Engine Swap

[djbr459]

I have a 66 Coronet, formerly a 318 Poly. I'm putting in a 383 and I would like to know if I have to do anything to the torsion bars due to the added weight.
Thanks

 

[monaco66coupe]

The torsion bars for a poly motor are good bars, That poly motor is 70 or so more pounds than a 318. I have a 440 in my 66' coronet with the 318 poly bars, and I found no need to change them. if it had been a 67', then I would have upgraded.

 

[cr8crshr]

Will work nicely as stated...

 

[djbr459]

Cool, thank you for the information.

 

[sleepar]

I have a 66 Coronet, formerly a 318 Poly. I'm putting in a 383 and I would like to know if I have to do anything to the torsion bars due to the added weight.
Thanks

Not necessarily due to weight differences but you may consider a heavier bar for braking and cornering UN less your just out to drag race then you're fine. Before I said runnem I'd want to know the intended purpose... I went with heavy bars and added sway bars front and rear and poly bushings and sub frame connectors because I want to loose most of the marshmallow handling and corner and stop. My original bars would have worked for Sunday drives... I like to be able to get all four wheels off the ground and land without bottoming.... I've got the original LA 318 less about 60# of cast iron for aluminum then I added about 60# in bars and suspension ad disc brakes. All depends upon you're dream. I'm not trying to sell you anything... just seems a lot has been wasted over the years developing suspensions when all everyone needed was a set of pre 67 bars regardless of mileage and a breaker bar

- - - Updated - - -

Anyone but me ever break a torsion bar? Hollow or solid?

 

[monaco66coupe]

I have a 66 Coronet, formerly a 318 Poly. I'm putting in a 383 and I would like to know if I have to do anything to the torsion bars due to the added weight.
Thanks

it is always a good idea to rebuild and upgrade your suspension any time you change engines, regardless of weight.
The question was , will the older bars work? Yes they will, as long as they haven't been damaged by not keeping the correct height, or driving the car with worn out suspension. The 66 bars for the 318 are as strong as the bars used in a 383 engine. If you are on a budget, you will be fine. I actually Installed a K member and sway bar setup from a 70' Roadrunner in mine, but used the original bars because they were the same Diameter as the Roadrunner bars, but had less mileage on them. The car handles very well, and I like the 70' swaybar location better than the 66-69 style.

 

[sleepar]

Exactly or a 73 wagon for the brakes and aar Pittman arm and drag link....

 

[monaco66coupe]

I like those brakes, just didn't have any, so I Installed the Brake setup(disc) I acquired at PST. They work great..

 

[djbr459]

Thanks again for all of the responses.
I'm glad I found this forum.