'66 Charger 318 to 400 swap

Vic Nader · Jun 4, 2019

Hello,
I have a few questions about fitment. I have a 1976 400 that I would like to swap into my 66 charger. The charger was a stock 318 car. I've been reading online and I've talked to a few guys and I keep getting mixed info? Someone please clarify; Do I need a different K frame or just motor mounts? If it is just mounts would you happen to know if I need a conversion kit?Thanks - Nic

BeepBeepRR · Jun 4, 2019

If im not mistaken just motor mounts. Im about to stuff my 440 into my 66 but it was a 383 car. However my parts car is a 318 poly car and the K-Member is the same as the 383 K-Member.

Charger Dana · Jun 4, 2019

Watch your hood clearance very carefully. If that’s the intake you’re using, depending on carb/air cleaner combo you may have an issue. You only have to dimple your hood a few dozen times before it gets tiresome!

Maxrat · Jun 4, 2019

Charger Dana said:
Watch your hood clearance very carefully. If that’s the intake you’re using, depending on carb/air cleaner combo you may have an issue. You only have to dimple your hood a few dozen times before it gets tiresome!

Charger Dana is right. Triple check your hood clearance or you will be cussing yourself out.

Maxrat · Jun 4, 2019

Don't forget to change your torsion bars. The 318 torsion bars are a smaller diameter than ones designed for big block cars.

Lefty71 · Jun 4, 2019

You have no worries;
https://www.engine-swaps.com/Pages/ProductsType/K-Frames.html

As others have said, that manifold may be high. You need a big block transmission, as your 318 unit isn't going to bolt up, and you'll have to redo or replace the driveshaft. You will need to address some other things too, like a bigger radiator, exhaust fitment, stiffer torsion bars optional (but easier to do now), etc. but that's about it for the major stuff.

67MPRFAN · Jun 4, 2019

I agree with post above motor mounts are different and transmission is also radiator.. with you using a 400 low deck block hood clearance MIGHT be close

aeon280 · Jun 4, 2019

Vic Nader said:
Hello,
I have a few questions about fitment. I have a 1976 400 that I would like to swap into my 66 charger. The charger was a stock 318 car. I've been reading online and I've talked to a few guys and I keep getting mixed info? Someone please clarify; Do I need a different K frame or just motor mounts? If it is just mounts would you happen to know if I need a conversion kit?Thanks - Nic

View attachment 777226 View attachment 777227

Has the 400 been stroked/upgrade or is it bone stock aside from the intake and carb? If it has not been upgraded you may be disappointed in the swap. The 66 318 poly is basically a carbon copy of the 76 400 HP in terms of stock performance #,s. The 400 is rated at higher torque 400 vs 340 ft lb #s, than the poly but HP is the same. Granted the 400 is a better candidate for overall upgrades down the line.

wyrmrider · Jun 4, 2019

Low compression 400 and about the same weight as a poly
if you already own the 400 and it has good compression - check first- and a new timing chain- change it while it's out you can do it but do not expect miracle power
do not put a magnum cam in a low compression 400 or 440 for a daily driver
what exactly is in that single plane 400?
actually a 360 makes more sense and would be easier unless that 400 is really built

Lefty71 · Jun 4, 2019

aeon280 said:
Granted the 400 is a better candidate for overall upgrades down the line.

My gut feeling is this is a monumental understatement. A low deck stroker can be done and made into a monster on an easy budget (bit by bit) as everyone here knows. Even the bolt-on mods are quite plentiful, especially compared to the poly. Only a purist would hang onto the poly. Just my 2 cents....I would not have thought to question his desire to go big in a Charger of any year.

***EDIT*** Look carefully at his 400 motor. He didn't say what he knows about it, or it's history. Obviously someone's been doing more than cruising with that big manifold, and the electric water pump. So maybe it's an old bracket motor....could already be warmed up a little! Looking more carefully that sure looks like a thin internal balance damper to me.... not likely on a '76 400. We may very well already be viewing a 451 with a hot cam! Looks like he should pull it down and look it over because that may be a head gasket issue. @Vic_Nader WELCOME TO THE GROUP! LET US KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS MOTOR YOU'VE FOUND.

halojumper · Jun 4, 2019

Keep the poly around. You never know.

'66 Charger 318 to 400 swap

Vic Nader

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BeepBeepRR

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Charger Dana

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Maxrat

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Maxrat

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Lefty71

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67MPRFAN

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aeon280

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wyrmrider

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Lefty71

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halojumper

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