Has anyone actually put a 318 in their PH?

[Dan Babb]

I did a search and can't find any posts with details on anyone who actually dropped a larger V8 into their PH.

I saw some speculation on work that might need to be done (like cutting the firewall..which I don't want to do)...but couldn't find any actual posts from someone who has done it.

[Bob_Koch]

I put a 360 in mine. Same block size as a 318. I'm still working on the truck so it's not running yet but the engine is in

[Dan Babb]

Cool...can you PM me your phone number? I'd like to ask some questions about what was involved.

If you can post any pictures, that would be cool too.

[buds truck]

Doing mine now, but probably not of interest to you since I put in a dakota floor, firewall and the complete frame. still a fun project...

[48Dodger]

There are different ways to get a V8 in your truck. Here's how I did it and a thread about how others guys did thiers.

48D

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=14259

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=18274

[Dan Babb]

Is there a way to drop in the 318 without having to do the frame surgery?

I would be ok with having to weld in some new frame mounts and maybe modifying the trans mount...but didn't really want to get into a whole lot of modifications to the truck.

[Bob_Koch]

I'll share my opinion on that. If you're going to drop in a V8 of any kind, you're going to want to replace the brakes. Disc brakes are going to be required to stop that much power. So, now you're either into to a disc conversion, or a front end swap. The Front end swap can give you a more modern suspension and power steering if you want. The disc conversion may be simpler to install.

[Dan Babb]

I agree on the brakes. I saw a post here that someone sells a disc brake conversion kit. That's what I planned on doing.

My plans for a v8 swap are:

Motor

Trans

driveshaft

front discs

wiring

lights - change to 12v setup

gauges - since I have to change to 12v, I'll put new gauges in the truck.

Trailer hitch - I was thinking of getting one of those frame mounted hitches I see on cars that are hidden under the bumper instead of doing a full bumper hitch.

rear axle - can I keep the one I have or do I need to swap?

Is it easier to do a swap because the new one will have the ebrake setup?

[albolton]

Fatman sells a very cool IFS setup specifically for the dodge...I have put a SBC in a 55 with no major modifications, I am planning a 360 for my current 54, its longer than the chevy so im thinking electric waterpump to eliminate the firewall rework...but its all just theory becausre i havent started it yet

[Dan Babb]

That would be nice...but then I'd have to do the rear too.

That would kill my "cheap is beautiful" theme.

[Dave72dt]

Mine is in but has intentionally been set back. Firewall replaced with new, smoooth steel, IFS front suspension, disc brakes, rack & pinion so it probably won't help you out much either.

? for Bob- Explain the" disc brakes to stop that much power". My theory is you're stopping a given amount of weight and inertia. Shoudn't be applying power when stopping. The extra weight of the V8 shouldn't be more than the trucks would weigh when loaded. I'm putting them in because they can stop that weight quicker and easier. I'm trying to keep my nose out of someone else'e trunk.

[Young Ed]

I think what it means is you are now capable of going quite a bit faster then with the stock 6. You could be trying to stop from 75 instead of 55.

[Dan Babb]

I'm sure it's all about stopping distance.

For my application, I'm doing this so I can tow my 68 Camaro to the track...so I'll want better brakes since I'll have more weight.

[Bob_Koch]

Yep. We put in a V8 so we can go faster. Any other reason? Now try to stop that 60 year old truck that's going 70 mph!. You're gonna need some better brakes.

Edited March 2, 2010 by Bob_Koch

[48Dodger]

More whoa, for all that go......

I remember building my first muscle car. A 1968 4 door Coronet. 383 2 bbl. 10" drums in the front. I buildt that 383 up with all kinds of top-end stuff...4bbl intake, 4bbl carb, hp valve springs, etc.....the first time I experienced brake fade was after a quick start stop through an intersection. The second time was at the 1/4 mile track, it felt like my brakes just quit. All elements need to match....just works better, and safer.

48D

[Dave72dt]

I'm sure we'll go faster, easier with the higher hp under the hood but stopping from any given speed should be the same whether it has 100hp or 500hp. It's not the horsepower that needs stopping. It's the weight and inertia that needs to be stopped. The braking qualities of the original drum brakes are inadequate for any highway driving compared to almost everything elsle on the road. Disc brakes bring the truck upto par with other vehicles on the road making it a much safer vehicle to drive. It should be the first upgrade if any are done.

Not trying to be argumentative, just technically correct.

[48Dodger]

isn't "weight and inertia" power? I think that's what I'm talking about anyway. The snap at which HP puts the vehicle into motion is the power you need to effectively stop.

48D

[Dave72dt]

I guess what I'm saying is , it makes no difference how fast you can get to 50 or 60 or70, acheived by varying amounts of horsepower ( more hp, the faster the acceleration),the kinetic energy created that will need to be dissapated is the same at 50 every time, though different at 70 than 50, is the same at 70 every time, and much less at 30 than at 50, is the same at 30 every time. Kinetic energy is dependent only upon mass and velocity, not acceleration.

The drum brakes certainly are not capable of appying as much braking force at 70 as discs are. When much of the traffic we will be driving in can apply that force, they stop in a much shorter distance and our old drum brake setup becomes a safety hazard. Sure , you can get stopped from 70 with drum brakes, but chances are you'll be using the vehicle in front for additional stopping of making evasive manuevers that truck wasn't designed for either.the