273 to 440 Swap. What can I keep?

[65PlymSatellite]

Hello all, I should be getting my 440 back from the machine shop here in a few weeks, and in procuring things, I was wondering what, if anything, I can keep from the 273. Mainly, can I use the Power steering pump and box with big block brackets? Alternator should be able to be reused, right? Also, are all non ac water pump pulleys the same on Big Blocks?

 

[Curiousyellow71]

No on pulleys, bb is different. Yes you can buy bb brackets for the small TRW pump that your 273 has, But, I think you need a bb power steering pulley. You may have a hard time with pulley alignment or finding the correct pulley. But I can't say for sure.
I would guess there are several non ac bb pulleys. But...maybe someone know for sure.
If buying new 440 source sells pulleys and brackets for a saginaw. Its a better pump and very common. You likely would need to change the 5/8 return line on the steering gearbox. The saginaw is smaller.

 

[65PlymSatellite]

No on pulleys, bb is different. Yes you can buy bb brackets for the small TRW pump that your 273 has, But, I think you need a bb power steering pulley. You may have a hard time with pulley alignment or finding the correct pulley. But I can't say for sure.
I would guess there are several non ac bb pulleys. But...maybe someone know for sure.
If buying new 440 source sells pulleys and brackets for a saginaw. Its a better pump and very common. You likely would need to change the 5/8 return line on the steering gearbox. The saginaw is smaller.

Thanks for the info, makes me think that i just need to get the whole Borgenson setup then...

 

[ckessel]

Different trans or bell housing too.

 

[Curiousyellow71]

If your car has a 904, you will need to shorten the drive shaft and get the larger slip yoke.

For the accessories and power steering pump I would just get it all from 440source and run a saginaw pump. The steering box you will also have to put the smaller return fitting your old gear, adapt it, or update the whole box. If your unsure of the condition, you may want to replace.
If you can find a car or engine that you can rob it all, that is also a good way. Because it's a pain to get the accessories part by part.

 

[65PlymSatellite]

Different trans or bell housing too.

I also Picked up a '65 BB trans. I wonder if those cables are different lengths from the 904 though?

 

[65PlymSatellite]

If your car has a 904, you will need to shorten the drive shaft and get the larger slip yoke.

For the accessories and power steering pump I would just get it all from 440source and run a saginaw pump. The steering box you will also have to put the smaller return fitting your old gear, adapt it, or update the whole box. If your unsure of the condition, you may want to replace.
If you can find a car or engine that you can rob it all, that is also a good way. Because it's a pain to get the accessories part by part.

Great tip, thanks! Yea I just replaced that gear box a couple years ago, doesn't leak and seems to function properly.

This is a father/son project, and before we replaced the gear box, my dad started the car (and he had his hand through the steering wheel) and the wheel violently turned all the way to the right and really messed up his hand for a few weeks.

Never seen that before.

 

[ckessel]

No clue on the cables. Maybe someone will chime in with info. If not, either Kramers or A&A Trans can let you know.

 

[JPrusinows]

440 Source is a great supplier, especially for your project. Love the Father & Son thing! Best of luck on your efforts! Going to love it when you guys are done!

 

[Curiousyellow71]

Great tip, thanks! Yea I just replaced that gear box a couple years ago, doesn't leak and seems to function properly.

This is a father/son project, and before we replaced the gear box, my dad started the car (and he had his hand through the steering wheel) and the wheel violently turned all the way to the right and really messed up his hand for a few weeks.

Never seen that before.

Bummer, that will happen if the valve get off to one side and is not centered. It sends all the power assist one way and you can't stop it.

Keep after it with your Dad! Lots of memories can be made.