74 dodge dart
 

I have a few questions on if I can switch a slant 6 225 engine with a v8 318 in my 74 dart. will it be an easy swap or a pain.

fairly easy actually. Just need a trans/engine combo, some Schumacher engine mounts and maybe a bigger radiator. Make sure you get the engine accessories like the power steering pump and brackets or at least the the brackets. The trans must be for a 318 or other smallblock V8 as the slant six has its own bellhousing bolt pattern that does not fit the 318.

Engine swaps made easy with Shumacher Creative.

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

how much would a good engine/trans cost. and would you have an idea on where to get one? so your saying the engine mounts are different for the 318 but easy fixed to be right? if I am looking for a better sounding car, with a little stronger engine is this the way to go, or should I just restore the slant 6 in your opinion.
thank you for all the help!! :)

go to www.car-parts.com

enter your zip code and then search for an 5.2L 1999-2001 Dakota, Durango, Ram 1500 or Van (full size)1500. This will give you salvage yards that have your items. Search each model as the yards dont know they are all the same and you'll miss a good motor.

Head to the yard and you'll pay between 200-400 dollars for something in the 75k-100k mileage range.

They usually sell the motor with out the accessories. Barter for them back. Their usually on the shelf. This will give you a serpentine belt set up. Throw a starter on there and compression test it. If good leave it together. If not, take it back. Most yards give 30 days to 6 months on the motor. I have had bad Fords and Chevys but never a bad Magnum yet. (yep, I probably just jinkest myself.. ):yikes:

Sell the upper intake, lower intake, throttle body, injectors, rails, distributer, etc.

Purchase an intake, distributer for a carb set up, and a 600 Edelbrock carb with electric choke, oil pan for your car, gasket follows the pan not the vehicle the motor is from. Have hoses made for your steering box.


Transmission: You want a 727 small block dodge. Behind a 318 this trans will out live you. Use quality parts on the rebuild.

Dimensionally the 5.2L (318 magnum) and the 318LA are the same. The 318 was a factory option in your car. The 727 was also used in your year.

This should all be plug and play without fabrication. With this set up you could drive this car all year round and cross country. Rock solid reliability and 250HP to boot.

alright.. I looked and everyone within 100 miles of me are around 700. is that expensive and I should keep looking? and is there any way to make a slant 6 a strong good motor, pushing some hp? right now everything is stock

I love this forum!!

The slant 6 can make some decent power but nothing substitutes cubic inches when it comes to power. It all depends on what you plan on doing with the car and your budget.

I replied to your other thread about this.

Ive got two motors on stands and a third on the way. It might be time to try a K1 crank in a SB for giggles.

Sorry, back on point. I use to try and do everything at once but found it was better to gather parts slowly and then bang it out. Especially if she is a runner now. There is no hurry.

I would run that 6 cylinder into the ground and start your build up on the side. Since you need a new trans you could have the motor and trans all hooked up from pan to intake and swap her out on a long weekend. I always let it slip that the shop fridge is full and fire up the popcorn maker.. its amazing what extra hands can do.

Other than a torque wrench I cant think of any specialty tools? All basic stuff. This may sound like a lot of work but when you are done it will be like the end of the Wizard of Oz. You will be shocked at how easy this is. There aren't any surprises behind the curtain.

Now, if you throw a gen 3 in there and fill the fridge you may get one or two of us over to labor for you.. Good Luck!!

Don't rule out putting a 360 magnum in your car.

360 magnums will need a a special car oil pan & pick up tube as they were not installed in cars & have a different end seal from the La engines

Pans are 100 percent interchangeable between LA and Magnum motors. Use the gasket that follows the application for the PAN not the engine.

I second the 360!! The 360 was an factory option for your car from the factory and since you need the trans too its the same swap.