I have a 1965 belvedere that I am swapping out the original 273 for a 1970 340. I have located a set of exhaust manifolds (2863549 & 2863553) ,for $575, from what I have read these should fit my application.
So I am throwing this out there to the guys with all the experience, will these work?
is the price fair?
Will I need a 90* oil filter adapter?
Or is there a set of headers that will work that are not a nightmare to put on?
( after all...big car, small block equals more room, right!?)
One more thing, I am planninng to convert the manual steering to power! ( this car is automatic on the column) do I need to swap steering columns?
is there anything in the aftermarket that could make the swap easier? maybe save some horsepower?
Please share your advice and any experience with these topics/questions.
thank You, Dennis
Dennis, you have a ton of questions in one post. YIKES!
While I have not personally worked on your year car, here is what I know and suggest.
You ask;
Will they work?
(Oil filter fitment.)
The exhaust manifolds have a casting number which can be checked IF they came on the car. But we already know they didn't because there 340 manifolds and the 340 wasn't yet in cars. Your going to have to ether find someone who has done this exact manifold swap. Not all manifolds exit at the same point. That same person should also tell you if you need the adapter.
Cost?
There only worth what one is willing to pay. Price shop! Look look look around!!!!!
Headers/room to fit;
Check TTI for headers. They have fitted the best of all I have used. EZ? Well, LOL, none are easy but the TTI installs I have done are as close to easy as it gets.
While the small block has more room, that doesn't guarantee a EZ time at it.
The swap from auto to manual requires a different column with the steering box change. Do a search on the subject here for details.
I don't know if there is an aftermarket part for this.
Savin (making) horsepower;
The less parasitic drag on the engine the better. The easier the engine can breath in and exhale, the more power it can make. Match the compression to the cam size used. Ported heads can help breathing, but it is not mandatory.
How effective you put the power to the ground is utilizing the horsepower effectively, or not. The less effective the power hits the pavement the more power you'll need to make to overcome the deficiency of good traction.
A good converter, quick shifting transmission along with a good suspension and tires will effectively transmit the power for effective use. This way, you'll not need to over build the engine to move quickly.