HooToTheCore

I've had a 1971 440 and 727 transmission in my garage since 1985. The engine and transmission came out of my family's 1971 Imperial that I totaled in 1985 (another story).

I finally got around to rebuilding the engine last year. It is mostly stock, but I mildly upgraded the cam and valve springs, replaced the pistons/rings/bearings (bored cylinders 30 over), replaced valves, oil pump, and fuel pump and timing gears/chain. The rest of the engine is original including rebuilt AVS carb and Imperial exhaust manifolds. Oh, I painted it hemi-orange .

I plan to mate the original transmission to this engine. I've cleaned it up and poured out 30 year old fluid that was amazingly clean and red.

I recently bought a 1970 Challenger convertible that I want to put this engine and transmission into. The Challenger has a 318 (numbers matching) with a 904 automatic and 8.75 rear end (I think it is a 3.23 ratio).

What issues should I expect when doing this swap? I understand that the engine and transmission mounts will line up. Will the existing transmission linkages work? I have a 26" radiator, how will that mount on the smaller radiator's support? Also guessing I need a shorter drive shaft. Any electrical issues? Heavier torsion bars?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge in advance.

Jim