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66 charger swap questions

spcedwards214

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Yes, I have a 66 charger with a 318 3 speed automatic and yes i'm new to this classic car stuff for the most part but learning very quick. I've been a mechanic for some years now so not a complete idiot. Getting very close to getting the 318 that was rebuilt .40 over back together after finding a rusty valve and bent pushrod and a hell of a mess under the hood. Just getting it running to move in and out of the drive. That and its matching numbers. My kanundrum is the fact that I want to possibly put a 440 or 6.1 hemi in it. For the 440 swap however being a bit easier, I understand i will have to change the mounts, radiator and obvious stuff. What about the 8 3/4 rear end? I have the smaller of the 3 I believe being a 1 3/8 10 spline etc. Also def going to convert from drums to disc all the way around and ready to order the kit now, it states I will need the green bearings to do the swap. But knowing the power of the 440 should i swap rear ends for a dana? If so what kind and will the brake conversion still work with that dana? Any answers are greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of B-body bliss....

On the topic of swapping engines, the 440/727 swap is a slam dunk and parts are readily available from the aftermarket to drop that monster in the Charger. The 6.1 Hemi will be more difficult to install as you will need to either modify or replace the K-member altogether as well as the transmission cross member and trans tunnel. The 6.1 will, however, offer better cold start and driveability characteristics if you utilize the OE computer, EFI, etc...

As for the 8-3/4, I used a 741 housing in my Road Runner for many, many years with absolutely ZERO issues behind a big block and a 4-speed. If you are concerned, step up to a 742 or 489 housing and you'll get plenty of strength. A Dana 60 is absolutely bulletproof, but unless you plan on abusing this Charger on the strip every weekend with a manual transmission or a boat load of nitrous, I don't feel the big axle is required.
 
You have to look at the entire drivetrain as a whole to decide on the rear. How much power/torque will the 440 create? What intake/heads/exhaust will it have? What stall speed?
For example- if it's a stock motorhome 440 with stock iron manifolds and a stock convertor, your 2.76 open rear is fine.
But if it's an 11:1 compression aluminum head motor with TTI headers, you would likely want a 3.55 suregrip.
I guess what I'm saying is to science out the entire build to meet your goals before you pick the rear. The 440 is a straight forward swap, but the 6.1 would be an impressive project.
 
The green bearing belongs on the strip only and is not good on the street where cornering and bumpy roads are... to shave Et time yes. And I won't be the only one to say so....
 
You can get disc brakes from Dr Diff that don't require Green Bearings.
 
just saying

The 4 wheel disc conversion kit (whether classic industries or ebay) states a green bearing kit is required and i'm a little unsure as to why. I'm assuming its a hub issue to resolve but have not found much information about them. As far as the engine swap goes im not looking to race it what so ever, just have plenty of hp readily available. I really like the idea of the 6.1 but were talking 8 grand in just a used motor, tran, comp. etc. Not to mention the crazy amount of fabrication time it would take. I believe i'm going to go with a mopar 440 but not sure as to how I should build it for the much need 500hp i'm hoping for. I'm sure with alum heads efi etc its easily possible, would just like a little insight from someone who's done it and possibly anything I might need to change about the car to accommedate the bb. Never been around mopars my whole life until I started buying them in the last year and love them. This car was taken all apart and it's been fun putting it together and getting stumped but shes close to ready. Just looking for the right 440 to start my build on while I get the brakes done and 318 up and going to move her around the garage etc. Not trying to keep EVERYTHING original as I've had to replace a number of things but most of it is. Thanks for all the help in advance guys.

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dr diff doesn't specify the lug patterns or sell a full kit. I'll keep looking and keep you posted.
 
I'll answer some of the Q's here... and make some comments... If you slap a 440 in it, and do a 4 wheel disc swap, you'll have what I've got in my car

first the bearings...wonder why they specify green bearings are required... they're "easier" to setup than the tapered roller, but it's not like the roller bearing's hard to setup at all... green bearings don't take lateral forces anywhere near as good as the factory stuff, I'd consider it a downgrade

all lug patterns for a '66 Charger are 5 on 4.5, (you'll want to swap out to right hand studs on the drive side while you're at it) doesn't matter if it's a dana or 8 3/4.... and an 8 3/4 rear is just fine behind a 440, mine's lived 15 years of hard life
 
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