Motor Swap

[Sheriffandy013]

Hey guys, my new 68 charger is a survivor car, 85 K and documented back to the mid 70s. Its a numbers matching 318 column auto and Ive always wanted my charger to have the 440. If I swap for the big block, do I need to hang on to the original 318 and trans? If the car has the big block is some enthusiast going to want the 318 to go with it or did I screw up by buying a small block in the first place. The interior wont be original either but not modified other than color so that could always go back. Will be supercharging the 440 but not cutting up the car. What to do?

 

[440Coronet500]

I would recommend you keep all the original driveline components. It's only original once! Never know, if you sell someday and the next purchaser may want them. 440'

 

[Nate S]

Seems highly unlikely any future owner will pine for the 318. I guess if you have sufficient storage go for it but there’s no special value to having an original 318, (as you’re proving by ripping it out). I personally dumped the original 361 from my car for that reason. Kept parts that someone might want (crank, rods, heads etc).

 

[MiradaMegaCab]

Welcome aboard! A simple bolt in and go..SC 408 843 hp and 740 lb/ft of torque on 15lbs of boost.

 

[Sheriffandy013]

View attachment 1121162
Welcome aboard! A simple bolt in and go..SC 408 843 hp and 740 lb/ft of torque on 15lbs of boost.

So I have thought of SC the 318 or even a 340 and from what Im reading they are stout enough to handle it. curious if you have more info on it or anything on longevity of the setup? This will be a street car but id like to drag it every now and then.

 

[Tony Tee]

I would hang onto the original engine and trans. I had two 1970 chargers in the late 70's and for a 318, they were pretty fast. I believe they were rated @ 230 horsepower..And acording to google a 1978 440 smog engine was only 220 horsepower. And a lot heavier. So I would hang onto to original stuff if you have the space to store it. But that's just me. It's your project. Do what you want.

 

[70ChargeDodger]

I have 2 Chargers w/ 318/727's one is a 68 untouched survivor and the 70 is not. I will keep the survivor in tact obviously but I have a 360 for the 70, which means I keep my tranny, driveshaft, etc. easy peasy, my 2 cents.

 

[Slap Stick]

I would hang onto the original engine and trans. I had two 1970 chargers in the late 70's and for a 318, they were pretty fast. I believe they were rated @ 230 horsepower..And acording to google a 1978 440 smog engine was only 220 horsepower. And a lot heavier. So I would hang onto to original stuff if you have the space to store it. But that's just me. It's your project. Do what you want.

The 318 was rated as 230 gross HP and the 440 was net. Big difference. The same 318 was rated 140/150.

 

[wvmarv]

Hey guys, my new 68 charger is a survivor car, 85 K and documented back to the mid 70s. Its a numbers matching 318 column auto and Ive always wanted my charger to have the 440. If I swap for the big block, do I need to hang on to the original 318 and trans? If the car has the big block is some enthusiast going to want the 318 to go with it or did I screw up by buying a small block in the first place. The interior wont be original either but not modified other than color so that could always go back. Will be supercharging the 440 but not cutting up the car. What to do?

Or you could do this.
https://axleaddict.com/cars/Mopar318
Build a Hot Mopar 318 for Street or Strip

And add a small block 727 to it.
http://www.727specialist.com/
REBUILT 727 904 TORQUEFLITE TRANSMISSION FOR SALE
*All Of These Transmissions Are Rebuilt And Have a Shift Kit

*Hd 727 Big or Small Block $950.00
Add HP Street Tire option 300.00 Includes
Race clutches and bands
High pressure regulator spring and custom shift kit
Ft and rear servos made solid
Deep pan with filter extension

*904 Small Block $995.00

 

[Budnicks]

Unless you're building it with thoughts of re-selling it
Don't worry about all the lil' BS
like an interior color change or even putting in
a 440 where it had a 318

(many "Quality Built" resto-mods are bringing really good money today too)

build it how you want, just do quality work
& use good quality parts won't really hurt the value
if you don't care about resale, do what you will
IMHO
I'd say just don't do too much type stuff
that can't be easily changed back to stock, bolt-on stuff
doing a bunch of body mods isn't a good idea
you can do a ton of stuff within the structure of the org. car

if you're worried about it
then store/keep all the take-off parts

otherwise, build it how you want to
use whatever parts you deem necessary
it's yours not theres, don't worry about the naysayer

Of course, unless you are trying to do a concourse restoration
& a SB-LA 318cid Base car
won't be anywhere near the resale value
as an org. factory equipt R/T 440 or 426 car
would every be anyway

good luck & have fun
that's what it's all about

 

[F4R/T]

If you’re wanting to change that much buy the car you want and sell this one and let someone enjoy it the way it is. IMO
If I want a 440 4 speed I’m not cutting an original up to clone it. I’ll buy it.. They are only original once ! Let someone enjoy for what it is not what it isn’t ! That 318 will be respectable on gas here with the price of going up thanks quid pro joe and the ho .. I know several guys that have small block with ac cars and they are dang nice to get in and go for a enjoyable ride...

 

[1967coronet]

My thoughts, 1st off there are damn few 68 chargers sporting their original engine no matter what flavor it was.
68 I think is when the started adding the VIN to the pan rail.
Just being a 68 charger adds value over many big block cars.
I agree stick that 440 in and enjoy it but hang onto the 318.
318s are a great engine.

 

[Sheriffandy013]

so my 318 parts will bolt up to a 360 if I chose to go that route....for now anyway?

 

[MoparLeo]

Except for the oil pan most exterior parts ,accessories will interchange. 360/5.9 block is a better /cheaper foundation to build up a small block. Longer stroke, bigger diameter mains.

 

[Slap Stick]

Dont forget the 360 requires a different converter as it is externally balanced.

 

[chtampa]

Build an exotic SB stroker motor, paint it turquoise and have fun with it.

 

[Tman100]

It’s your car…. Do whatever you want to it. If someone has a problem with that they can go buy their own or they can give you a premium for yours and do what they think needs to be done to that car. If you had a hemi or R/T car it’s worth possibly keeping original. My car is a factory 383 car. I’m now running a 440. If you want a big block put a big block in it. If your building an engine a big block costs pretty much the same to build as a small block. If you have a tight budget put a cam intake and some free flowing exhaust on your car and run the 318. I have a 318 in a 66 polara and that 4200 lb car moves quite well.
Do what you want and feel is best. It’s your car and it’s a 68 Charger. Wouldn’t matter if it has a slant 6 it’s still cool!!!

 

[monaco66coupe]

I cans say I have owned many 68-69 chargers, and own three now. If I came across a 318 car for sale that has been modified with a larger engine, and the original was disposed of, I would pay less for it, or not even buy it. If I wanted an R/T, I would go buy it. There are lots of charger owners uninterested in modified cars. My opinion is mine alone, and It would apply if I was Buying a Belvedere or a Dodge dart.
I would suggest if someone want to hotrod an old car, start with something that is much less valuable. Yes it is the owners car, they can do anything they want. But there is smart Investments, and dumb ones.
Just like real estate, money will go wherever you put it, no matter how poor the decision is.