine-swaps.com you can make the swap with their motor mounts. Pretty cool. Good luck. Hope this helps.

Nov 25, 2007 | 08:17 PM

polyhead_318

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if you'd put a newer smallblock in your car why not keep the poly? for what you'll spend to put a bb or new sb in there you could build a monster out of that original engine. they make performance parts for them, its just a matter of finding them. in case its less than obvious - i love polyheads. i've driven a few and finally own one now. they're great motors if you give tham a chance (and a 4bbl!).

Nov 26, 2007 | 02:57 PM

440roadrunner

Mopar Lover

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 2,424

Likes: 248

I agree, either rebuild the 318 or find a 360 crate motor. I assume you don't have unlimited funds. Converting to a big block can be expensive, and of course when you're done with the engine GENERALLY the Mopars of that body with 318's had worse (lighter) suspension and brakes, and no sway bars compared to the higher powered brothers. So that means that you can start in on THAT end of the car, too.

The 360's were externally balanced. I THINK you'd have to have the torque converter matched to the engine to achieve balance. In any case investigate that issue if you go with a 360.

Those old 318's have a lot of potential, are unique because of their looks, and there IS SOME interest in building them.

Google "poly 318", polysperical, 318, etc like that

http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.com/poly318.html

http://victorylibrary.com/mopar/poly-graphics.htm

http://www.mascotgraphics.com/poly_318.htm

Here's typical comments from the "knowledgeable guys" at CarCraft, comments which have done much to perpetrate the myth that these engines were boat anchors. Even I didn't know better for a few years.

http://www.carcraft.com/techfaq/116_...de/index2.html