How to: 318 to 360 conversion.

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Anonymous

How to: 318 to 360 conversion.

Post by Anonymous »

OK, heres what you need to know. there has been a number of queries about swapping 318s for 360s. I'v ejust done this. This thread does NOT relate to 340 motors!
Not too much to worry about (once you know). all the bolt holes line up at the bellhousing end no problem as do the dowel pins so no worries there.

The engine mount lugs on the drivers side is approx. 5mm narrower than the standard 318. When you buy your 360 motor do try to get the engine mounts as well. This means that you can simply cut the 360 mount down to size, re-drill the mounting bolt holes using the 318 mount as a pattern.
Dont be tempted to use the 318 mount with spacers, that side of the engine can pull really hard under harsh acceleration and you dont want to lose the mounting lugs :oops:

There are support bars that (about 10"long) that run from midway along the engine block and mount to the gearbox bellhousing. The dirivers side is approx 1" too short. i used a strong stel spacer and a longer bolt which did the job fine. The later 360 had a bigger starter although my 318 fits fine and spins the motor OK too.

Yoo Will need a special flexplate if your going to use any other torque converter than one designed for the 360. I used TCI plate (approx ?90) which will fit the 11" convertor i have. These specialist plates remove the need to weld on weights on the convertor to allow external balance. B&M do a cheaper one butit only fit 9" and 10" convertors.
Anonymous

Post by Anonymous »

A bit more..

You will need a sump that fits (360 is different from 318). I got a Mopar Performance sump kit (from Skippy MMA) about?100 and bolts right in and clears the front crossmember a treat.

Use the 360 water pump. It has a bigger impellar on it. I checked as I had a choice of using the 318 pump.

Finally, if you are using original Mopar manifolds heres atip. Put the ddownpipe connecting bolts thru the manifold as you drop the engine onto the car. I didnt (on the drivers side) and it si a beast trying to re-connect the exhaust on your own.
chers,
Miles
Anonymous

Post by Anonymous »

useful info there, based on hands on experience :thumbright:

any pics of the install?
Anonymous

Post by Anonymous »

I'll post some pics soon Neill but the grubby bits are pretty much out of sight. Oh, ought to mention that trying to get the nut onto the engine side mount is a nightmare fit for contortionists! There is very little access into the underside of the mount on the actual K frame. Need lots of bendy socket attachements whilst swivelling the mount a touch to get real purchase. Probably too me 3/4 of an hour toget that on!

Oh, the car i used is a 1974 A body Dodge Dart Sport (duster shape)
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