67 Dart 273 swap to 383

wawarnick said
The biggest question is, do you have the time to spend, not the time you think it is going to take, but probably 2, 3, or 4 times the amount of time you think it will take. In the end if you want ot do it, go for it.

Good point. I never have time, that is why my GTX isnt done and I had to buy the Dart to play with! Lol. My dreams and my schedule never seem to coincide.

SIX225 said
Project creep, but with the engine out, might consider swapping the K frame due to the one year only idler arm. Also, what do you have for brakes?

Project creep is definitely an issue! Might as well patch the inner fender around the battery and repaint the engine compartment, but then the rest of the car would need paint to look as good as the engine.....

I just finished upgrading the brakes to power disk, and swapped out the 7-1/4 for 8-3/4. So now I have big bolt pattern and 15" wheels.

carfreak6970 said
With those b bodies manifolds it is a TIGHT fit. I ran them when I broke in the 383 in my dart (it’s an original big block car). They hit the firewall.

Everything you said can be done to swap in a big block. You didn’t mention if your car was column shifted or had a console. There is more massaging to get the column linkages to work.

I know in my car (big block k frame and reproduction big block motor mounts) I needed to use the federal (or a trw) power steering pump due to where the connections are located. But I am also running a stock power steering system in my 67

Thank you for that info. While I am sure I "can" do it, it is great to hear from those who "have" done it! The car is a console shift. But the need to firewall modification is new info for me.

Ottmundr said
F' the A/C, open your windwings, the little beer/weed hiding vent doors, and step on the f'n gas!

If this was a hot rod and I still lived in IL, maybe. But here in the bayou south of New Orleans, AC is needed if you want to drive more than just Dec and Jan.. If nothing else, you need to keep the windows up or risk a blood transfusion due to the mosquitoes!

Dana67Dart said
Just my 2 cents...

Go get a low mile wrecking yard 360.

And a good voice of reason! I think I can find a rebuilt long block 318/360 for about $2500, which would be the "easy" route.

Thanks for all the replies! I may have to sleep on this 383 idea a little more...at least until I see if the 273 actually has big enough issues to need replacment.

Scott