318 to 440

[Pentastar Pete]

I have a 74 Challenger 318.
I have a 440 complete. Besides the transmission, is there anything else I need to replace to make this work?
or is there any front end parts that would need to be replaced?
Thanks

[Stacked440]

It would have a small block K frame in it, and the torsion bars are larger on big block cars i beleive.  other than that i dont think so.

[KellysCuda aircard]

You need motor mounts.

[4Cruizn]

The trans will work, just need a different bell housing.   

[Chryco Psycho]

just to clarify the K frame is the same , you will need big block mounts , a bigger rad , & .96 torsion bars would be a good idea , the auto trannys need to have the big block 727 case to work , the 4 spd just need a big block belhousing , the flywheel & clutch & trans can be used , if the 440 is a cast crank the flywheel would need to be balanced & you will have to drill a hole into the rear of the crank to clear the 4 spd input shaft & use the Dakota pilot bearing 

[Pentastar Pete]

This is step by step help. Just what I needed.
Thanks Chryco.

[asm74]

He wouldnt need a new drive shaft and/or diff  I have a 73 challenger that Im thinking about bumping to a big block, and Ive been wondering wether the original drive shaft and the 8.75 diff could handle it....

[zerfetzen]

You might want to get the bigger 3/8 fuel line and sending unit, 5/16 should be what you have for the 318.  The only other thing I can think is they recommend different leaf springs, assuming yours are stock, and I'm sure stiffer shocks.

[crcarch]

He wouldnt need a new drive shaft and/or diff  I have a 73 challenger that Im thinking about bumping to a big block, and Ive been wondering wether the original drive shaft and the 8.75 diff could handle it....

You probably will need to modify your driveshaft length.  I did the same swap, except with a 340/AT car and the 727 for an RB that I used had a longer overall length. You'll need to get an 8-3/4 or Dana 60 rear under it if you want it to survive. Mine rides well with the stock .90 T-bars, but I plan on going to the .96" as Chryco Psycho suggests.

Also swap out the fuel sending unit to the 3/8" and run larger fuel lines.  With 5/16" fuel starvation is a definite problem at WOT.  You'll start running out about 2-3 seconds into 2nd gear. Right about the time speed starts to get interesting.  

[71383bee]

While your at it don't forget to modify the brakes... 4 wheel drums is a PITA for stopping power even in a 3teen car.  Of course disregard if you have discs. 

As sugested you will also need a beefier rear end.  Prefer the 8 3/4 for versatility.

[MWILSON904]

I'm basicall asking the same question 318 to 383bb, for me it looks like I need a new radiator and figure out how/where to hang the power steering pump.

Good Luck, Mike

[KellysCuda aircard]

I never  had to change my drive shaft on my swap, 318 to 440, rear was fine to...8.75, but i did change the rad to an aluminum, and fatter tires and....

[crcarch]

I never  had to change my drive shaft on my swap, 318 to 440, rear was fine to...8.75, but i did change the rad to an aluminum, and fatter tires and....

Apparently 727 trannys had two tail lengths.  The one I took off a '70 GTX was longer than the original 727 that was in my '73 340 car, so I had to shorten the driveshaft.  It's easy enough to determine.  The answer is just a tape measure away.