Putting a 318 V8 in a 1947 desoto

[Jonnyz72]

I've decided to put a 318 V8 & automatic transmission in my '47' Desoto. Just wondering if anyone else has done this? Or if they have any pictures or advice. I've posted a few pics of my cars & the progress I've made. I am using the original Desoto frame with home made mounts, I also plan to use the original suspension, rear end, and as much of the original car as possible. I'm only interested in a stock 318 upgrade + auto trans & 12v electrical. Its not going to be a street rod, just something i can drive fairly reliably.

Edited March 27, 2011 by Jonnyz72

[52b3b Joe]

I've seen it done once, there was one at the national desoto convention, i dont remember a lot, I was probably around 10 years old! I couldn't help you with any tips, but I've seen it done. It was all stock besides the engine and trans.

[4852dodge]

Years ago I put a 340 with 747 and matching rear in a 54 DeSoto. I used universal motor mounts from a forgotten adaptor company. For the exhaust I used a right side manifold on both sides for steering box clearance and mounted the motor slightly to the right in the frame for steering arm clearance. The drive line came from a 70 Cuda and the rear axle width worked great, just move the axle perches to fit the existing springs. New perches were gotten fron Mopar performance. Use the longer e-brake cable on the pass side, and you can hook up to a lengthened oem e-brake.

[greg g]

some also suggest offsetting the engine about 1 1/2 in toward the pass side to deal with steering box clearence. Oce its buttonned up with all the suff around it it's vitually invisible. Gotta make sure you get the correct oilpan and oil piclup to clear the cross steering cross tie.

[littlemo]

Anyone have Part #'s for those spring perches that were used ??? Cass, alias Littlemo ....

[4852dodge]

You can get them from Mopar Performance or Summit Racing.

[ButchsCoolStuff]

Anyone have Part #'s for those spring perches that were used ??? Cass, alias Littlemo ....

Come on guys, you can't seriously be using 2-1/2" wide rear spring perches on those original MOPAR 1-3/4" wide rear springs, are you??? Butch's Cool Stuff manufactures everything you need to mount any late model rear axle into most any old MOPAR car, including the 1-3/4" wide spring perches. Whole kits to individual parts, whatever you need, just check'em out at www.butchscoolstuff.com or call TECH LINE at 937-405-3399. Hope I have helped!!!! Butch (I'm back) Bunn, Dayton Ohio area

[Rusty O'Toole]

It also helps to use the later model mini starter if you have too little steering box clearance.

[Don Coatney]

Come on guys, you can't seriously be using 2-1/2" wide rear spring perches on those original MOPAR 1-3/4" wide rear springs, are you???

Why not? I did it 40,000 miles ago.

[montego8]

I am in the process of doing this change to my 50 dodge. What oil pan will I need?

[wayfarer]

Most of these swaps use a rear sump unit from a van or truck. You also need the dipstick and screen/tube assembly.

Check Fester's project:

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=28578

[billbrock]

I've decided to put a 318 V8 & automatic transmission in my '47' Desoto. Just wondering if anyone else has done this? Or if they have any pictures or advice. I've posted a few pics of my cars & the progress I've made. I am using the original Desoto frame with home made mounts, I also plan to use the original suspension, rear end, and as much of the original car as possible. I'm only interested in a stock 318 upgrade + auto trans & 12v electrical. Its not going to be a street rod, just something i can drive fairly reliable

[Jonnyz72]

Thanks for all the advise. The motor is installed & it looks beautiful. I will post pictures when I get the chance. Working 50-60 hours a week & raising a toddler take up most of my time, but I manage to squeeze in an hour in here & there on the Desoto. I really appreciate all the advise! -Jon

[Jonnyz72]

Finally got the motor & transmission in the car!

[Young Ed]

Those are neat valve cover decals. Are they stock to some sort of mopar? Are those decals or stamped in letters on the air cleaner?

[Jonnyz72]

They are all decals I found on EBay. I customized a stock air cleaner to make it look more vintage. I want the car to look like it came from the factory with a 318 in it.

[1947mouth]

Are you using the original frame/ front end?

[Jonnyz72]

Yes, the frame & front end is original. The motor & trans are the only non stock components.

[Alex P22]

That is a nice looking transplant. Just wondering what you are doing with the front suspension to compensate for the extra weight of the 318 engine.

[thrashingcows]

Don't think there is much of a weight difference between a 318 V8 and the original flat head 6. Those flat heads are friggin boat anchors!!

[Jonnyz72]

Yes the flathead was VERY heavy & the fluid drive trans weighs at least twice as much as the torque flight I am using.

[Alex P22]

The reason I asked is that I have installed a 56 Desoto Hemi into a 52 Plymouth. I need stiffer front springs and was wondering if someone else has installed a heavy engine and what they might have used.

[Jonnyz72]

I put new coil springs in the front & had to cut one coil off because the flathed & fluid drive was so much heavier than the 318 & torqueflight. I bought the springs from Kanter auto.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Jonnyz72

[sakoe]

Hi, I'm new here just bumped in, will introduce myself later.

As i'm planning a similar job i have a few questions. 

What exhaust manifolds did you use?

And didn't you change your rear axle because of the handbrakes?

Did you change the oilpan?