Mopar Muscle Association UK

Hi all

All being well I shall be removing the engine (318 V8) from the Dart soon in preparation for fitting the new suspension/brake setup that I've got.

As this is my first time taking the engine out I'd like to learn from the experience of others with regards to issues I may come across or just general jobs which are worth doing whilst the engine is out.

I already plan to paint the engine bay and any of the engine components that need a tidy up. And I think it's a good idea to change the freeze plugs whilst the block is out.

I'm planning to have a gasket kit at hand to replace any that are required.

Also I have a Flowmaster dual exhaust (2.5 inch diameter) & hooker headers (3 inch diameter) and where the exhaust joins the headers they're welded, I plan to cut the exhaust off but have never really been happy with the weld as its so close to the body it gets really awkward to weld it neatly all the way round, does anybody know of any decent exhaust clamps that are 3inch one end & 2.5inch the other end, I can use rather than welding?

Any advice or tips will be greatly received,

thanks

Ross

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/MIJ-EXHAUST?_t ... 7675.l2563

will make you anything

get a slip fit adaptor from 1 size to the other size and use exhaust paste and motorcycle end-can clamps or the wide band clamps used in turbo installs.


do you need to take out the engine to do the work on the suspension??


you don't necessarily need to do all core plugs eg the one at the back of the cam isn't going to cause a problem it just sees oil at the other side however it might be wise to do the ones blocked by the engine mounts and any that are in the bellhousing or on the backs of heads

if they look ok when you pull em out i'd suggest the rest will be fine.... and you can fix them in situe if they ever need to be changed as the rest should be accessible with minimal dismantling.


battery removed
draw round you bonnet hinges with permeant marker or drill a hole through the hinge into the bonnet and use the drill bit to help align in future

take off bonnet
jack car
wedge wood between steering cross link and sump
undo prop
undo cross member
support trasn on jack
undo bellhousing
take off box
undo pipes wires

lower car

remove radiator
take out engine


dave

Thanks Dave

I have the luxury of being able to use one of the ramps at work so I was hoping to drop everything out in one lump and lift the car up leaving the engine/suspension on the floor.

I've got the Reilly Motor Sport alterkation kit for the front, following their instructions it seems a lot easier to remove the engine, fit their kit to the body and then reinstall the engine.

I'll have a look at the core plugs, thanks for the advice.

website looks good, definitely be able to make the exhaust clamps work.

cheers