What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?

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Offline kevabe

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What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« on: October 07, 2008 - 09:42:58 PM »
I have a 1969 Barracuda that has a 318 in it. I found a place where I can order a 6.1 liter HEMI (the new ones that are in the SRT8s') for about $6,000.00. If I were to replace the 318 with the fuel injected 6.1 what should be done?




Offline 71chally416

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2008 - 09:56:26 PM »
Controller (if it's not included), Headers, oilpan, mounts, I think you have to relocate the oil filter. Your tranny will bolt on. Not sure about the starter or convertor. I'm sure somebody else on here is doing or has done this already. 
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Offline 72hemi

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2008 - 10:43:10 PM »
The starter is fine, the new 6.1 hemi has provisions on both sides of the block for the starter. You'll need a special flex plate that mopar sells to attach to a 727 transmission ( or 518 or 904 although 727 would probably be best choice) Fuel system needs upgrading, there is a fair amount of wiring and computer work to be done. The radiator needs to be replaced (6.1 has the upper and lower hoses on the same side). there is a laundry list of changes to be made, but there are several threads on here about the 6.1 conversion in e bodies an a body wouldn't be much different. In addition to the engine cost I believe you are looking at another $5000 or so for the remaining parts.
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Offline fantum

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #3 on: October 07, 2008 - 10:52:34 PM »
Where, may I ask, did you find the 6.1?  And, what does it include (fuel injection and intake, electronics, accessory mounts, etc.)?


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Offline 71bigblock

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2008 - 11:43:34 PM »
It not only takes a bunch of dough, but patience, also.  I'm pretty much done with my 5.7 swap.  Is it worth it?  Yes.  But I did all of the work myself, and the 5.7 is considerably cheaper...

Offline heminut

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2008 - 09:29:46 AM »
You will definately have to use a remote filter mount on the A body with a stock K member, there is not enough room to use the angled oil filter adapter. I seem to remember not being able to use power steering with the TTI headers either, but not sure about that. I tried to go to their webpage on the 6.1 and 5,7 hemi headers but they're down right now.
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Offline kevabe

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2008 - 09:43:14 AM »

I found the 6.1 crate engine on this site:

http://www.modernmuscle.biz/hemistore.html

Offline 73Chally

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2008 - 10:50:22 AM »
Looks like $10K for the engine and computer, then probably another $5K+ for parts and install if you do it yourself, probably closer to another $10K for a shop to do it.  Do you know the specs on the 6.1 crates?  Are they new or used?  Any idea why the 5.7 at the bottom of the page is more expensive?  Just curious, because these guys look like they could be a good source to go through if I ever decide to go this route.

Offline kevabe

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #8 on: October 08, 2008 - 08:34:11 PM »
Am I way off to consider the idea of putting in the 6.1 liter into my 69 cuda? If you were in my shoes with the 69 Barracuda and wanted to drive it a lot but also have at least 400 to 450 horsepower what engines would yall consider? As you consider this keep in mind that I plan to drive this car as much as possible and not only on the week end.

Offline hemiken

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #9 on: October 08, 2008 - 08:38:00 PM »
For the amount of time you want to spend in the Barracuda, a 6.1 sounds to be a very feesable solution and would be the correct path, sure it will be a lot of work, but the long term benifits outweigh everything else. ........... I say go for it :2thumbs:
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Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2008 - 08:52:37 PM »
Its not soo bad of a swap  :bigsmile:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=41617.0

I have ordered stuff from modernmuscle they are ok and willing to help.  :thumbsup:

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Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #11 on: October 08, 2008 - 10:41:56 PM »
well worth the effort!
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Offline heminut

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Re: What would it take to replace a 318 with the new 6.1 liter hemi?
« Reply #12 on: October 09, 2008 - 09:52:47 AM »
Sounds like a 6.1 would be a great swap for what you're wanting. Light weight engine with plenty of horsepower and a good fit in your A body. Go for it! :2thumbs:
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