drivetrain swap question

[Jocigar]

Hi all,

here is the story,

I have 71 318 barracuda with no drivetrain auto on column,  for sale near by; 73 duster a/c 340 120k mile, auto, column shift.

Will I be able to use the engine and trans?  For 3k is it worth while or should I just look and engine and trans.  would the rear end also swap out?  I bought it with gears removed.

Thanks!

[Chryco Psycho]

By 73 the Duster will have an 8 1/4" diff with removable rear cover plate , the Cuda should have the 8 3/4 with the front drop out carrier so no . the diff is also too narrow to fit the E body .
 3 K for a high mile low compression 340 is not a great deal unless you can sell off most of the rest of the car after you remove the 340 & trans , the engine is virually identical to the 318 removed from your Cuda except the front pulleys are different with the cast crank & the left engine most is different on the 340/360 from the 318 .
 I guess it depends what the goal is do you want to run the engine as is or do you want to rebuild the 340 , if so you could stroke it to 412 ci & replace the cast crank & low comp pistons . you could also get a 360 for close to free & do the same thing stroking it to 408 CI & have a brand new engine for about the cost of the Duster .
 .

[Jocigar]

Great reply!  THanks!!

Not sure what I'm doing.      Window shopping for an easy fit I guess.  Not looking for power, just a clean running driver.

Guess I should look for a rebuilt long block 318 and a rebuilt 904... Not sure where to start looking however...

thanks agains 

[Chryco Psycho]

just grab a decent 360 from a truck from the wreckers , , I would go after an 87-92 pre-magnum & bolt it in

[Jocigar]

THanks!!   may I ask; would you recommend the same year span for a 318?  (87-92)

[GoodysGotaCuda]

THanks!!   may I ask; would you recommend the same year span for a 318?  (87-92)

I believe the same Magnum year spec applies for the 318s as well. The roller camshaft and cylinder head upgrades are worth it over the LA engines. However the factory magnum heads are prone to cracking. The difference between swapping a 318 or a 360 if you already have the engine out are negligible. Some motor mounts, different torque converter/flex plate, and you are on your way.

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes , the pre magnum engines 87-92 had the roller cams & swirl heads but retained the stronger shaft type rocker system

[Jocigar]

just to ask; What would you think of a 1971 fury with 360 engine?  not sure if it has 904 trans that I need but the year matches up.     

[Chryco Psycho]

First year for the 360 engine ,  it would bolt in but no real advantage to a 71 I think , not sure if the compression was higher in 71 , it may have been ?