Engine swap...318 to 383 question

[megaivtes]

Found a 1970 383 out of a Jensen Interceptor (apparently this UK company used Chrysler engines).

Any reason why this would be any different to swap into my 67 satellite? I assume it’s just a std Chrysler BB

 

[Daves69]

Lol, your going need a longer throttle cable and some fancy engineered kick down linkage for an automatic!

 

[Cranky]

The oil pan might be different too.....need to see a pic of it and man, I'd love to have the Jensen valve covers!

 

[drobertson]

It depends on what car you have. 73 and up will require a big block k frame or conversion mounts, whereas 72 and down B bodies you just change the motor mounts. Radiator change may be necessary for extra cooling and/or proper hose outlet locations. Fuel tank and pickup may want to be upgraded to a larger diameter for more fuel to the big block, and more things depending on the transmission you have. Most 318's had a 904 Torqueflite, or a 3 speed stick. All big blocks had a 727 Torqueflite or a 4 speed A-833. If your can is an automatic, it likely has a 904, but that's not a guarantee. (for some reason, my 318 charger came with a 727 from the factory). If that's the case, you'll have to shorten your driveshaft to accomodate the longer 727 in the car. small block and big block 727's and A-833 had the same driveshaft length IF they shared the same rear end assembly (like an 8 1/4, 8 3/4, dana, etc.)

Also to consider is a lokar kickdown kit. It makes the swap sooooo much easier, getting rid of all the cranks and rods, replacing them with a cable type system that also looks pretty under the hood! But that's only if you're car is an automatic.

 

[cudak888]

If you already have an 8-3/4" in your Satellite, keep in mind that they came with three different center sections. The 741 won't necessarily hold up to a consistently heavy right foot and a 383.

http://www.mymopar.com/Mopar8_75RearEndGuide.htm

Just one more thing to consider in the cost and effort of the swap - especially if you are in the UK, as that Jensen had a Salisbury rear end (essentially a Dana) which wouldn't work for you, if the owner of that 383 happens to have all the Jensen parts.

-Kurt

 

[megaivtes]

cudak888,
good info. I have an 8 3/4 but will check to see what center section I have.
Mainly I wanted to see if there might be any physical differences in this motor vs one pulled from a Dodge or Plymouth.
I'm currently sourcing a 727 as well.

 

[cudak888]

A cursory glance at some threads at http://www.joc.org.uk/ seem to suggest the only big difference may be the front accessory pulleys. Bellhousing pattern should be the usual, as the Interceptor could be had with the 727.

I can't help but note that this Hemi-orange 383 is turquoise underneath though. Have you verified what this engine is by casting number?

-Kurt

 

[megaivtes]

its got a

2468130 casting #

 

[cudak888]

Not 100% sure, but that is a 383 block casting (some sources say '64-71, others '59-71)

-Kurt

 

[cudak888]

Cranky - would love to hear your thoughts on the 741, as I have the same in my Satellite. If it could hold up to a big block, I'd like to know - it was one of the reasons I stayed with an LA during my swap.

-Kurt

 

[Cranky]

If you already have an 8-3/4" in your Satellite, keep in mind that they came with three different center sections. The 741 won't necessarily hold up to a consistently heavy right foot and a 383.

http://www.mymopar.com/Mopar8_75RearEndGuide.htm

Just one more thing to consider in the cost and effort of the swap - especially if you are in the UK, as that Jensen had a Salisbury rear end (essentially a Dana) which wouldn't work for you, if the owner of that 383 happens to have all the Jensen parts.

-Kurt

How many 741's have you seen broken? Main thing that goes in any of them are teeth being shaved off the ring gear and not broken pinions.....but I've seen broken pinions in all of them including the Dana 60. Don't think a 383 is going to be a problem to a 41.

 

[cudak888]

How many 741's have you seen broken? Main thing that goes in any of them are teeth being shaved off the ring gear and not broken pinions.....but I've seen broken pinions in all of them including the Dana 60.

Glad I finally found a dissenter on this, because I have nothing to go on other than Google and the local Mopar Hemi builder. Something about the crush sleeve making all the difference. Heck, if the 741's hold up, that opens up a whole lot of possibilities. Thanks for the heads up; I retract what I said in the earlier thread.

-Kurt

 

[Cranky]

Crush sleeves are only used in the 89 case and is always the first thing I throw in the trash whenever I build one. A solid spacer goes in and then use shims for bearing preload as does the 41 and 42 cases. Found out in the early 80's just how much abuse an 8 3/4 will take when we were running Super Pro with a 4 speed car and launching at 6k Our goal was to run Super Street and we did get there but by then, a Dana 60 was in place.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Lol, your going need a longer throttle cable and some fancy engineered kick down linkage for an automatic!

Unless I'm seeing things, it just looks like a 600cmf Holley turned backwards.....since it's a square bore carburetor, just turn in the other way and you'll be in good shape in a Mopar.

 

[cudak888]

Unless I'm seeing things, it just looks like a 600cmf Holley turned backwards.....since it's a square bore carburetor, just turn in the other way and you'll be in good shape in a Mopar.

I thought I saw a kickdown linkage pointing towards the dizzy...

-Kurt

 

[Daves69]

Unless I'm seeing things, it just looks like a 600cmf Holley turned backwards.....since it's a square bore carburetor, just turn in the other way and you'll be in good shape in a Mopar.

Lol, Think I'd turn the whole manifold. Is it even bolted down?

 

[Cranky]

I thought something looked kinda odd with the intake lol. Just didn't pay enough attention to it to notice. Many years back some guy put his Torker intake on backwards and didn't even notice it until someone at the track pointed it out and he just looked kinda dumbfounded and laughed saying it ran better that way. Next thing you know there was another guy with his on backwards too but he said it didn't make any difference. Ooo kaay.

 

[polywideblock]

those Jensen interceptors were cool ,rare mopars . pity another one is dead . I've always wanted one , something different at the mopar show but they rust as you watch .a lot like triumph stags

 

[drobertson]

wow. I didn't know a big block mopar intake would bolt up backwards!

 

[Cranky]

wow. I didn't know a big block mopar intake would bolt up backwards!

I laid one on the long block just to see if it would fit. The biggest problem is it puts the carb at a really bad angle.