small to big block

[69clone]

Hey guys,
So i'm searching for a 440 to replace my 318 with and i'm wondering what you guys did when you went from a small block? Is it better to buy a whole car with a 440 and use all the parts in it or did you buy all the parts and find a 440 somewhere else? Also what all needs to be upgraded or replaced when you do this? Brakes,suspension, motor mounts?
Thanks,
~Nick

 

[rumblefish360]

Hey Nick;

In short, a donor car would be great. However, that is easier said then done with this old iron. Perhaps, something newer like a Cordoba (78 last year for the big blocks and only as big as 400's) or a 80's FMJ for it's brake system.

When I swaped out my 318 for a 400, I used the Schmaucher mounts to fit it in.
I had a donor car. So I did get everything I needed for the swap for it. (78 Cordoba)
I don't know if the tranny is a lock up or not though.

Ummm, The driveshaft will need to be shortened if the trans goes from a 904 to a 727, and shortened again if the rear goes up in pinion size. 8-1/4 to whatever larger.
The wires for the engine need to be lengthened. I had the luxgury or just swaping the harrnass around. The distributor wires, temp sensor and coil wires need to be lengthened.

I did swap the T-bars around. Seals and wire locks can be had new.
You may find the radiator small for a big block and even more so in need of a replacement if you get a hi-po engine or work the replacement engine up.

On brakes, heck, bigger is allways better. My donor car had the 11.75 disks and 11 inch drums. If I could go bigger (Cheaply) I'd go bigger. These parts are swapable into your early ride. The master cylinder has adapter kits out there.

 

[rumblefish360]

OH! Later year (74 plus I beileve, has longer T-bars that can not be used on your B body.

 

[69clone]

Thanks for the info,
Yeah i realised after i said that, that i'd have a hard time finding a 440 in a car... Is it possible for a 727 to be behind my 318? The seller told me he though it was a 727.

 

[morbidgoat]

it wouldnt matter big block uses a larger bell housing