51 Cambridge only V8 swap. Need help

[terryracing86]

Ok guys that have swapped in a 318 with 727 trans on a 51 Cambridge sedan. I’m trying to install mine and so far it looks like the firewall will need massive modifying and exhaust manifolds are sitting on steering tube and front of engine will be half way into the radiator. I see Butches makes a v8 cross member kit that says any small block will fit. But what about my issues listed above? I have the hemi motor mount kit already but doesn’t look like it will work either ?‍♂️  I need info and help please pics would be a definite plus lol. Thanks guys 

[Bryan]

If you continue your 27 Sept post it will still come to the top where people can see it and continue comments.

[terryracing86]

2 hours ago, Bryan said:

If you continue your 27 Sept post it will still come to the top where people can see it and continue comments.

That posts has no info except pull front clip off and fabricate to fit. But thanks for replying. I’m looking for someone who has actually done the swap and can give me specifics 

[Dodgeb4ya]

Few and far between putting a MoPar V8 in a Cambridge or Cranbrook here.

Anywhere for that matter.

[Plymouthy Adams]

yeah, I have only done a couple......basically you are on your own...each person builds to their own level using what they can retrofit and fabricate or modify...very little available for a bolt in play by play process....if you familiar with the LA engine...you should know you have a number of manifold options, I did not massage the firewall other than for AC pass through on one, none on the other and total donor firewall on the third...I recommend a donor firewall if you want this level of interaction...but of course I also got rid of the silly frame that is stock.....that is a nightmare to work with and cost more to tweak than to replace.  If you keeping the original frame rails,  you just bought into a long and costly process.  Front suspension run about 250.00 with power R&P, disc brakes, sway bar, better shocks and V8 mounts all MoPar but be advised...you will move these mounts rearward.   If you doing your own work you will need time space and tools with access to more time space and tools than you probably have on hand.   Anyway.....its a fun build, very involved...you can usually do the frame in a weekend from body off....modified to body back on including the dressing and painting of the frame...the small stuff is what eats you time, brain and steals your lunch money.

[terryracing86]

3 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

yeah, I have only done a couple......basically you are on your own...each person builds to their own level using what they can retrofit and fabricate or modify...very little available for a bolt in play by play process....if you familiar with the LA engine...you should know you have a number of manifold options, I did not massage the firewall other than for AC pass through on one, none on the other and total donor firewall on the third...I recommend a donor firewall if you want this level of interaction...but of course I also got rid of the silly frame that is stock.....that is a nightmare to work with and cost more to tweak than to replace.  If you keeping the original frame rails,  you just bought into a long and costly process.  Front suspension run about 250.00 with power R&P, disc brakes, sway bar, better shocks and V8 mounts all MoPar but be advised...you will move these mounts rearward.   If you doing your own work you will need time space and tools with access to more time space and tools than you probably have on hand.   Anyway.....its a fun build, very involved...you can usually do the frame in a weekend from body off....modified to body back on including the dressing and painting of the frame...the small stuff is what eats you time, brain and steals your lunch money.

I have already done the disc brake front and rear. When I first thought about doing this swap a lot of guys were “oh yeah it’s been done. No major mods needed”. Now nothing but trial and error stuff. I’ve thought about frame swap but wouldn’t know what to start looking for. I’ve heard s10 or do a camaro front stub swap which I don’t want to do. So far all I’ve gotten is useless info saying trial and error and best of luck. All I’m asking is who has done this swap and was the firewall a complete modification because others on another page first told me no the firewall was not an issue but that’s a load of crap haha. I appreciate the replies tho 

[wayfarer]

Yeah, first thing I'd do is a Dak clip then figure out the rest.

 

Check this thread...318 into my '50 Coronet - P15-D24 Forum - P15-D24.com and Pilot-house.com

Edited November 9, 2021 by wayfarer

[Dodgeb4ya]

A damn big hammer and a blue tip will get the project going.

[Plymouthy Adams]

you can continue the march....but you will need to be creative on the front radiator panel and move the rad forward into the grille...be advised the latch support will require a total mod here....the inner fenders will require lots of massaging...the disc retrofit is probably your first mod....locking you in so to speak...the shock relocation should be your second mod and the third mod the install of the TRW rack and pinion.....from there you will make your own engine mounts and tranny cross member....you will more than not be changing the oil pan, oil pickup and suggest center dump truck manifolds and the late model small foot print starter.  You will be yet with any advice from those who have gone before on your own for putting it all together.....it is a worth while project....just not a plug and play by an sense of the word.

[allbizz49]

Not a 318 into a 51 but I am in the middle of putting a 291 Desoto hemi in my 49. As much as I want to keep the stock steering, just doesn't seem worth it. I'm going manual rack and pinion. Besides that, firewall and radiator support clearance is fine. I'm running a 4 speed though. If you get rid of the stock steering, you'll find you have much more room to play with.