318 to 440

[dixiedog]

Question? I am putting a 440 in my challenger.  It is a 1970 and was a 318 auto.  Do I have to change the k member or maybe a better question is what all do I have to do to make this work?  Thanks, Dano  (I'm new to this so I plead ignorance)

[R/T hedkace]

Nope.....your all good.
You do not have to change the K member.
Just get 440 motor mounts and your in.....and obviously a big block tranny too 

[dixiedog]

Thanks, I was concerned, I have so much $ in this car and all I can do is look at it for now.  I have a 727 out of a motor home.  Do I have to change the tail shaft on it.  It has some kind of a brake on it.  Thanks, this site is great.

[bb71challenger]

I would just get an old regular 727 and have it rebuilt. The RV trans will not work like that from what I have read. You will need a big block radiator also but that is no big deal. Its a great swap. I changed my 318 out for a 2 barrel 383 out of a 68 Polara. I just slammed a windage tray, magnum exhaust manifolds and a 4 barrel roadrunner intake. I wished I had changed the cam and springs but that thing was a torque monster! very fun car to drive.

[dixiedog]

Okay thanks, You gotta love this site.  I have the motor mounts for the 440 and a BB radiator.  I was getting ready to take the transmission and have it gone through.  Glad I hadn't already done that.  You guys have saved alot of headaches and $ for guys like me.  Thanks again, I'm sure I will have more questions in the future.

[bb71challenger]

You can probably just get the tailshaft changed out if you cant find a cheap long tail bb 727. I would hate to have you toss a good tranny that can be used. I have never dealt with the RV trannies so wait a bit until someone with experiences with them pipes up. Good luck and keep us updated.

[R/T hedkace]

 Your very welcome dixie 

 Welcome to the site by the way too 



 Thanks for mentioning the BB radiator Brett.
I forgot about that 

 Also dixie, you may want to start thinking about your ignition system, depending on what year the 440 is.
Orange box/electronic ignition upgrade etc.....

 Another thing...is your car equipped with power steering?
If not, are you planning on putting it in?
While the motor is out would be a great time to do it.
A little more room to work comfortable is a big plus   
 Are you planning on going with a deep sump oil pan/oil pickup on the 440?
 Again, something that is nice and easy while it is still on the stand.
 Just throwing a few things out there   

[dixiedog]

You guys amaze me.  The engine is a 77 from the block code.  It is on the stand.  It had AC which I don't need. I stripped it down to the block.  The guy I bought it from (a really nice honest guy) said he ran it before he pulled it, said it ran smooth.  After taking the valve covers off and the valley pan out, it is clean as a can be.  I am going to go with an aluminum intake and holley double pump with the mechanical secondaries.  I beleive it has been rebuilt from the blue glue on the valley pan and oil pan and the cleanliness of the motor.  I am using headers also.  Just a few bolt ons to help HP.  The ignition is electronic but I will probably replace it with a new one.  When I started the engine weighed alot, after I took all the AC parts, the carb, intake and exhaust manifolds off it helped with the weight.  The car does have power steering.  Why the oil pan Change and is there anything else I should do to it to boost the HP.  Simple and inexspensive?   Thanks, Dano

[FJ5_440]

The correct cam choice could really wake up that engine, and is fairly simple and inexpensive.  Chryco had a recommendation for lower compression engines like your 77, but I am not sure exactly what it was.  I think it was something like the Engle K56 or along those lines.  If you don't already have an aluminum intake, the Holley Street Dominator is a favorite among many of us.  Though it is a single plane intake, it works great even at lower RPM.  Matched with a 750 or bigger double pumper and you should have some serious fun on your hands.

[dixiedog]

a freind of mine is trying to hook me up with a 750 double pumper brand new in the box on a trade.  I guess he will get his trade now.  Thanks

[bb71challenger]

The Engle K-56 is definitely a quality camshaft. I have one in a low compression 400 out of a 72 station wagon and it definitely woke it up.

[Super Blue 72]

Welcome, dixiedog! 


A couple other doo-dads to think about (sorry if there were already mentioned): -

-depending on your driving style, you may want to upgrade the torsion bars to bigger ones.  The ones in there may suffice, but with a heavier engine the handling may suffer.

-will need to lengthen the wires to the ditributor as the distrubutor will be at the fron of the engine, no longer the rear.

-if there was a 904 tranny with the 318, then you may need a different driveshaft.


--oh yeah, wider rear tires!!!!   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Something not mentioned is the 440 and 318 radiators aren't the same. The inputs, and outputs are on different sides.

[R/T hedkace]

Something not mentioned is the 440 and 318 radiators aren't the same. The inputs, and outputs are on different sides.

Sorry Mikey.....read again   

[Changin Gears]

Sorry Mikey.....read again   

Actually, late model big block water pumps have the inlet on the same side (right) as small blocks.