Hey fellow car gurus, my name is Sean and my stepdad has an old HIPO-273 that has been sitting in the shed for several years now. He currently has a nice 340 Duster that runs really well, and we talk all the time about old Mopar stuff. I have always liked small displacement V8's (the good ones anyway) and think that this motor would make a nice little tire-burning Dakota 2wd. He remembers having this engine in an A-body with a 4sp, and he said it ran like a raped date even though it was not as powerful as a 340. I know it is a very old motor, and I could build a 318 Magnum for cheaper probably, but I already know that stuff. What I don't know is if this engine will bolt up to an Auto-OD or 5sp trans from a newer model 3.9 or Maggie V8, if the motor mounts are the same as a Magnum engine, and if I would need custom headers for it in a Dakota.

Thanks for reading about my vision, as it is one I have been pondering for a few years now. Please, if you have any info on these motors, and if they would work in a Dakota, let me know. Thanks very much!!!

 

Welcome!

You don't want to bold up any V8 to the auto (42RE/RH) or stick (ax15) that comes behind the Magnum v6 in the dakotas as neither can handle the power. You'ld be better off swapping in a 727, 518/618, or 46RH if you want an auto. If you want a stick then a NP435 is what you want or a car 4spd stick.

I'm unsure about the motor mounts for an LA motor but if the exhaust ports are the same (shape and bolt location) between the LA and Magnum motors, then you can use a set of headers for a Magnum.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

The crank flange is different on the older engines. The register for the torque converter is smaller up through 67 I believe. So you'd either have to use an earlier trans (auto) or modify the crank, or replace it with a forged 318 or 340 crank.

Frankly, I think if you expect a "tire burner" out of a 273, with today's alcoholized gas, you'll be disappointed.

 

If it were I, I'd build a Magnum 5.9L (stroked, MP MPFI intake, bored throttle body, full exhaust, cam that builds power in the 1500-6000 range, re-program the PCM and throw in an alum radiator) with an NV4500 behind it and a slightly narrowed 9.25 with 3.55 gear and a sure grip, tub the bed and throw on some 31x16.5 Mickey Thompson Sportsman tires.

 

Welcome to the forum..... Be sure to check out the Mopar of the Month contest.. See the sticky for the simple rules and then you can help choose the monthly winner...
I also like Tim's suggestion on the engine, tranny and rear change... That sounds like a sleeper to me........

 

welcome to the forum

 

Your current 318 has more HP than the 273 unless it has some serious mods. Plus depending on your state It is illegal. If you want to install an old LA motor get a 340/360 you will be much happier with the results

 

Welcome aboard , glade ya' made it to our forums