Need help putting a chevy driveline in plymouth coupe

[47PLYMOUTH HOODLUM]

Hello y'all! I am in need of LOTS of help, with my Plymouth!!

First I must say...I am NOT a mechanic. I make them look pretty! So, what may seem easy to most, is rather difficult for me. Secondly, this is my first "real" old classic! I've owned numerous cars in the 70's era and couple in the 60's. So this particular car, is VERY NEW to me! With all that said, let me start with my questions.

MOTOR/TRANS: I am looking to remove the flat6 engine and throw in a sbc motor with auto transmission. I'm assuming the obvious -got to get motor mounts. Im also assuming (not entirely sure), I probably have to get a new wiring harness to run the Chevy powerplant. Other than motor mounts, is there any other modifications, that must be performed? Do I need a harness? Is there a Certain style headers should I run? Any major clearance issues?

BRAKES: I know rusty hope, is the go to guy, for the brake kits. When you're in the auto store, what are you asking for -a certain Plymouth or Dodge car? If so, what? Any sources on brake lines? I'm assuming no...and I'll probably have to bend them myself! Never know tho......

TIRES: Anyone tub their Plymouth or Dodge or just stuff the fattest tire, that is allowed? If so, can you post pics of the tires and inside trunk area? Any mods -leaf spring relocation pics would be cool.

I'm looking for any and all kinds of help, from owners, who've already dealt with this stuff! I'm not a purist..not looking to bring this car back to original. Just want a cool rod to drive! Thank you in advance!!!

[Don Coatney]

I suggest you buy a subscription to hot rod magazine. They will list all vendors of stuff you will need to buy and they will give a lot of less than detailed instructions on how to do it and make it look purdy. Buy there stuff, keep track of all costs, follow there less than detailed instructions, make it look purdy, and report the results. I will be interested in all the details of your results.

[47PLYMOUTH HOODLUM]

I suggest you buy a subscription to hot rod magazine. They will list all vendors of stuff you will need to buy and they will give a lot of less than detailed instructions on how to do it and make it look purdy. Buy there stuff, keep track of all costs, follow there less than detailed instructions, make it look purdy, and report the results. I will be interested in all the details of your results.

Don't appreciate your wise *** comment! If you (or anyone for that matter) doesn't have anything positive to add, or help, I don't even wanna hear from you! I'll figure it out on my own....that'll take longer of course! Will post my results! Bet on that!!

[T120]

Don't appreciate your wise *** comment! If you (or anyone for that matter) doesn't have anything positive to add, or help, I don't even wanna hear from you! I'll figure it out on my own....that'll take longer of course! Will post my results! Bet on that!!

Hmmm..Is this what they refer to as "trolling"?

[Frank Elder]

SBC......small block chrysler......why would you expect anything less, this is a mopar site. The guys on here with chevy engines are not real mopar men to begin with......

[Andydodge]

47Plym Hoodlum, gidday from downunder, now before we get on the wrong foot, lol, heres a pic of both my cars......I'm a hotrodder, but you'll have to be a little gentle as most of these guys are into basically stock Plymouths and, to be honest its their forum so try not to stick the Chev thing too promenantly up front.......lol......even I have to be gentle with them.....lol........anyway what Don has said is fairly good advice actually, its worth going thru a few issues of Hot Rod, Rod & Custom & Street Rodder to check out what advertisers have that could be suitable.

I've had the brown 1940 Dodge since 1971 and I can tell you that back then it wasn't easy if it wasn't a Ford, but I'm no mechanic either but I taught myself to weld, paint, install rebuild & install engines etc etc.......the bottom line is to take your time, read as much as you can about what you want to do and checkout as many hotrods as possible even if they are only Fords........lol........modifying a car is basically the same whether its Ford Chev or Mopar, installing engines etc is also similar whether it be Mopar, Ford or Chev..............I have a 318 Poly, 4 wheel disc brakes, rack & pinion steering, etc, etc in the Dodge so again take your time & go for it.

BTW a real good tip is to go thru BOTH the Car & Truck Forums on here, all the tech posts, the for sale & wanted and the tech tips and anything else, that way you'll start to see whats what about your car, what might fit, what works, what doesn't work etc, also who it might be worth contacting directly regarding rodding the car........anyway Welcome again to the BEST mopar forum there is..........regards, Andy Douglas

[Andydodge]

Also, just a few quick answers to your questions.......get some catalogs from a few Wiring companies, the best thing would be to get an catalog from places like Chassis Engineering, Posies, Summit, Speedway Motors, Fatman Fabrications, etc.......I would NOT use any original wiring, convert it to 12 volts, get the Rusty Hope disc brake kit, it'll have all the instruction, etc, run NEW brake lines to the new brakes, get a rear end off a late model car, ideally with the same wheel bolt pattern tho' with multi hole wheels now that isn't a huge problem, try not do do more than you need to do to start with, ie, DO NOT CHASSIS SWAP........this would to me be the worst thing possible as its not needed and unless you are very experineced will more than likely result in a wasted effort. Also can you WELD?............if not, get a welder and start practicing.........lol.....anyway although I am in Oz I would be prepared to call and have a talk thru some things if you wanted.......send a pm with your phone number & best time, your time to call, your east coast right?.........regards, Andy Douglas

[chopt50wgn]

Don was not being a smartass, he was telling you what most guys do.................read up on all the new parts out there. And they are in all the new magazines.

If you are going to tackle this job you will have to do welding and fabricating.

[sorensen_dk]

Don't appreciate your wise *** comment! If you (or anyone for that matter) doesn't have anything positive to add, or help, I don't even wanna hear from you! I'll figure it out on my own....that'll take longer of course! Will post my results! Bet on that!!

That was a VERY rude response to a very polite suggestion. Reading your original post leaves me with the impression you have no idea what you are doing. I'm sure your dump-rod will soon turn up on ebay among all the others.

[greg g]

Take a look through the thread about putting a 413 in the Plymouth, some of the same issues he faced will be on your path. If you have been under your car, you will notice that the rear of the engine is mounted at the bellhousing, GM prefered to support thier engines and transmissions at the far ends. So the crossmember that is in there holdig up the reat of you stock engine will no be compatable with your swap. So you will need to buy, or fabricate some other sort of support in addition figuring out the front mounts.

All kinds of people have spent lots of money and time building a plymouth hot rod with alternate power. There are several threads you can find discussing their successes ad failures. Take a look at WMSTORY threads regarding his coup build.

Have fun whatever you do.

[Plymouthy Adams]

the hamb is a very informative group with plenty of chevy and associated mounting parts parts and such available to you, pretty sure there will be plenty of members there who have done this exact swap..your attitute and language will fit in there well also..do what you like with your car...solict for thoughts/ideas/suggestions here and accept them as given as they were asked for by you..you opened that door by asking..if you a particular suggestion not in line with your thinking..kindly move on to the next suggestion..this is an open forum and individual answers to your questions are part of the package..wish not to be criticized, then do not solict the forum for input..if you need SBC specific answers then a site dedicated to the SBC may be the best place for you..on your 27th day of membership and 34 posts..and profanity spewing forth onto a public forum..it is my hopes that the members exercise their right to place you on their ignore list...

[MacGyver]

If you can get your hands on a copy of this book it can be a good resource for you as well. I don't know what's up with the prices at amazon (perhaps the book is out of print?); You can probably get it from a local library though. Keep us posted on your progress!

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge-Rods/dp/1878772171/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346077137&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+build+dodge+chrysler+and+plymouth+hot+rods+by+tex+smith#reader_1878772171

[Daliant.]

Putting a V8 (regardless of engine manufacturer) into one of these cars will not be a bolt in deal. You can buy universal motor mount kits and transmission cross members from places like summit or speedway but nothings going to just bolt in, there's alot of measuring, cutting, welding, cutting again, moving something because of stuff in the way, etc.. that's involved with an engine swap. The Chevy v8 will be the easiest to swap though because of all the aftermarket support but the purists will shun you for it.

Have you thought of hopping up the original engine? This will be the easiest route to take by far.

As far as the brakes go the Rusty Hope set up is pretty good, the only hard part is drilling and tapping a few holes, other than that just buy the parts on the list he will supply you with, bolt them on and go.

Tires: its hard to fit these cars with wide tires, you cant just tub them (tubs are for bathrooms anyway) the frame rails are in the way. If you want the 80's pro street look then you will have to "back half" the car. Option B would be to cut the wheel openings and go with the 70's street freak look where the tires are sticking out past the fenders. A 235 75 15 is about the biggest tire that will fit comfortably without rubbing anything..

Edited August 28, 2012 by Daliant.

[Plymouthy Adams]

amen on the street tires..only go so big without a chassis or fender mod..stock suspension will make getting a nice wide rim with proper backspacing a chore..but doable and maybe through Summit and vintage wheels etc..upgrading chassis to go with the upgraded power plant is always a good suggestion but not a definite need to as you the old suspension is adequate for the job..but will require a complete going through..cost..moneywise way more than a donor clip..time wise..do the original chassis..trade offs everywhere you go..I have both avenues of chassis approach here on site..and range from mopar V6, small block and big Mopar blocks..none are a bolt in..chassis clip is not set in stone as you will move the engine some 7-8 inches reward on the original donor clip to maintain engine to firewall position and also to enusre correct weheel placement in the fender by maintaining the correct wheelbase when clipping..for the record..mopar donor front chassis is spot on for original ride height of the original chassis...do keep in mind though that todays cars are a bit wide track..so again wheels will be an issue as now you must go to a positive offset wheel to properly place the tire in the opening..most of these correct offset wheels are in the 6.5 width rim...some of the 8's are correct backfset but with positive outer offset as well...a true builder does not need to buy kits and such from the cookie cutter store...but I guess for lack of imigination and such this may be the path of least resistance..don't get me wrong, fabricated parts is not a bad thing..quite the contrary..but when you are out to do a job that sets you apart from the average guy..then you are often on your own 100%..it's the dare to be different that gives the builder the challenge and determination to go forth..and then there is the money..solid dependable reliable car or all show and trialer queen..you must decide you objective early..stick to it..

[mrwrstory]

Obviously the Chev in a Ply is a sensitive issue. You hit a nerve on that one!

I assume you are of a hot rod persuasion. Probably, cost and "bang for the buck" is an issue. Don't know if it's been mentioned but my take is a Chevy engine and trans is probably the most cost effective V8 power whether new, rebuilt or used. But! you'll suffer the snide remarks from many who are purists or who have not been there. A small block Mopar and trans will be no more difficult to install than a SBC. And, it's a great combo. It's just a bit more of a challenge to get information and the small parts to do the job. Just, understand your limitations, ask lotsa questions and do your own thing.

Much of the input already offered here is good stuff from experienced folks. So take that as the theme from this group. Stick with your goal as long as you are honest with yourself and your capabilities.

This comes from someone who has a Mopar ina Mopar, a Ford ina Ford, and a Chevy in a Ford. I can claim to know what I'm talkin about I get lotsa "atta boys" on the Plymouth,.....but mostly from folks that don't know what they're talkin about.

Keep askin questions and please keep us up to date. There are many others here who have not yet commented but who will enjoy watching how your project progresses.

Edited August 27, 2012 by mrwrstory

[Don Coatney]

Don't appreciate your wise *** comment! If you (or anyone for that matter) doesn't have anything positive to add, or help, I don't even wanna hear from you! I'll figure it out on my own....that'll take longer of course! Will post my results! Bet on that!!

I stand firm on my original posting as I fail to see anything wrong with my suggestions. You asked for sources of information and I offered you positive direction per your request. I made no comments on brand choice of engine replacements as that is your decision. However with your curt rebuttal you can bet that I will not offer you any more assistance.

[dezeldoc]

Your best bet would be to hire someone who has done this before and stick to their side and watch and learn as much as possible. Ask any questions you have no matter how stupid you may think they are, Their are a lot of welders and tools that i am sure that you do not have and will need, that will cost thousands on top of what the parts will cost, and on the your first build i feel it better spent on paying someone to show you the ropes. I am not a chevy fan so i would not use that power plant, rather a small block mopar will work better for the swap also as their are parts that will work better than the chevy. Also do a search on here and you will find a ton on this subject, and as Tim suggested try the Hamb also.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

[OldDad67]

Hello y'all! I am in need of LOTS of help, with my Plymouth!!

First I must say...I am NOT a mechanic. I make them look pretty! So, what may seem easy to most, is rather difficult for me. Secondly, this is my first "real" old classic! I've owned numerous cars in the 70's era and couple in the 60's. So this particular car, is VERY NEW to me! With all that said, let me start with my questions.

MOTOR/TRANS: I am looking to remove the flat6 engine and throw in a sbc motor with auto transmission. I'm assuming the obvious -got to get motor mounts. Im also assuming (not entirely sure), I probably have to get a new wiring harness to run the Chevy powerplant. Other than motor mounts, is there any other modifications, that must be performed? Do I need a harness? Is there a Certain style headers should I run? Any major clearance issues?

BRAKES: I know rusty hope, is the go to guy, for the brake kits. When you're in the auto store, what are you asking for -a certain Plymouth or Dodge car? If so, what? Any sources on brake lines? I'm assuming no...and I'll probably have to bend them myself! Never know tho......

TIRES: Anyone tub their Plymouth or Dodge or just stuff the fattest tire, that is allowed? If so, can you post pics of the tires and inside trunk area? Any mods -leaf spring relocation pics would be cool.

I'm looking for any and all kinds of help, from owners, who've already dealt with this stuff! I'm not a purist..not looking to bring this car back to original. Just want a cool rod to drive! Thank you in advance!!!

I'm going to stay out of the politics and stick with the car stuff. I'm in the process of putting a 327 in my P-15. I used a 56 Chevy rear axle assy which was almost a direct bolt in. I'm going to put in a Muncie 4 speed and I used the Tri-5 Chevy style Z-bar which had to be cut and rewelded for a pull type clutch rather than a push type. The drivers side exhaust manifolt is off an El Camino, you can see it in the picture, I did dimple the stock steering shaft for clearence. I did invest in Old Daddy's brakes for better stopping and I will be using an Aluminum radiator with electric fan. My Plymouth friends give me a bad time about the SBC but my Chevy friends give me a bad time about the Plymouth, especialy after being a factory Chevy Rep for 30 years I really get it, but thats half the fun. So I'm putting in a "Packard" motor just to add fuel to the fire. When your old and retired you enjoy this stuff. If I can help your project along let me know this is a great site and the guy's here are first class and will help you along, they certainly have helped me.

[mrwrstory]

Obviously the Chev in a Ply is a sensitive issue. You hit a nerve on that one!

Brian Brennen of Street Rodder did an astute editorial awhile back about V8's in Four Banger cars. Seems there was a faction early on that felt a flat head V8, new in 32, was a poke in the eye to the traditional Hot Rodder. They felt that early 4's were the only proper platform for a real Hot Rod.

Just do your thing, know your limitations and have fun!!!!!!!

[47PLYMOUTH HOODLUM]

I just wanted to chime in right quick. I'd read every comment and private messages. Will respond to ALL, when I'm home and have time. Wuciwug thank you to all who get it and provided info. Your info means so much!! Be back later...

[old-idaho-iron]

I have no expertise to add to this topic.Other then the fact that I have a 350 Pontiac, which is just an update from what I had in it, which was a 400 Pontiac big block in my 40 Plymouth coupe and I love it. I just utilized what I had at the time and went from there.The car even has a gm subframe Sure i may get a few upturned noses from the hardcore mopar guys. But that's OK, I didn't build it for anyone else but me. My thoughts are do whatever it is you want to do.There is lots of help here on the forum regardless of what engine you put in your Plymouth.Take advantage of it and make it your own.

[40P10touring sedan]

47, the H.A.M.B. would actually be better suited to the swap info...here we normally run mopar engines of all kinds....and a few of us run something different as well....to each his own on that...I don't judge.

-As for your wide tires...you'll have to back half it and tub depending on just how wide and crazy you want to get...this strays to pro street territory.

-New wiring...yeah, do it! You'll need to modern wiring, fuses/block and capability that the oem wiring simply won't have for you. Painless, EZwiring, Rebel...there's plenty of places to choose from to get that.

-An 8 3/4" rear out of a C body car can be shortened up and you could add discs to that as well...there's plenty of axles that could work. Rustyhope and a few other places sell front disc conversions, or you may decide to go with a fatman or close mustang II front clip for a dropped or simply better handling.

-Your not wanting to be a purist, or close, will rattle afew folk's cages, your going to have to take that one in stride in this forum as there's alot of purists here...some of us are alittle more relaxed about it. I, myself, can see the cost benefits of an sbc set up...but my friends would razz the hel...eck out of me..I've had a few offers of free bowtie motors for my car from them...and I know why! I choose to stick mopar for mine, but it's my car and my choice for my reasons...I get to do that...and those chebby dorks will actually respect me for that.{hehehe}

Honestly, the H.A.M.B. will be your best bet for the drivetrain issues and questions...when there look for "farmer12"...one cool, bagged, chopped, smoothed 41 plymouth with a hemi in it...that guy knows no limits and he's a great guy too....from what I hear anyway.

Edited August 28, 2012 by 40P10touring sedan

[40P10touring sedan]

I'm going to stay out of the politics and stick with the car stuff. I'm in the process of putting a 327 in my P-15. I used a 56 Chevy rear axle assy which was almost a direct bolt in. I'm going to put in a Muncie 4 speed and I used the Tri-5 Chevy style Z-bar which had to be cut and rewelded for a pull type clutch rather than a push type. The drivers side exhaust manifolt is off an El Camino, you can see it in the picture, I did dimple the stock steering shaft for clearence. I did invest in Old Daddy's brakes for better stopping and I will be using an Aluminum radiator with electric fan. My Plymouth friends give me a bad time about the SBC but my Chevy friends give me a bad time about the Plymouth, especialy after being a factory Chevy Rep for 30 years I really get it, but thats half the fun. So I'm putting in a "Packard" motor just to add fuel to the fire. When your old and retired you enjoy this stuff. If I can help your project along let me know this is a great site and the guy's here are first class and will help you along, they certainly have helped me.

Yeah, it's the same everywhere I'd bet....ford guys vs chevy guys vs mopar guys...and now you've got the young kids and their rice cars. Every once in a while a really cute girl walks by and we get lost for a moment...then back at it!

Love those valve covers..."desoto" might be better{ducking...hehehe}.

[47PLYMOUTH HOODLUM]

SBC......small block chrysler......why would you expect anything less, this is a mopar site. The guys on here with chevy engines are not real mopar men to begin with......

I don't care about originality! Don't care, who I offend by stuffing a sbc, in MY CAR! I love ALL kinds of cars! I don't discriminate!!! Way too many cool cars, to be stuck on one type! Besides....costs wayyy less, to build more hp, than mopar! Everyone has their preference. To call out people, who don't stay pure to mopar, as not "real" mopar men, is wrong!

[47PLYMOUTH HOODLUM]

47Plym Hoodlum, gidday from downunder, now before we get on the wrong foot, lol, heres a pic of both my cars......I'm a hotrodder, but you'll have to be a little gentle as most of these guys are into basically stock Plymouths and, to be honest its their forum so try not to stick the Chev thing too promenantly up front.......lol......even I have to be gentle with them.....lol........anyway what Don has said is fairly good advice actually, its worth going thru a few issues of Hot Rod, Rod & Custom & Street Rodder to check out what advertisers have that could be suitable.

I've had the brown 1940 Dodge since 1971 and I can tell you that back then it wasn't easy if it wasn't a Ford, but I'm no mechanic either but I taught myself to weld, paint, install rebuild & install engines etc etc.......the bottom line is to take your time, read as much as you can about what you want to do and checkout as many hotrods as possible even if they are only Fords........lol........modifying a car is basically the same whether its Ford Chev or Mopar, installing engines etc is also similar whether it be Mopar, Ford or Chev..............I have a 318 Poly, 4 wheel disc brakes, rack & pinion steering, etc, etc in the Dodge so again take your time & go for it.

BTW a real good tip is to go thru BOTH the Car & Truck Forums on here, all the tech posts, the for sale & wanted and the tech tips and anything else, that way you'll start to see whats what about your car, what might fit, what works, what doesn't work etc, also who it might be worth contacting directly regarding rodding the car........anyway Welcome again to the BEST mopar forum there is..........regards, Andy Douglas

Hello Andy!

First and foremost, I just wanted to say, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and info! I get it, that this is a all mopar site! You said it tho -stock mopar guys!! I have absolutely no interest, in bringing back my Plymouth, back to stock...especially don't want that "stock" hp! I like to drive my cars hard!! I knew I would offend mopar guys. I love mopar too! However, I also love Chevy and Ford!! I Don't discriminate!

All this is new to me! As I stated, I am no mechanic...and I am new to this year Plymouth. What I do is make the cars look pretty! I'm a body man by trade. Yes...I know how to weld, fabricate, paint etc. Dont need no help, in that department.

Thank you for all those sources. I will check them out!! I did have a ruff time finding sources for these cars. The sources you provided, should really help!

Btw.....you got really nice cars there! I'd like to see a little more -more exterior and definitely interior!