Differnces between 66 and earlier vs. 67 and later A Body

[ValiantOne]

Hey Guys,

If everything goes according to plan, my new 66 Valiant should come home tomorrow. If memory server me correctly, the width of the engine bay is more narrow than the later A bodies. Correct?

I am guessing that retrofitting a SB engine wouldn't be such a big deal, but is it that much harder to wedge a BB in there?

Thanks guys,

Chris

[bbscamp]

The 66 is the narrow engine bay.  SB is a much easier fit.  Exh. is always the fun part.  The easiest solution for a mild to mid-built 318 is the 273 SB Cast Iron manifolds.  I'm using them on my 318 / eddy intake & carb.  The flow well, but not good enough for a built 340 or 360.   If you go that route....I have another set kicking around.....

The pass. side is pretty easy, but you'll need the offset oil filter adapter.  The drivers side is pretty neat.  Its got a "C" shape that routes right around the steering column.  A real problem solver for the SBs.

Oh yeah...BB?  you can make anything fit...but its tougher.

[abodyjoe]

a big block is pretty easy to bolt in. infact i think a big block is easier to work on in those cars becays the dist. is up front and away from the firewall making the trans bolts easier to get to....    the biggest problem fo a big block in an early -A is no one makes headders....      a small block is an easy swap..  like mike said you can run the factory 273 manifolds, i've seen the 73 style 340 manifolds used on those cars and for headders you have the spitfires,tti and dougs that fit it along with hooker and i think headman...

[AZ69DART]

Nice thing about swapping from a "Leaning Tower of Power" to a small block in a 63-66 A-body is the K-members are the same. All you have to do is locate the V8 mount brackets...which isnt that hard to do. The lack of clearance kind of limits things. I have to run fenderwell headers on my 63, which I dont mind because its race only. But when I built the car, under chassis headers werent even available yet.

[CudaDon65]

Chris I'm going with a sb for my 65 barracuda. On Bill's other sight (RMS) in the gallery there are pics of a 440 in a early a-body with headers. That car has Bill's alterk installed but you can see how a bb would look and fit. In the pics the headers are Hooker super comps. Not sure they will work but the Hooker comps. will.

[LILBLUE65]

Here is a 440 in my old 63 with under chassis headers.  Rob

[AZ69DART]

WOW! That look pretty snug 

[LILBLUE65]

Yup

[abodyjoe]

heres my 64 valiant with a 440 in it...    i'll have to build another one day..

[ValiantOne]

thank you guys:)

If I ever get the right headers for my 68 Val, I will have a set of 273 manifolds laying around that I could use on the 66. Thanks bbscamp. Those 273 manifolds look really small though. I saw the sticky thread on the spitfires (I think it was the spitfires) and that looks like  a good route too.

For now I plan on finding a wiring harness for the car and connecting the /6 back up. There will be a lot of metal work in the floor pans and rear quarters too. As I have never done any serious sheet metal work, this will be a serious learning experience for me.

Thanks again!

Chris

[340fyd]

Chris I'm going with a sb for my 65 barracuda. On Bill's other sight (RMS) in the gallery there are pics of a 440 in a early a-body with headers. That car has Bill's alterk installed but you can see how a bb would look and fit. In the pics the headers are Hooker super comps. Not sure they will work but the Hooker comps. will.

I couldn't find that picture in that gallery.

Lee

[bbscamp]

Joe      Don't you know you can't put a RB motor in an early A?     

[abodyjoe]

Joe Don't you know you can't put a RB motor in an early A?

  you know i have heard that somewhere before....

[CudaDon65]

Chris I'm going with a sb for my 65 barracuda. On Bill's other sight (RMS) in the gallery there are pics of a 440 in a early a-body with headers. That car has Bill's alterk installed but you can see how a bb would look and fit. In the pics the headers are Hooker super comps. Not sure they will work but the Hooker comps. will.

I couldn't find that picture in that gallery.

Lee

Lee, did you go to Bill's other sight (RMS.com)? in the gallery bottom of page right side. Hope this helps.

[bigblockhead]

 hey joe,  did you build those headers from scratch or modify an exsisting set.  those are the COOLEST HEADERS I'VE EVER SEEN!!

[brickman]

Man that is tight, I am wanting a early ragtop to put my 451 low deck in.  I am thinking headers will be a problem to get huh?

[abodyjoe]

hey joe, did you build those headers from scratch or modify an exsisting set. those are the COOLEST HEADERS I'VE EVER SEEN!!

 a local shop built them for me from scratch.

[WAGGIN]

The 68 valiant 273 manifolds are not the ones you need,you might be able to use them but you need 64 to 66 drivers side manifold,when you see one you will know why,good luck on your build.

thank you guys:)

If I ever get the right headers for my 68 Val, I will have a set of 273 manifolds laying around that I could use on the 66. Thanks bbscamp. Those 273 manifolds look really small though. I saw the sticky thread on the spitfires (I think it was the spitfires) and that looks like  a good route too.

For now I plan on finding a wiring harness for the car and connecting the /6 back up. There will be a lot of metal work in the floor pans and rear quarters too. As I have never done any serious sheet metal work, this will be a serious learning experience for me.

Thanks again!

Chris

[pishta]

Joe Don't you know you can't put a RB motor in an early A?

  you know i have heard that somewhere before....

Maybe from me, that is why I went with a 451 B