Change direction, engine swap

[Jims50chrysler]

Hi everybody:

There have been alot of changes in my life over the last year but I have latley been back to working on my 50 (car should have been done 2 times over by now).

I have changed direction on the driveline and decided to run a later model 318 with the 904 transmission, I bought a low mile 5th ave doner car and removed everything that I will need. The flathead and fluid drive is out and sold and the 318 with the 904 is sitting in the hole just about where I want it. I know that there are a few of you guys on here that have done this swap and I was wondering what you used for exhaust manifolds? the ideal driver side manifold for me if the engine is where it should be is a center dump manifold found on the trucks but for the passenger side a rear dump manifold would be ideal, is there such a thing? the 5th ave manifold hits the frame on the passenger side.

It could be that my engine is not back far enough and I might have to rework the firewall but I was hoping for some imput from the someone who has been here before I start cutting.

I know there are threads on this subject somewhere on here but a search did not reveal anything.

Thanks

Jim

[hkestes41]

Jim,

Check out this site that was posted on the HAMB. It is a step by step of the install of a 318 into a 50 Dodge.

http://shadowmtkustomz.blogspot.com/

[builtfercomfort]

The hard part seems to be finding the 273 / Valient driver side exhaust manifold. This goes up first, then down near the firewall, to clear the steering column. Otherwise you will need to make some custom headers.

As for the rest, it's fairly straightforward - offset the engine 1-2 inches to the passenger side, go with a more modern rear end, and it should be good to go.

Here's a pic of the exhaust manifolds from 273 Dart/Valiant cars:

[Frank Elder]

Did you move the engine over 1 to 1.5 inches.....even chrysler did that from the factory, no exhaust will fit if you centered the engine.

Forward dump cast manifold on the drivers side clears best, they come from A-bodys.

Good luck.

[Plymouthy Adams]

these manifolds are still out there..for a person familar with the rodding application they pull a high price..for anyone just selling off old parts they can be had for a good price yet..I just bought a pristine set, yes both of them, for 10.00 at a swap meet...shaking the bushes will pay off..I will admit to being in the right place at the right time..I have two P15's each in line for a 318 setup...I now have two sets...should I get lucky on another set I will probalby pass them along here..

I have another small block setup using center dumps..these are doable but I do recommend the small footprint starter..

[dezeldoc]

I still have a few left, but i want big $$$

[claybill]

i have acquired...........pair of ex manifolds stock.....and valve covers, also STOCK from a 318 barracuda....will sell

bill

[Plymouthy Adams]

see..what did I tell ya....lol

the set prior to the ones I just got cost me 30.00 and I was happy with that price also..they were already cleaned with fresh coating..these were also a swap meet find..

[builtfercomfort]

I don't need a set right away, but I'd surely stockpile them at any of those prices - I'd like to put a 360 motor (or a 360 stroker ) in a 30s Mopar one day. If anyone wants to sell a set cheap let me know... but I somehow I doubt it, and they should go to people with current projects anyway.

Tim, what sort of manifold did you run on your 383-equipped car? Or did the rack and pinion steering make the steering less of a problem?

[Plymouthy Adams]

I am running big block truck center dump...R&P set up...cannot comment on stock arrangement..you will need to keep an open eye for truck oil pan..in the case of the BB its a 6 quart setup..

Edited July 31, 2010 by Tim Adams

[dezeldoc]

On my 48 P-15 with the 440/727 i am running "B" body headers, but i also have a volare front clip on it.

[fstfish66]

some E body cars,,challengers,,,cudas,, and maybe others that the drivers sde 318 exhaust manifolds dump straight down at the back of the motor not in the middle,,