318 - 440 engine swap. Engine wirng harness question

[Husker Cuda]

I am putting in a 440 in my 74 Cuda, originally a 318 car.  Can I buy a 70 or 71 engine harness from Year one and just plug it in to my bulkhead connector or do I need to buy a 74 wiring harness and modify it for the big block?   

thanks

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I'm thinking it's your latter choice. Maybe I'm off-base here, but the 70-71 big-block harness would assume a points style ignition system. I think you would just have to lenghten a few wires on the 74 harness to compensate for the distributor being in the front of the engine.   


  Mike

[matt63]

Sounds about right.  I think you can order repro harnesses with the electronic ignition update. 

[Moparal]

I would just use the same wires. But un tape them to be sure they are not cracked and brittle from being baked on the side of the valve cover. The coil wires are about all that needs to be stretched. Oil sending units are in the back, water pump temp may have to add 6 inches maybe. alternator wires will fit, lengthen the electronic distributor wires or get the kit for 19 bucks and install that new. It is really easy.

[Husker Cuda]

great, thanks for all the input guys!

[Chryco Psycho]

Be aware that some of the wire changed position in the plug from year to year , you could order & 70 harness & just move a few wires around though