bricco

I will soon be the owner of a 65 Satellite with a factory original 318 poly. I want to swap in a 440 engine and trans. I understand there are some issues regarding this particular swap and would like to know if anyone here has done it. I understand I will need a block with the drilled bosses on the left hand side of the block. What about exhaust issues and what trans would work. This car has a console shift. Thanks!

TVLynn

The shifter would be a problem, Does yours still have the cable shifter ? 65 started the change. if so you will probable need an aftermarket shifter

bricco

I'm not sure if it is a cable or not yet. The interior is pristine though and I would really like to keep the factory shifter and console because all the chrome is so perfect. It has been parked in garage for at least 20 or 30 years. I wont be able to take possession of the car for another few weeks. Would I be better off keeping it stock? Everything is there except the carb has been removed. Thanks for your reply!

Iowan

It depends on if the car has a 727 or not, if not you will need a cable shift valve body. I don't know if the cable is reproduced or not.

bricco

Do you know which trans a 318 poly would more likely have behind it? 904 or 727?

Iowan

Probably a 904.

bricco

Thanks for the info, I called Schumacher today and the guy I talked to there insisted that my car is a B body. Now I am really confused on what I have. I am fairly certain the car has a cable shifter. I was told that I would need a 65 r/rb block 727 trans to make this swap work with the original shifter. You mentioned valve body. There is a 65 console shift 727 valve body on ebay. My question is, will the 65 valve body work in a later 727 trans in order to make it work with the shifter in my car?

Iowan

I don't have a solid answer on that only because I've never done it but I believe so.
A good friend of mine had a 64 300 K that he raced and I know he used a later trans and the stock cable shifter. The 64 and 65 727 has the ball and trunoin output shaft. I think you want to use a 67 or newer trans.for converter selection and a slip yoke output shaft for a B/RB.

bricco

Thanks for the info! I will try to find a local trans guru that can answer my trans questions. I did just post in the new member forum. I am getting conflicting info on whether I have a B or C body. I posted a pic of the body tag in that post. Thanks again!

bricco

I have decided to stick with the 318 poly for now. If I do make a change, I will probably go with a LA engine just because I can use the same transmission. I will either build a 273 that is available or wait for a 340 to come along.

stroudtom

Been down this road and a poly trans will not bolt up to the LA motor. Starter location was changed between the 2.