273 swap to 318/ build, cost, potential, daily driver

coast2coastkidd85 said
Hello everyone! Thank you to all the members who took the time to read and contribute to my previous thread regarding my dads 273 and the cam options.

I just had a 2 hour conversation with my dad and it turns out that there was a critical missing piece to the story that had NEVER been revealed to me.

The 273 in my dads barracuda (the engine that I have now and was trying to refresh) is NOT the cars original engine and therefore is NOT the engine that he worked on and learned to wrench with. Having said that, he made it clear to me that he had no sentimental value to THAT engine and gave me his blessing to looking into swapping the engine for a healthier and more financially comfortable option. I’m thinking 318???

So, moving forward. Being that the crank and the cam issues alone on the 273 are presenting issues, cost for machine work, difficulty finding head gaskets, camshaft solutions without other costly adjustments and so on, I am here to clean the slate and look for opinions, experience and education to putting in a 318 instead and what transmission?

Again. My current setup is the following: 1965 Plymouth barracuda V8 with automatic A904 (cable shift)

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.

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?

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!

Please see my previous post “273/ 2 barrel camshaft options” if you would like a refresher or to see my original introduction. Not looking to waste anyone’s time so I apologize ahead of time for babbling or not knowing what I don’t know. Thanks!

Sounds like you first need to decide what you want. What do you need to get your 273 done? The cam I offered to sell you is as close as we could get to a stock Commando 4 barrel cam. It would work for a 2 barrel or 4 barrel carb. A used 273 or 318 crank should not cost much. Done, nothing else to change, except possibly an adapter ring for a later crankshaft to use the "65" 904 torque converter. A 5.2 (318) Magnum would be a good choice except the heads are very prone to cracking. Going to a 318 LA has compression issues unless you get lucky and find an early engine. Going to a 4 barrel carb is more complicated than one would think, by the time you get the transmission kick down correct and get the right throttle cable bracket, after the cost of an intake and carb. You can use any 904 Transmission since you are changing the crankshaft, but then you will need a different driveshaft and shifter. Not worth using a 727 automatic, they don't fit well in an early Barracuda. Take the time to write it all down and compare all the work and costs, starting now.