Early A TTI and oil pan issues

Well for those in waiting or thinking about it here is some input on a 64 Dart.

OK I stuffed the 416 in the 64 Dart today, well tried too. I left the tosion bar out and the steering shaft and pitman arm when I rebuilt the front end. So I lowered the engine in, then slid the header on the driver side studs and and lowered it all into place and started to snug the headers. The passengerar side has to come in frmo the bottom unless I can get it on when it is up in the air on the cherry picker. I did not test this side today. Well I noticed they were a little to close the inner fender. The problem was my oil pan hits the K-Frame.

OK, in a 63-64 A the frame is more rounded and the passenger side protruds out more. So I marked it, pulled the motor back out and then stuffed it back in. Did the process 4 times because I wanted to only cut as little as possible for clearance. I think I will weld a plate to the bottom of the K frame when done for more strength.

I did not go with a milodon pan or moroso becasue one was way too wide, and the other was to close to the ground. The low profile pan wont work by milodon on a stroker, hit the mains in the rear. So I went with a Kevco 6 qt pan. Also running remote oil cooler and remote filter so that puts me up to about 7.5 qts oil. And this will aslso get the filter away from oil spilling on the headers during changes. The pan is nice, has scappers and gates in it. The linkage and all other areas are fine for those that are 65 and up, and I think that there are no issues at all. Only these earliest A bobies hit. Crap!

Well The other issue is that the brake lines and junction block are too close for comfort and heat etc for my liking. So after I pulled everything out I cut the line from the pass side to the block and will make a new mount and relocate it away from the exhaust with longer lines. Then tie in the rear line, proportioing adjustable vavle etc.

Should have it back in this weekend and then will take some pics.

I did decide to not install with the trans with the engine becasue these headers are very tuff on the early A's and I need to then stuff the T bar back in. Once I get the suspension etc in I want to get the car in the garage soon ... winter is almost here in WY. Was 31 today at 7 am.

But the other issue was I have to have the trans in to support the engine, so I will just stuff the case and tailshaft in with the rear mount until I can wheel the car in the shop and then block support the rear of the engine. It is nice only lifting a 40 lb trans on your back!!!

It really does look awesome in the car with the headers. I will get some pics this weekend and post here.

My Conclusion is that it is about as easy to pull the engine and everything else TTI states to do then not pull the engine. I can not even imagine getting these in with the engine in on the drivers side. Maybe on a 65-66 it is easier?

PS I run a 727 always have and everything in this car is a royal pain. Takes a lot of time and beer to stay calm and motivated.