73-4 Passenger fender difference between Big-block and Small-block cars?

[drobertson]

From what I have seen and understand, small block cars had a different passenger-side inner fender than big block cars. The big block cars had a large section cut out with a rubber splash shield in place.

I have two questions, my Charger was a 318 car, currently becoming cloned into a 440-powered rallye. I want to make the passenger inner fender to look like a big block piece, so does a section just need cut out? Or is the part completely different?

Question 2: why did the factory do this? I think I recall seeing several 73-4 sb cars swapped to a bb without clearance issues.

Thanks, - David.

 

[moparmarks]

The larger hole is to access the spark plugs.
Cutting out one would be difficult to make look correct. Has a rolled lip all the way around it.

 

[drobertson]

Well in that case I'll be looking for a passenger side inner fender to replace with or weld in the cut-out section. Thanks.

 

[moparmarks]

Sorry I don't have a right side available right now.

 

[drobertson]

Sorry I don't have a right side available right now.

That's okay I'll still get my hands on one somehow.

 

[Bruzilla]

I swapped a 440 into my 318 car and had no clearance issues in regards to the inner fender. The small block cars also have those cut outs, but I've never found cause to use them. I can change six of the eight plugs from above the engine, and jacking the car up to get the last two is a whole lot easier than taking a wheel and one of those panels off.