74 cuda 340 to a 440 swap

[Chprater]

Hey guys i've came across a fully built 440 that was pulled out of a charger last year to be replaced with a numbers matching 383. I can get the motor and I know the motor is in perfect running order I'm just curious about what needs changed in order to put the big block in my small block car. I know motor mounts and better radiator. My car currently has a 4 speed manual trans. Would I need to change transmissions in order to use the big block? Or anything else. I'm new to all this and appreciate any info.

[Mopar Monster]

You need larger torsion bars, brakes, torque boxes, larger leaf springs, larger exhaust, carb, etc....  These are good to have: http://www.engine-swaps.com/Pages/ProductsType/TorqueStraps.html#head4  If your stock rubber engine mount breaks you will be very unhappy. 

There's other items you need, the pros here will dial you in!

[Grec]

The bellhousing is different. Also, when I rewired my 73 for a 440 Six Pack, I got a new 73 wiring harness and remember having to do a couple modifications to it to get it work with the 440, but nothing big.

I THINK that aside from the mounts and bellhousing, it's a pretty straight swap. As stated, thicker torsion bars are a good thing to upgrade to as the ones you (and I) have are meant for a motor that weighed 100s of pounds less. But not required to do the swap.

[TelisSE440]

The bellhousing is different. Also, when I rewired my 73 for a 440 Six Pack, I got a new 73 wiring harness and remember having to do a couple modifications to it to get it work with the 440, but nothing big.

I THINK that aside from the mounts and bellhousing, it's a pretty straight swap. As stated, thicker torsion bars are a good thing to upgrade to as the ones you (and I) have are meant for a motor that weighed 100s of pounds less. But not required to do the swap.

Pretty straight swap. As the guys said, You'll need a lot of parts for the swap but it's worth itt

[Chprater]

Thanks for the replys. My 340 six pack is a strong running motor but bigger is better in my opinion. I'm just trying to see if my pocket can handle the swap.

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[cudabob496]

A 440 into my 72 340 Cuda was pretty direct, without any suspension mods mentioned above, I think.

[Edison1970]

Not as hard as it looks. Motor mounts, brackets that go to the block not the rubber, big block bellhousing, front bearing retainer on trans, extend distributor wiring, headers and radiator will probably work if it is an ac car.

[dfrazz]

I like these mag motor mounts from Mancini - have had them on my 340 6-barrel, 408 stroker, and 440. 

http://www.manciniracing.com/benmaset.html

[70chall440]

Swapped in a lot of BB's into SB cars back in the day; motor mounts, bell housing, exhaust and perhaps some minor wiring (lengthen generally). Back then we never did torsion bars although we should have; if you want any handling out of it. We just wanted to go fast.

[dave73chally]

I like these mag motor mounts from Mancini - have had them on my 340 6-barrel, 408 stroker, and 440. 

http://www.manciniracing.com/benmaset.html

Are they they the same for small block and big block?

[anlauto]

Are they they the same for small block and big block?

Small block and big block use the same rubber insulator, but the metal engine brackets are different.

[dave73chally]

Small block and big block use the same rubber insulator, but the metal engine brackets are different.

Gotcha, was thrown off by the price. That's a hefty price compared to the stock rubber insulator. Worth the price?

[dfrazz]

Gotcha, was thrown off by the price. That's a hefty price compared to the stock rubber insulator. Worth the price?

As Alan said, yes same just talk to Mancini when ordering.  Yes they are worth the price, configured with bolt all the way through and unlike Schumacher poly-locs they do not cause extra vibration through the frame. IMHO the torque straps are unnecessary and over kill unless you have some serious TQ, like a race motor.

[Chprater]

The 440 I'm looking at comes with the poly-locs and the guy told me about the vibrations it caused in his car and he suggested to get something else.

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[70chall440]

Not to sound alarmist, but if the guy you are getting the engine from is removing because of some possible problem (perceived or otherwise), you might want to investigate that before stabbing it into your engine bay and experiencing first hand what problem he had. Yes it could be the poly locks but it could be a balance issue or something else too. I didn't read anything about you tearing the engine apart before installing it to ensure it is sound. Yes it is a 440 but a bad 440 is worse than a good 340... just saying.