Smalblock replacement in a Dodge Van B300 1981
 

Dear Mopar Lovers

We have to replace the engine in a 1981 Dodge / MOWAG B300 Heavy Duty Van.
Right now there ist a 318 Smallblock with a 727 Automatic Transmission inside
(Engine an Transmission Numbers will follow). So we decided to Replace the 318
with a 360 Engine from www.remanufactured.com.

Does anybody knows if the 318 is fully compatible to replace it with a 360?
And are there differences of the Mopar Smallblock Engines through the Years?
(Transmission Flange, Exhaustcollector Flange, Flywheel ect.?)
Is the Crankshaft Internal or External balanced?


Thanks for Help and additional infos


Sascha

Hello

The balancing of the 318 and 360 are different. The 318 is internally balanced and the 360 is externally balanced.

You'll need a different torque converter and harmonic balancer for 360 equipped applications.

I believe the LA engines use different oil pans for car vs truck/van applications. For cars the pan sump is in the front. For trucks/vans the pan sump is in the rear. That's means dip stick are different as well.

Is this a computer controlled engine? If so, you may have to do something there as well but, I'm not sure. If going with a stock carburetor/intake setup. Those are different. The 318s used a Carter BBD and the 360s used a Holley 2210/2245. The carb bolt patterns are different so they are not interchangeable.

I don't know about the exhaust flange.

1 more thing to add... May need yo upgrade the PCM to a 360 format to make sure it will run correct.... :)

Actual Engine and Transmission Numbers:
Engine: 4204230-318-3
Transmission: PK 4058303 59900237