Engine swap in '69 Coronet questions

[Pete's'69]

So, in the coming weeks we'll be swapping out the 318 in Pete's Coronet for a 440 4 barrel, a 727 trans and an 8 3/4 rear end. Holley recommends a 770 cfm vacuum secondary carb. We're gonna go with .355 Sure Grip in the diff. Here are the questions:

1. Will I need a new starter motor and if so, am I wise to go with a late model Dodge truck starter?
2. I assume I'll need a bigger radiator with a trans cooler. Which one?
3. Do you pre-assemble the engine and trans and drop it in together?
4. Will the alternator from the 318 (which looks new) work with the 440?

Thanks.

 

[69chargerboy]

1. You can use the existing starter. If you want to save a few pounds, buy a mini starter. I love them.

2. Yes you would want a larger radiator. What kind of radiator? What do you have? Did the Coronet have A/C? If so you should buy a 26" radiator, if it did not have A/C you may need a 22". Measure the radiator opening to make sure. If you are going for a OEM style radiator, Glen Ray are expensive, but very nice. Or search for an aluminum radiator that will fit. You don't really need a trans cooler. Adding a trans cooler is a bit of overkill if this is mostly a stock 440. I use a B&M deep trans pan on my big block auto cars. Never had an issue. Technically automatic Hemi cars had a trans cooler.

3. Preferably you want to pre-assemble and install the engine/trans from the bottom attached to the K Member and trans mount. But you can do it from the top. Be careful not to scratch the radiator brace or engine compartment if its freshly painted.

4. Not 100% I think you can use the same alternator. depends too if you are using the old alternator or a new style. Going with electronic ignition or points? Engine harness matters as well....

 

[Pete's'69]

Thanks. I expect and will confirm it has a 26" radiator as it has A/C.

What headers do you guys like to run on a 440? Seems from searching the site that the Tti headers are well-regarded. Hot Rod did a nice comparo of headers versus stock manifold and used the Hedman Elite. What is the experience with those? A lot of header headaches described on this site. We have a power steering car and will probably go with a mini starter. I want something that will fit well and last.

The wiring in our engine bay is sort of a mess. Do you recommend a new engine harness with the swap? If so, Classic Industries?

 

[69chargerboy]

I think the general consensus for headers are TTI. I do not have them on any of my cars yet. I still have the HP manifolds. I helped a buddy with a 69 Charger with a 440 install a set of TTI's. They look and fit really well, he used locking head bolts to help with the sealing. They have been on for around a year with no leaking issues. I have read that Dougs headers fit well as well. Wiring you do have to buy a new harness for the big block, they are different from the small block wiring. Wiring you really cant beat M&H harnesses you can only buy from yearone. Another guy who I really like is Bill Evans from Evans Wiring. http://www.evanswiring.com/ I bought a new ECU engine harness for my 68 Chrysler 300. It looks and works great. Highly recommend Evans. I havent bought any harnesses from Classic yet.