repowering '66 Dart GT -- will a 440 fit

[travissemmes]

I have a 1966 Dart GT hardtop (automatic) that I recently pulled a 225 slant-6 motor out of. I'm dreaming of dropping in a 440, but I'm wondering how much is involved.

Looks like the steering box might make headers difficult.

This is an A-Body and I don't know if a big block will even work here. Has anyone had experience with this? How much modification to the frame, cross members and/or wheel wells is required?

Am I better off with a 340?

Confused in San Luis Obispo, CA
-Travis Semmes

[Jim_Lusk]

Travis, a big block has been installed in many early a-bodies. I've never done one, but there are others here who have. My son lives in the area and has a 383/4sp 67 Barracuda, but he hasn't had it on the road in five years or so.

I believe there are conversion mounts now to make that part easier. Yes, headers or manifolds will be the most difficult part, but it's normal hot rod stuff.

[abodyjoe]

I have a 1966 Dart GT hardtop (automatic) that I recently pulled a 225 slant-6 motor out of. I'm dreaming of dropping in a 440, but I'm wondering how much is involved.

Looks like the steering box might make headers difficult.

This is an A-Body and I don't know if a big block will even work here. Has anyone had experience with this? How much modification to the frame, cross members and/or wheel wells is required?

Am I better off with a 340?

Confused in San Luis Obispo, CA
-Travis Semmes

yes a 440 will go right in that car.  you big problem is no one makes headers. gonna have to have them custom made.

quite a few make small block headers.

a 440 is so much fun in those early a-bodies..


here is the 64 440 valiant i did years ago.

[340fyd]

Joe, what intake did you run on that?

[abodyjoe]

that was an old torker in the pic..  also had a wieand 8009 on the car at times.

[my64dart]

Hi,
   A 340 will probably fit easier & cost less money to do. But a big block in an A-Body is worth the pain. I love my big block powered Dart. Everytime I look under the hood I think ( I must have been out of my mind to do all this work! ) But damn the car is fun to drive!
     Jim

[brickman]

I am thinking that a 400(451) would fit easier and schumacher makes mounts and headers for it.

[timoparr]

hi all, I hav a 440 in my 65 valiant and the magor problem iv got is its way to hard to change spark plugs.
If I could giv some advise id say a 383-400 with angle plug heads would work better and fitting a K frame like the alterk ones, with a rack n pinion mounted forward of the front axel centreline, would giv room for in chassis headers. or just build a procharger blown small block 

[rw66gt]

Hi any Edmonton" a "body gurus want to give a newbie a little advice?I just got a 66 D Dart/valiant convertible,and i am searching for historical facts and info.Call 780-752-4514,this car is sweet but i need to know more,call Randy if u can help,thank you in advance

[freightdriver]

 hi i am also getting ready to put a 400&727 in a 64 dart at first glance and mocup it look to be a problem with the tranny hump .any  problem with yours .i also live in ca. hope to have it at sacramento raceway this summer.dave

[az426hemi]

IMO the easiest big block early A is probably a 383/400 (any low deck combo) with Hi Po B body manifolds.

Other than that it is custom headers.


Mike

[65 SIGNET]

You can get plenty of power with a small block and not all the headache, i have a built 360 in my car with the TTI headers and that is a tight fit