318 to 440 swap, 65 Cuda

[Crazy440]

I have a chance to get my hands on a 65 Cuda, 318, auto.  I have a stroked 440 and Cope Racing prepaired 727 and would like to know how much of a hassle it would be to swap in the 440 and bigblock 727 into the Cuda.

Thanks

[71chally416]

A MAJOR one.   It has a very small engine compartment and all the suspention will have to be upgraded. I think they have 9" drum brakes 

[moparmaniac59]

Schumacher makes a kit for mounting a big block in an "A" body. There is a lot of good info on this subject on www.bigblockdart.com. It's a tight squeeze, especially on the driver's side with the steering gear interference. What works better is a low deck 400 block which you can stroke to say a 451. Good thing for you is that the '66 barracuda has less offset than the later year "A" bodies. Good luck!!


                                                Matt B.

[NoMope Greg]

A MAJOR one.   It has a very small engine compartment and all the suspention will have to be upgraded. I think they have 9" drum brakes 

   The 273's are a tight fit.  This photo is of a '65 Valiant, but the engine bay is the same.  You can see how tight a fit this is. 

[71chally416]

The issue is they are very lite cars with short wheelbases, so a heavy big block not only poses major installation issues (like custom made headers for one probably exiting the fenderwells) but handling and braking issues too. A great combo with a small block, a Nightmare with a BB. 

[Crazy440]

Thanks for all the info.  I think I'll pass.  Sounds like a big in the a**

[Chryco Psycho]

the engine became much larger in 67 & will easily take the big block as it was a factory option but in pre 67 it is a nightmare to fit & work on