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Post by duncandonuts on Oct 26, 2022 16:23:48 GMT -5
Hey Everyone,
I am starting my restoration journey of my 1973 Charger SE, which has no motor or transmission in it. I contacted the old owner and he said that there was a 340 in it before. I am looking to put a 1971 440 w/ 727 transmission in it. I just have a few questions...
1. How much difficulty would it to install the new motor and transmission
2. Would I have to switch out any k-frames or make any alterations to the suspension due to the increase in weight?
Thank you and happy restoring!!
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wp29p4a
Forum Regular
MY 1974 se
Posts: 376 
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Post by wp29p4a on Oct 26, 2022 20:53:43 GMT -5
Difficulty of installation depends on your level of experience and the amount of preparation/research you choose to do before you start. Your tool selection also matters. I've done it several times over the years and I don't think it's that difficult, but it comes down to prep. Very different adventure putting the engine and trans in separately, VS together. Both have pros and cons.
A company was making adapter type motor mounts to put a big block in a car with a small block K-member, without having to change the K member, hopefully they are still available. As far as the weight increase, there is a good chance you will have to increase the diameter of the torsion bars, depending on the type of ride you are looking for. Your car should have originally came with a 318ci or a 360ci engine. Your going to need to address the radiator hose, water pump housing inlet/outlet location too. The 71 engine lower hose should be opposite side from 1973 small block.
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DynoDave
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Motown Mopar-Wizard
Posts: 11,155
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Post by DynoDave on Oct 28, 2022 9:09:43 GMT -5
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Post by Nacho-RT74 on Oct 30, 2022 10:13:44 GMT -5
Being 340 it gets its own charm being a Rallye by default. A 340 could have gotten just on Rallyes. I would work on a modified/stroked 340 before change it for any big block. That’s just if really got a 340. If it’s an SE, then is not posible it got a 340… not from factory at least.
Having said that, if the car is originally SB you still want to change to Big Block, well, yes, K member changes since 73 due diff motor mounts location made in these lates models HOWEVER, engine mount “adaptors” are available for the interchange. Is not really an adaptor but actually an engine mount made to fit BB into a SB K member. It-was available at shumascher creative services ( engine-swaps.com ). But they changed of owner and got moved so as far I know they are still working on get the shop back to the bussines after all the changes.
Another difference is the passenger side inner fender, but is not really a huge deal. You can keep the one on car.
Thick torsion bar and sway bar… radiator, engine harness wiring… stuff like that.
If auto, also the transmission. If Manual, just the bellhousing.
I think you need to actually define what you are really getting before any take other decision.
P.S.: on BB the lower water pump outlet got side changed between 72 and 73 so water pump housing must get matched with radiator if getting a pre 72 engine and if the car is really an original BB car and radiator is in yet.
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