When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My current truck (1982 d150 with 4 speed manual) has a slant in it, but I have an opportunity to get ahold of a 383 bigblock with 440 heads on it. How would one go about it, and how would it fair as a daily driver? Like would the dif and tranny and rear axle work? Would the cross member work, would the springs and shocks need changed? Would it run off of more expensive gas? Is it even worth it? Should I stick with the slant?
only you can tell if it worth it to do the swap
my 80 model has a 383 from a 69 roadrunner in it. its worth it for me even though i cant seem to pass a gas station.
a 440 head will bolt on a 383 with no issues
Yes you can fit it in the truck.... All the 6 Cylinder has to go by by.... And yes you will need different mounts, brackets, wiring, crossmember, driveshaft, linkage, Transmission, and so on and so forth... The switch many depends on your resources and skill level.
If you like the truck and the body and frame are in good shape, Drive the slant six till its dead, and start picking up all the parts for the conversion.
Good Luck, keep us posted on what you decide to do.... Cheers
I love my truck but it is basically just a toy. My truck was also originally a /6 with a 3 on the tree. It now has a 440 with a 727 and an 8 3/4 rear end that I am about to put a 3.55 suregrip in. As far as the type of gas that will depend on compression mostly, with iron heads and 9.5 to 1 or less you will be fine with most pump gas, aluminum is ok up to 10 to 1 I think? I run 91 octane ethanol free in my truck with 9.5 to 1 and I don't have any issues. You will definitely use more gas though haha. There aren't as many after market parts for mopar trucks as there are for chevys but there are still options out there to get the job done fairly easily. The one issue I am having right now is that I can't take off the drivers side valve cover without removing either the intake or brake booster.
