Slant 6 to small block conversion advice

[66/6Coronet]

Hi Folks,
I have a 66 Coronet w/ a non original slant 6 and thinking about doing a small block swap.
Has anyone used the Trans-dapt or Schumacher kit and any advice, positive or negative?
I would prefer not to get into swapping the k-member just yet, learning as I go and that seems like a lot of work. Thanks in advance.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Used Schu's on my HEMI, good quality stuff. But I did need to reconfig my dipstick tube,,, that won't be an issue on a SB

 

[Daliant]

I've used the trans-dapt kit on my Dart, everything bolted in nice and the engine placement was in the right spot.

 

[VANDAN]

Swap out the K-member now, as it's only 4 bolts, some suspension removal and re-assembly, then bolt the V8 right in, stock or Schumacher mounts. You'll be ready when you want to go SB to BB then...

 

[rumblefish360]

If the K is fine, leave it alone.

In doing the /6-V8 swap, I have used both kits. Use the TransDapt kit if there is one. Cheaper & simple.

I’ve done two /6 - sb and one /6 - big block.
FWIW, upgrade your radiator to a brand new radiator if you can and be ahead of the game.

Throttle cables and brackets can be a PIA. I went with a Lokar set up as I’m not concerned with originality in the least.

 

[rumblefish360]

Oh, if your switching from a 727 - a 904, a small rear to a larger one, you’ll need to get your driveshaft cut down Or lengthened depending on your route.

 

[66/6Coronet]

Swap out the K-member now, as it's only 4 bolts, some suspension removal and re-assembly, then bolt the V8 right in, stock or Schumacher mounts. You'll be ready when you want to go SB to BB then...

Thanks, I've read a few people have said they wish they had just done the k-member to start with instead of the conversion. I do have a V8 k-member ready but I am intimidated by the front end steering and suspension work involved as I've never been in that deep before (yet). Cheers.

 

[66/6Coronet]

If the K is fine, leave it alone.

In doing the /6-V8 swap, I have used both kits. Use the TransDapt kit if there is one. Cheaper & simple.

I’ve done two /6 - sb and one /6 - big block.
FWIW, upgrade your radiator to a brand new radiator if you can and be ahead of the game.

Throttle cables and brackets can be a PIA. I went with a Lokar set up as I’m not concerned with originality in the least.

Thanks, I actually have a line on a complete 67 318 w/ tranny from a b-body, so hopefully linkages will not be a problem. Good to know the Trans-Dapt kit works as the price is right!

 

[rumblefish360]

The front end work looks scary but isn’t.
Nothing like taking pictures of everything together and as they come apart. That is a big huge help.

I’ve done a K removal. I had to, long story for another day. But when it came time to reinstall the engine and trans, it was easy.

Set your stuff up prior to re assembly and have a good go at it. Below, is where I started (and completely prepped to go...) and where I ended later that same day.
I started at butt crack:30 in the morning and finished by dinner @ 6:00pm. Drove it into the garage. This was a simpler LA to Magnum swap.
(Ahhhh, love the long summer days to get stuff done.)

 

[66/6Coronet]

Wow, that was a productive day!
I am just doing research for now and will decide once I know more.
Thanks for your input and photos, very inspirational, cheers.

 

[rumblefish360]

Yes! Worked hard at it. Then again, I was a healthier and a slight bit younger. Set up time was a on going slow process that was worth every inch in return come assembly day. There was no rush, so, why not relax and set it up.

No problem. Just ask and we'll answer. Plenty of guys that have been there and done that on some path not yet crossed.