Okay, here we go! Slant6 to V8 Swap?

I am still messing around with my slant carb and getting it running right, then I can debate on the swap. I want it running while I am gathering parts, and prepping!
1965 Belvedere.
I hope I don't bore anyone...please bare with me!
I had a Valiant slant 6 and ended up selling it, just didn't make me smile enough.
So I want to make sure I keep this Mopar, and was offered a 440 and 727 trans at a good price from a friend. 1000 bucks!
Of course the 440 should be rebuilt from sitting around.
Now the 440 seems like over kill for me. And would seem harder to make it work in my car???
I was thinking a 318, with some mild mods? I am only looking for about 250HP or so. If thats possible?
My car came stock, "if ordered" with a 318, so you see why I am thinking that way I am.
So I am thinking headers, radiator and others parts for a 318, won't be bad to get to fit my car. Since it came stock with one, if lucky enough.
1. Now, I was told that I can keep my K frame, with just switching some mounts? If so, that would cause less aggravation. If this is true?
2. Torsion bars? I was told I can keep those, by cranking them up? I dunno?
3. I do have a 8 3/4 rear end. I guess that's good? Maybe swap out the gears for sure. I am not sure whats in mine. I was told its the big rear end. Theres no pumpkin bolt cover on it? Looks like a ford 9 inch rear style if that helps.
4. Is this a process to where I will be pulling my hair out? I was going to try and find a 318 donor, with all the brackets, pulleys....etc. Might make it easier.
5. I was offered a good 727 for that 440. Would that bolt up to the 318, or do I need a different tranny for a small block?
Is there anything I should know that will make the job difficult, as in stuff I am not thinking of.
Tranny linkage, throttle linkage, tranny crossmember, other things?
I have done a lot of cars in my life.
But never a swap out like this. Sorry for the long post. I really fell in love with this car, and want to build it to keep me happy! Thanks in advance guys!

I would like to do a late model 360 Magnum with its serpentine belt system. It would bolt up to your 318 transmission. 4 barrel Intake and carb to go with it. My 65 is big block so keeping it that way.

First off, there are two different K frames. One for the six and one for the eight. No one makes conversion mounts so you would need the V-8 k member for certain. Transmissions are externally different between small block and big block (and six). I have a 6 cylinder 65 Belvedere and I am swapping in a V-8 k frame and putting a 400 big block in there (until I build up a nice 440 later).
This is a very doable swap. Just pick an engine and go with it - mounts, exhaust, radiator, trans, linkage are all different between the big and small blocks. Me, I would go with the 440.

AMX364 said:

I would like to do a late model 360 Magnum with its serpentine belt system. It would bolt up to your 318 transmission. 4 barrel Intake and carb to go with it. My 65 is big block so keeping it that way.

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I would like to get the 440 and tranny off my buddy. But I don't know how much aggravation it would be for my car. He even has the K member for me.
I just figured the 318 would be easier.

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Badvert65 said:

First off, there are two different K frames. One for the six and one for the eight. No one makes conversion mounts so you would need the V-8 k member for certain. Transmissions are externally different between small block and big block (and six). I have a 6 cylinder 65 Belvedere and I am swapping in a V-8 k frame and putting a 400 big block in there (until I build up a nice 440 later).
This is a very doable swap. Just pick an engine and go with it - mounts, exhaust, radiator, trans, linkage are all different between the big and small blocks. Me, I would go with the 440.

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I know, it is so tempting!! He has quite a few 440's, and offered me one. And the tranny, and K member. He said its not that hard. I am just probably overthinking the whole thing!!

Couple of things...

1) Go with the 440 - why screw around if you're already dumping $$$ into a swap, it won't be much more than a SB and big blocks are what separates the '60s scene from everything else.

2) '65 has a 1 year only transmission in the BB; slip yoke AND cable shift. You can adapt other's you'll just need the aftermarket swap levers for the '66 and later trans in your '65. Or go floor shift.

3) Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JXDcJQqZrA
If those 2 clowns can do it, you can too.

4) I think $1K for a core 440 and trans is too much, unless it's an early HP440 and you need that for your "stock" restoration (or if it includes a '65 trans). See the above video, they bought a running 440 and slammed it in for less. If all you want is 250hp, that's a great way to do it. Plus the later 70s engines will have hardened seats and lower compression for piss-water unleaded gas, perfect for your cruiser.

Just my $.02 and good luck!!!

I'm thinking of taking my 318c.i. poly and bringing up to a402 stroker motor. with @ 450 h.p. I would go with the poly I don't think you have to change the k member. I transplanted a 315 hemi out of a 58 dodge 500 truck into a 66 dodge 200 pick up with no mods. the pick up had a slant six in it I had to change the clutch size from 9"to 11" but that's all

The 440/727 combo is cheaper and has more readily available parts than a poly.

Use the Schumacher mounts and insulators and the engine practically installs itself!

Schumacher also makes a late model 727 trans mount for early B's that makes it easy but you'll need an aftermarket shifter.

I bought a very nice'76 440 and 727 for $375. They are still plentiful around here.

I suspect you will want to up the t-bars to a heavy V8 version. You can compensate ride height for the extra engine weight by cranking up the /6 t-bars, but the spring stiffness will still be the same lighter spring rate, and the /6 body roll ir pretty large. This can be a later mod any time you get to it though.

The 440 would be easier... it's more common to swap out to a big block... where everything else is not so common... you have the parts available go 440.