LoneWolf

I recently bought a 72 charger that came with a 440 wedge and i was hoping to get some pointers and helps on how to fit the 440 in there as cheaply as possible until i get a better income.

LoneWolf

i will get pics asap.

Silverick

That 440 will 'fit' without a problem and should be able to slide in with the transmission bolted to the block. If you are installing headers, make sure that the starter is good before you install the headers as you can't get the starter off with the driver's side header on. Clean up the engine compartment, buy NEW motor mounts and a new transmission mount, get some buddies to help you and go for it!
I spent a lot of time in a '72 440 Magnum Charger and it was a fun car!

Welcome to the forum!

ryan

I agree with Silverick I made the swap from a 318 to a 440 in my 72 Charger and it was pretty easy. The headman headers i used totally encapsulated the starter so if I need to change it I have to pull the tranny. It was the first experience i had with swapping a engine and was pretty strait forward. Good Luck and great car!

LoneWolf

I was hoping to keep the original headers on to save a couple bucks. is that possible?

Silverick

Absolutely!
Are they the stock exhaust manifolds, or headers? If you have a decent set of either.... use them!
You will want to install new exhaust gaskets and if they're exhaust manifolds, they can be bolted to the engine before you install the engine.

LoneWolf

sweet!

LoneWolf

sweet!

LoneWolf

how do you get pics on this stupid thing?

LoneWolf

I hate my computer... i might have to go to the library with a usb to upload my stuff.

LoneWolf

does anyone know where i can get a cheap bb bellhousing for my 440?

rdrunner1974

If you are removing a 318 and installing a 440 the headers WILL NOT work. The 318 is a small block and the 440 is a big block.
Up load your pics to photobucket and post the link to your photobucket album. You have to register at Photobucket but it's free.

LoneWolf

are you positive of that? couldnt i raise the block about an inch by putting spacers under the engine mounts? or is it just too wide?

Silverick

I didn't know that there was an engine already in the car. I thought that you had a car without an engine and a 440 to install.
Rdrunner is correct, if there is a small block in there now, the headers won't work.

ryan

If the headers that you have came from your orig. 318 no they will not fit. If you have headers that came with the 440 they might depending on of they were built for b/e body's. I used a set of headman cheapies on my charger they don't fit great and were a hassel to get in and get the starter in but have lasted for quite a while on my car. As for a bellhousing for your manual trans I'd try craigslist.

LoneWolf

the 440 i got already had the original headers on them. before, I had thought that the tranny that is already in the car attatched to the 318 was a 727 that you could switch bellhousings on but i went to the autorama and talked to a guy that told me that i have 903. so i am going to have to find a different tranny for it. what do you guys suggest? I just want a car that will get up and go as fast as possible but i only want a top speed of about 85-95mph. would the 727 be a good tranny for that or would like a 4 speed do it?

LoneWolf

this 440 wedge came out of a state trooper and the headers on it are the performance ones. so i want to keep those.

LoneWolf

what type of rear axle and driveshaft would you suggest? it needs to be affordable but i dont want it breaking on me.

LoneWolf

LoneWolf

LoneWolf

finally! thanks rdrunner!

LoneWolf

what type of driveshaft will i need to get? where can i find one and about how much does it cost?

LoneWolf

where is a good place to get floor pans?

ryan

For tranny selection it would probably be easier to find a 727 for your 440. When you find one make sure that it is for a big block and not a small block version. You could go with a manual if you find one for a good deal but you would have to change out the pedals and modify the trans tunnel. For a rearend you probably as i did have a 8 1/4 I would definately upgrade that to a 8 3/4. A good set of street gears would be 3.55 or 3.23 which is what i run in my '72 charger 440. If you'd like a little more you could try 3.91's. As for the driveshaft it will need to be shorter because the 727 is longer than the 904. I would go to a driveline shop and have one made for your application.
Are you running the 440 as a running takeout or adding anything to it or doing a rebuild?

Do a search I've read a few posts on doing this swap in the same car

78D200

Try here for body panels.

http://www.autobodyspecialt.com/

customgreen

Driveshaft shouldn't be a problem. They made a ton of big block 72 Chargers. You will just need to find a Mopar bone yard. You can probably get a driveshaft for under 50.00. remember to also include Plymouth B bodies in your search. Check EBAY, Check Craigslist in your area. Headers sometimes can give you a little problem with power steering (tight fit near the box) starter wires can get close to the tubes. For body panels check AMD they make very good stuff. depending on what your car came with (318, 340, 400, 440) you might have an 8.25 or an 8.75 rear end. 8.25 is a very dependable rear end and sure grips for them are much less expensive than 8.75. If you don't plan on big time HP or serious racing stick with what you have and save money.