Early A-Info
Hi everyone. I have a 63 valiant that I want to install a late model A-body K-frame and disc brake set up in the car. I have all of these pieces from a 74 Dart. Is this a bolt in project or do the early A-bodies require some modification to do this install? Also what trans mount should be used to install later model 904 into this 63? Do I use the late model or the early trans mount or do I have to fabricate one? (this is the piece that bolts trans to torsion bar crossmember) One last thing is what headers will fit a 63 Valiant with small block in it? I want to go under chassis. Who makes a decent header for this application? Thanks to anbody out there that can share some info to help this project along.
I assume you are putting in a V-8. Which one? If you put a 273/318, you don't need any kits you just need motor mounts...there is no such thing as a Slant 6 K-frame on '63 to 66 A-bodies; they are all the same. If I remember correctly the 340/360 has relocated motor mounts, so they would possibly need some adapters, but I may be wrong. Remember if you go to a newer transmission, you'll need a new driveshaft. I dont know the changes between the two transmissions, but if you have access to a newer car you should be able to measure and look for a change of trans mounting.
If you have the complete front suspension, I'd just compare and measure the mounting points for possible changes. I don't think there was any geometery changes to the '63 A-bodies on. So I think you should be able to do a direct boltup to change the suspension.
Back in the day, we used the goofy multi piece "D-Dart" headers, as they wrapped around everything and went under the frame, and not through the wheel well. Doug's made the headers, they were called "between the rails" headers. They were a so-called 4 into 1, 1-3/4" x 30' "Atlas" booster exhaust system. Doug's, I think is just a name now, so I don't think you could get those headers, but you could try the owner of the name, and see if they have old drawings. I did one car that had the Hooker through-the-wheel-well headers. They arched way up, and then went flat against the rear of the inner wheel well, but if you put bigger tires on the car, they rubbed.