engine swap 318 360 et.

[litlshep]

I have a 46 dodge half ton.Someone has done a lousy restro. on it The biggest issue is a SBC running gear.I would like to have a DODGE V-8.All sugestions are most welcome!! THANKS! DON

[1941Rick]

Any SBDodge would be a good fit.......or a Hemi if you could find one.....if you find 2 let me know....

[litlshep]

Any SBDodge would be a good fit.......or a Hemi if you could find one.....if you find 2 let me know....

THANKS I can purchase either one for about the same price.Kinda wondering which would be the best to rebuild?

[dezeldoc]

Welcome. the 360 will give more power but the 318 will give a lot more MPG! Either will work fine it is just personal preference as to which one to use.

[fstfish66]

keep in mind the 360 uses a balanced fly wheel for a stick shift,, or a balanced convertor for an automatic,,also a weighted harmonic balancer all special to the 360 it self,,, the 5.9 magnum is also and externally balanced motor, but using different parts not common to the 360..

the 318 is internally balanced,,,so it uses the same stuff as a 273 318 340 ..

just make sure if you buy a 360 or a 5.9 (360) magnum that you get the balancer,,and the fly wheel or flex plate and convertor,,

[mrwrstory]

If your truck has the stock rearend, then it's probably geared low. If mileage is an issue then the smaller 318 might be you best bet. A Hemi of any Mopar origin would be the cat's *** although much more costly to rebuild and challenging to fit.

However if you're a hot rodder, you know there's no substitue for cubic inches. Around here the wrecking yards a full of vans and pickups with 360's. The down side is, like most engines of the era, they are weak as used stockers because of emissions tuning and equipment. If you're planning a rebuild anyway, go 360 and an overdrive trans. I did. See the thread "I'm back"

[Rusty O'Toole]

I'm not crazy about Chev swaps but if it is running good why mess with it?

[Frank Elder]

I'm not crazy about Chev swaps but if it is running good why mess with it?

You'd be right most of the time Rusty:)but most of us would change it because it's a SBC:Dlol!

[dezeldoc]

You'd be right most of the time Rusty:)but most of us would change it because it's a SBC:Dlol!

Frankie,

Your much nicer than i am, i was going to say "Because it is his and he can"!

[Rusty O'Toole]

No doubt, no doubt. But if the engine is running good there may be other things the truck needs first.

[randroid]

Gents,

Using a word that is rarely spoken anymore except in anger, perhaps there could be a "compromise" by driving the SBC while rebuilding and otherwise getting WPC gear ready to go.

Just a thought.

-Randy

[litlshep]

WOW Thanks for all of your responses! And ALL of you have been helpfull.I purchased the truck 2 years ago,been restored about 8 years before that.Had problems with the 283 soon as i started tinkering. So i installed a4 bolt main 350.It runs good.I have installed a new diamond plate bed,replaced front spring bushings,fixed all lights(added a few),tightened steering box,put 15-7 steel wheels with DODGE chrome hubcaps,all new glass,new window channel,and new interior kit should be here this week.Just kinda figured IF any one ever showed any interest ,I,d want it to be ALL MOPAR when i opened the hood.I also have a 48 D-24 all original that myself, wife and 5 year old granddaughter enjoy riding almost every weekend.Again Thank all of you for your time and ALL advice is appreciated! DON