Low deck vs Tall deck fitment

[dartcharger_270]

I'm getting ready to start fitting engines in my 65 dart, and am trying to decide whether to use a 400 or 440.  I am going to be using the HP exhaust manifolds, and want to hear from people whether either engine is a better fit than the other.  Or any problems with one that the other doesn't have.

[Blue]

The 400 is lower and narrower than the 440, always a better fit in the later A bodies, so a definate bonus in the tight bay of an early car. Can't think of any disadvantages. Not so sure you can swap either big block into an early car using iron manifolds, never tried it, I can imagine the steering column will be in the way for a start.....

[375InStroke]

I think even the hipo 340 manifolds don't clear an early A.

[dc_mopar]

Tom Condran says a low beck big block can be installed as a bolt in in an early A-body with factory parts and no cutting.
you would have to look at his book to see what parts he used.   Doug

[Lancer]

Check out hte pics of a '66 Dart with a 440 and Hi-po exhaust manifolds in the Gallery under 66Dart500. It's a beautiful car and a clean installation.

[dc_mopar]

that does look cool, but i'm a little confused. the pic of the engine being dropped into the white 66 is labeled 66dart500, the next pics showing the engine installed are a red/orange car, and are labeled 70 dart 440 project. it looks like 2 different cars. i don't see pics of the 66 with the engine actually in it. the 440 looks tight enough in the 70, so its gotta be tight in the 66. possible but tight.  Doug

[my64dart]

Hi,
   I installed a 383 into my 1964 Dart. Everything is tight. I went with power brakes & the booster sits right on the valve cover. I also had to buy a double universal joint to clear the steering shaft away from the HP exhaust manifold. Don't think this is a real easy job to do. But it can be done & you'll have a very unusual car afterwards.
    Jim

[rcomet75]

Hey My64dart what dose your power booster look like? is it a stock booster or an aftermarket,  would manual brakes fit better?

[my64dart]

Hi,
   The power booster is a dual diaphram / 8"unit I got from Ebay that came with the bracket. It really didn't bolt on & fit without modifications. I had to make it fit. I think that Master Power Brakes has a conversion that would have fit much better. But I sure like having power brakes & wouldn't go without them. But remember to remove the valve cover, the booster & master cylinder must be unbolted & moved over for clearance. Thank God the lines will flex a bit. If you go to Photo bucket search my64dart. I have a few pics there
      Jim

[dc_mopar]

why not do it like the SS cars and use rubber flex lines from the master cylinder so you can move it without kinking the lines?
(or use the more modern and show-worthy braided stainless flex lines)  Doug

[Lancer]

If you go to the Gallery and search for 66DART500 you should find 21 pics of the car. He has pics of the installed engine and other upgrades to the car. This car is the inspiration for my own 63 dart that I have.

Lance

[jyrki]

However, he has modified the inner fenders too. I have built a couple of them, with no sheetmetal mods a B block can be fitted even with cast iron manifolds. The RB can't, but can be fitted with fenderwells retaining the original inner fenders (except for the hole).