Engine fitment in a Dodge Aspen
 

I have a Dodge Aspen, that I've owned for probably about 2 1/2 years now, I believe it's either a 1976 or a 1977, can't really remember. I've never really been big into the Mopar scene, but I do however have a great respect for Mopars.

With that being said. My Aspen has the sad 225 Slant Six motor in it currently, and slung a rod about 2 months after I got it from my friends dad lol. It's got a really great body with very minimal rust areas, and really great red interior, except for the rotting carpet lol. Anywho, I've been weighing out my options as far as engines, and have realized that it's dang near impossible to find a slant six engine anywhere, so I've been looking at putting a 318 in it.

What all would I need to put a 318 in my Aspen? Or would it be better to go another direction with this car?

Go see Michael Shumacher in his ride...visit their website for all there engine swap ideas and products...I have used their products for a small block to big block swap and they are great...

http://www.engine-swaps.com/

If you are gonna goto all the trouble why not do a 360. Same engine family.

It just seems like the 318 would be a bit more economical than the 360 lol. Because I don't just let my classic cars sit up without being driven at least like once or twice a week, I put miles on them. So I want just a few more horses and that v8 sound under the hood, but I don't want to have to put $20 in my car just for one day of driving.

I have found it very easy to find /6's. What sites have you been looking on?

I haven't really looked on anything but like craigslist and Ebay, and a lot of scrap yards around the area. I'm not too much into getting a motor shipped to me because the shipping charges would be waaaay out of my price range. The last slant six engine I found in my are was like $500, and it had like 160+K on it; the guy didn't even want to budge on the price.

Look for a Magnum 5.2 liter out of truck..they are still plenty of them around....you can bolt on another intake and slap a four barrel on it..

what about trans, driveshaft, and rearend?

Someone correct me if I am wrong but should have the same bolt pattern

Really??? That's awesome. So all I'll have to do is find some convrsion engine mounts, get a sweet new 318 engine, maybe do some wiring, and be good to go?

6cyl and V8 transmissions are different. Believe it or not they made a 6 cyl 727 trans for taxi duty. So you will need Motor,Trans,drive shaft, engine mounts, Radiator and maybe rear end as yours has a 7 1/4. The rear end may last for a while, depends on how you drive. I had a 77 Volarie purchased new w/ 318 and it was fac equipped with 7 1/4 by the time I had 25K miles I replaced it with an 8 1/4. Your best bet really would be to find a wreck car. and your cheapest way would be to find a short block for yours

I'm currently in the final stages of a /6 to 318 swap. I've encountered numerous issues, although I would recommend doing it - just wanted you to know that it's not as easy as swapping engines. You might want to look into a V8 parts car for the 8.25 rear and K-frame. My 7.25 didn't last long after I got the 318 fired and drove it a bit. I love these cars - keep us posted on your progress.

i have a 30 over 360 wit a small cam and a 4 speed in my aspen and IF you can drive it senseable and i mean IF it gets 17 to 19 miles per gallon so i find it hard to go with the 318 insted

The late Aspen/Volare 4speeds were an overdrive, that would help with the gas milage too..

How about like mine...70mph = 2100 rpm and that's with 3.55 gears...put the factory gears back in there and you with have a real highway cruiser.