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Veteran
Posts: 112
Location: Lake Havasu , Arizona | I'm considering replacing my 56 Dodge 315 poly with a early 70's 318 or 360 . I want to keep my original 56 drive shaft and Powerflite trans. Which would be the easiest swap? Is there an adaptor to mate these engines to my Powerflite? thanks |
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Expert
Posts: 1506
 
Location: Colo Spgs | Bill
1. I am always leaning towards keeping the original engine ( it is cheaper to repair than to replace ).
1a. Unless the original engine had "a wake", is M.I.A./ A.W.O.L., or has a hole in the block ( in need of "A Wake" ).
2. The next choice for myself would be any of the A-318 Family of Engines ( up until the last of the 1961 Production Year - they will bolt directly to your Bell Housing/ Transmission )
3. The 2 bbl Carb'd 1967 to 1974 LA-318 from any source will appear the best and need The Car Division Exhaust Manifold on The Left Side ( Starter Motor Side ).
3a. The after 1969 Water Pump has a looonger "nose" and will place a hole in The Radiator. Any 1962 -1967 LA-273/ LA-318 or LA-340 Water Pump is the
same part number.
4. The 1972 Harmonic Balancer has a "new bolt pattern" and all Pulley's are depth matched to clear The Looong Nosed Water Pump Unit.
Rodger & Gabby
Colo Spgs
Edited by Rodger 2014-01-22 5:01 PM
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Expert
Posts: 3037
 
Location: N.W. Fla. | kari613 - 2014-01-22 11:30 AM
I'm considering replacing my 56 Dodge 315 poly with a early 70's 318 or 360 . I want to keep my original 56 drive shaft and Powerflite trans. Which would be the easiest swap? Is there an adaptor to mate these engines to my Powerflite? thanks There are adaptors for your 315 to the newer 727s, but not the other way around. most want the better drivability/MPG of the 3 spd vs 2 spd tranny. I'd rebuild the Poly (or convert it to hemi) with the new 727 & modern rear axle, or the LA & modern power train., or just keep it OEM(last choice if it was mine). |
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Expert
Posts: 3575
Location: Netherlands | The '70+ 318s are pretty gutless with their ridiculously low compression ratios. I would at least go for a 360 for some added torque in the lower rpms.
I have a stock 318 in my daily '73 Dodge Dart and I would not want to know how much more lame this engine will be in a heavier car.
Personally, I'm not really a restoration minded guy, but if the rest of the car is still nicely stock I would def. think about rebuilding the 315 engine.
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Expert
Posts: 3037
Location: N.W. Fla. | BigBlockMopar - 2014-01-22 3:34 PM
The '70+ 318s are pretty gutless with their ridiculously low compression ratios. I would at least go for a 360 for some added torque in the lower rpms.
I have a stock 318 in my daily '73 Dodge Dart and I would not want to know how much more lame this engine will be in a heavier car.
Personally, I'm not really a restoration minded guy, but if the rest of the car is still nicely stock I would def. think about rebuilding the 315 engine.
In that regards the LA 318 is lighter than the 315, and can be built cheaper, throw in a little C/R bump, a little hotter cam & a Performer & Holley 600... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 891
Location: Peoples Republic of Oregon | If you are on a tight budget then rebuilding the original engine can be a challenge. Have a chat with your favorite machinist and parts supplier.
A second option...distant second...is swapping for a late model LA engine/trans/rear. There will be plenty of collateral damage that will not be inexpensive.
If you go this way the jump to the Magnum series, plenty available on craigslist... |
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Engine Swap?360 0r 318?
