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440 Install- should I or shouldn't I

66plysat

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Local time
7:23 PM
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Feb 11, 2010
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Location
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
I have a running and very drivable '66 Satellite 318 convertible. In my dream world I will eventually restore/repair a few body issues (rusty quarters and driverside floor pan) and have it painted. Unfortunately I can't afford to do all that needs to be done at this time. I have a 440 engine that has been rebuilt and is waiting to be installed when the bodywork and paint is done. I'm getting very impatient for the engine install and am wondering if I'd be crazy to install the motor and enjoy the car with the 440 for a couple of years until I can afford to restore the car.

I'll take any feedback and thoughts on the engine swap or not, no matter how insulting they may be. Am I crazy to do it now before bodywork and paint and what are the problems that I'll encounter in the long run.

And before you tell me to post some pictures, I still can't figure out how to do it, I'm computer illiterate.
 
You can clean up the engine compartment, install the 440, and enjoy. Mask it up later when you do the body and paint.

For posting pictures, just click on the third icon from the right at the bottom of this page (picture frame). Follow the directions...
 
Go for it, that is how my 69 rr started, swapped a almost perfect 383 hp for my stroked 440 i built and haven't looked back cleaned up the 383 with new gaskets and oil and it sits ready to run if needed on a stand.

Everyone thinks 440 are a boat anchor due to weight but I say that is one fast boat then lmao
 
drop it in....why not have a bigger smile while you work on it??
 
install and enjoy, I have biker friend who make their bikes "pretty" and I say build the motor first, enjoy the HP and make it "pretty" later. you dont feel the "pretty" when you mash the pedal
 
I agree with everyone else. Who knows what tomorrow brings? Install the 440, enjoy it and restore as you go along. The motor is a big part of the restore. Do it now!
 
sure why not if it will end up in their anyway! :headbang: I would do as others have said and clean up the engine bay and paint it if need be it can be masked off easily when time comes to paint the rest !
 
Thanks for all the input, I'm tired of going to my mechanics shop and visiting the 440. I feel like a divorced father visiting the kids every now and then. I guess it's time to make a more permanent arrangement, and install the beast.
 
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