273 swap to 318/ build, cost, potential, daily driver
looking into swapping the engine for a healthier and more financially comfortable option. I’m thinking 318???
excellent. but don't delude yourself, sourcing and building an engine is almost always more expensive that what you budget for. are certain aspects of a 318 build cheaper and easier than a 273? yes, absolutely. but a lot of the hard costs remain the same; machine shop work costs dough no matter the size of the engine.
camshaft solutions without other costly adjustments
although we're moving on from the 273 i'd like to make a point that there are *plenty* of affordable camshaft solutions for these motors. you don't *have* to run a solid lifter, you can reuse your factory adjustable rockers and aside from being easy to over cam, they follow the same rules as any other engine in the family.
The costs and difficulties, for me at least, with the 273 has put me in the position of, is it true in saying that a 318 is a healthier choice as far as parts availability now and in the future, cost effectiveness for the build and potential for a little more build options being able to look into the 4 barrel vs the limited 2 barrel on the 273.
yes, the 318 enjoys a broader range of parts availability and therefore has some better options price wise for critical components. among that would be a 4 barrel intakes.
Also, how would this affect the existing 904? Which btw has a “broken reverse band” and will need repair/ work. Would it make more sense to find and install a 318/727 combo?
your 904 being pre 1968 wil have a smaller center hub on the torque converter, this matches the crank register of pre 1968 engines. so if you run any motor that is 68 and up, it will have the larger center register on the crank and you will need an adapter ring to center the small hub of the early transmission. also, aftermarket torque converters for the early transmissions are prohibitively expensive.
a 904 will be more than sufficient for your needs.
Again, I am lost here and only looking to build a safe, road worthy car that the family and I can enjoy for some car shows and weekend driving. NO hot rodding. But if possible and not too much to ask, an exhaust tone worth a little growl would be nice, the kids love it!
i'll start with the usual, what's your budget? how much work can you do yourself? the easy button exists, and it's an easy press, but that means spending more money. are you okay with hustling market place, classifieds, craig's list and offer up for parts? or are you more about that "new-new" life?
anyway, here's how i'd roll: scoop up a reman long block with a warranty. swap the cam for something decent (under .450 lift, less than 260 duration), top it up with a performer and a small 600~650 carb then reuse a whole boat load of your 273 stuff-- timing cover, engine tins, distributor and run it thru the stock maifolds. then sell off all the 273 stuff you don't need.
obviously the above is open to interpretation and subject to change, say you scored a sweet pull out motor and trans? then apply most of the same stuff but you don't have a warranty on the motor. so, there's pros and cons to each method of attack.