Engine swap???

[Cudagirl]

I want to swap out the 318 2 bbl I have in the 74 cuda, what suggestions do you have?? And I do NOT want to spend 15k on a Hemi!

[MagicRat]

340 or 360 V8 4 bbl.

They were externally identical to the 318 and will bolt right in.

The 340 was a nice relatively high revving piece, but a bit rare these days. Most 360's were relatively low power engines but can be modified to be decent.
You can get new/rebuilt performance crate engines, rebuilt and ready to install, where all the mods are already done.

[MrPbody]

Agreed with MR. 360 is the better choice for a street engine, as it makes more low-end power than 340, and costs MUCH less for a buildable core. We have a couple out there over 500 horsepower in street cars. 400 HP is more reasonable to drive.

Jim

[Bad81bu]

would it be a good idea to try squeezin a 440 in that? Not real sure abt mopar engine dimentions, that would be a fun realitivly inexpensive engine to find, didnt they have those in old power wagons and such?? Or should i keep my mouth shut? hahahaha

Brett B.

[MrPbody]

Brett,

Yes and no... (:-

440 is a much stronger engine than any of the other MOPAR offerings. There are, however, pitfalls. The later ones ('71-up) are rare with the steel crank, a "must" for a performance engine. The heads, too, can be a bag of worms. The 906 and 452 (last three digits of casting no.) are the more popular for street builds, the latter being better for lower compression.

FItting the 'Cuda with the 440 is no big deal, either, IF you have the resources to do it. Parts are readily available, but not "cheap".

One of my customers has a '70 440 'Cuda that is an absolute ANIMAL. The engine is basically stock with a Torker, headers and a Comp cam. It will spin donuts until you let up on the throttle. Wild ride, indeed. It's so nice a car, he refuses to put slicks on it to find out just how fast it CAN be... I would say, conservatively, it would go 11.80s with good traction.

Another has a 499 (stroked 440) in a fat-tired '68 Road Runner. He takes money from the Chevy boys all the time. Totally streetable, it runs low 11s on 93 octane. I suspect, with a little more intestinal fortitude on the part of the driver, the car would go 10.80s. BIG money in it.

Jim

[Bad81bu]

Thanx for all of the info. I have always secretly loved mopars but never could afford any of em so im stuck with my chevy. Its a fun lil 3000lb car wit 475hp not a animal by any means but what do ya expect from a guy in a wheelchair right hahahaha. I hope the car turns out stellar!!

Lotsa Luck
Brett.