Charger 73' 318...... LA or poly??? & some tranny ?'s

[drobertson]

So, soon I'll begin restoring a 73 Charger SE that belongs to my grandfather. How can i tell if the 318 is a poly or LA??? (It's the original engine for this car) Oh, and it has automatic transmission.:angryfire::angryfire::angryfire::angryfire::angryfire::angryfire: I'd like to install manual transmission.... but how much will that cost??? I may be able to find a tranny at a junkyard.... but if I don't.... what is the average price for a used manual tranny for the 318??? All replies are greatly appreciated.:3gears:




Oh.... and just one more thing. If i buy a new engine for the charger.... would a 318 fit in a geo tracker???

 

[jenkins71]

it's GOT to be an LA in that car. Poly's were for much earlier cars. I believe they (poly) can be easily identified by having only 2 valve cover bolts.
Manual tranny set ups can get pricey... a 3spd manual would be cheap. The next level, which would also be relatively affordable, would be the aluminum overdrive 4 speed. The cast iron 1:1 final ratio 4spd A-833 trannies are getting pricey! Then don't forget you'll need a bellhousing, clutch, linkage, shifter, clutch pedal etc.

Yes, a 318 should fit in a Geo Tracker just fine, with no modifications needed other than changing the driver's side motor mount. :sideways tongue:

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

LA motor, cut off for poly was '66

You can make anything fit anywhere with a blow torch.

 

[Kernel Sanders]

look at the valve covers... poly's have a sawtooth style ridge

 

[YY1]

I've got a year and about $500 sourcing parts for a manual conversion.

So far I have:

86 833 O/D
SB bellhousing with wrong retainer size, but might work if retainer is swapped on trans
correct 71-74 bench seat pistol grip shifter and rods
factory trans hump sheet metal
floor shift steering column collar
questionable throw out bearing
clutch linkage and z bar from wrong vehicle (truck) might be able to make work


Still need:
correct clutch pedal and linkage
correct shifter mount for specific application
clutch, flywheel, pressure plate
correct clutch fork

Probably more

You can get a complete kit for about $4500 plus shipping.

 

[drobertson]

How can I post pictures from my Android phone???