66 Belvedere engine upgrade

[scout175]

1) Need to rebuild a 318 with 4 barrel intake OR upgrade to a Summit ATK 360 drop in. Which would you do? Lead time on rebuild machine shop work seems to be excessive, as in months. Cost for both options about the same.

2A) If I go with a 360 drop in, will my 727 auto bell housing and input shaft fit?

2B) What exhaust manifolds should I pursue?

 

[Don Frelier]

2a or find a good 5.9 Magnum from a truck and maybe convert to a carburator.
Magnum exhaust manifolds are also a good choice
Yes all small block bolt patterns are the same for the bell housing

 

[Fran Blacker]

That 360 sounds good. I'd do shorty headers, under $200 or long tube. I'm posting a set of Stainless headers quality unknown to me do some research before buying! $285 plus $40 shipping. They make shorty headers in stainless. Spend your money on Remflex header gaskets not worth screwing around with others. I you go with cast iron manifolds put a straight edge across to check flatness. If OK use regular gaskets. Stainless Steel Exhaust Headers for Dodge Plymouth Mopar A B E Body 318 340 360 | eBay

 

[RR Fan Dan]

360

 

[Darter6]

Summit ATK 360 drop in.

This would most likely be the quickest and easiest. Along with being cost effective.
Are you replacing a Poly 318 ? 66 was a transitional time for Ma Mopar going to the LA engine across the board come 1967.
Some 65 B bodies had a 273 as one of my cars were. 66 it was possible,not sure.
Anyway check to see if the ATK is internal balance as some rebuilds can be. If not you will have to get a converter balance kit from places like Mancini and have the weights welded to your converter. Also I believe,but don't hold me to this, I think the 727 poly transmission has one bolt hole that doesn't line up.
I may be wrong but I remember ( my memory is fading ) most guys leave it out and it doesn't hurt a thing.
Best of luck with your project.

 

[Runcharger]

1st choice 360 magnum but there are a few things that would need addressing. 2nd choice normal 360 which would be easier, a little mod on the one motor mount and a weighted torque convertor, other than that pretty easy. 318's are nice for fuel mileage and what not but most of the time a 360 will get the same fuel mileage but a lot more fun to drive.
On this forum in 5 minutes there will be guys dropping in telling you to do about $10k in mods to make the 318 a raunchy mess but just do the 360.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Keep it simple. ^^^^

 

[ckessel]

An alternative to getting the converter weighted/buying a weighted unit for the 360. Your choice.
Hughes Engines