What steps are involved in swapping V8 for slant six?

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September 05, 2008, 03:46:31 PM

My son Aaron just bought a slant six/automatic '74 Gold Duster. He currently is driving
a slant six '74 Dart Sport we rebuilt a few years ago, so we are very familiar with
it. This time, he wants to go with a V8 and has a few choices.

Aaron's grandparents told him he can have a 360 engine from one of their two unused
mid-80s Dodge Maxi-vans behind their barn. One is carbureted and one is fuel injected.
These vans have been sitting for several years and no telling much about their condition.
He also may have a line on a running 318 with auto in a New Yorker. Decisions...decisions.

We've got the V8 k-frame taken care of with a little horse trading. Unless the New Yorker
transmission and rear end can be swapped over, we'll be needing to find appropriate ones.
Can you guys give us a basic run-down on the things to consider when doing a 6-to-8 swap?
For instance, do we need all the wiring harness from the donor vehicle, or just some of it?
We're stripping down the Duster to get the engine bay blasted and painted, so we have a
little time before making the final decision. Aaron wants to get this car on the road with as
little money and time invested as possible (don't we all wish for that?).

My guess is (based on the title of this board) the consensus would be to go for the more
cubic inches. However, the running 318 may require less attention than going through one
of the 360s. Given the choice, which do you prefer - fuel injection or carburetor?

I know this topic may be seem open-ended, but whatever input you can provide will certainly
be appreciated.

Jerry

the fuel injected 360 van will have good 308 casting heads, good mini starter, probably a windage tray and double roller timing chain. you will need a car oil pan and oil pick up tube (must be from a 360) oh yeah that motor is hydraulic roller cam also. buy cheap 4 bbl intake and carb and some cheap headers and the motor part is done. the carburated van should have a 727 and converter u can use. pick a rear get a drive shaft and ur rollin Cool

Quote from: doug 371 on September 01, 2007, 05:31:08 AM

I would be hard pressed not to use the fuel injection with that 360. It would be worth the effort on the FI, and the 360 itself is way better of a motor than the ole 318. Like was said above, it comes factory with some pretty nice stuff. Of couse a intake & carb would be the easest way to get it running.

As far as V8 swap, & wiring harness. You could do either one, part or whole harness. Be sure you have a radiator that fits for the V8. And the Trans cooler lines. But all in all the swap is no big deal. Using the FI will take more work, and if you need the car & dont have the money to do it right away, save it & do it latter. You will be glad you did. This is one good thing about the small blocks, there is late model stuff for them & makes a nice streeter.

Jess

I'd say Doug 371 hit the nail on head too, 360's are solid all the way around, plus the 727 trans is a nice upgrade as well. The swap is pretty simple, IMO even easier with schumacher mounts, but you already have the k-frame. The cheapest way to do an 8 3/4 rear is to narrow a good complete one from a B or C body (w/ C bodies, make sure it doesn't have 4 * 5" lug pattern). You could even look for a used 8.25 from an a body, they are cheap and hold up fine for a small block on the street. You could grab one of the driveshafts from the van too and just have it retubed and sized for the new setup. The fuel injection is cool if you can get it working right, but the easiest way to roll is the carb/manifold setup, although if your son is concerned w/ gas mileage you might consider the injection.....

jay