318 for a 1965 cuda

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hdroyals

hdroyals

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i am looking for a 318 for my 1965 cuda as my 273 is locked up. i know i need an la block but i was wondering if some years are better than others is a 318 out of a truck different. what 1970's cars came with 4 barrel intake.

any info appreciated
 
No 318's in the 70's had a 4 barrel intake. There were some 4Bbl 318 cop cars in the late 80's but you would be far better off with an aftermarket intake and carb.
 
are the truck engines the same as cars im trying to find something i can switch everything over from my 273 as far exhaust and pulleys
 
yes, LA passenger car and truck blocks are the same. Everything should switch over. Keep in mind that the front cover and water pumps changed in 1970 so those need to be changed as well. Sometimes it's easier to put a later radiator in an earlier car.
 
C130 Chief said:
No 318's in the 70's had a 4 barrel intake. There were some 4Bbl 318 cop cars in the late 80's but you would be far better off with an aftermarket intake and carb.
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FYI My California 1978 Aspen wagon is factory 4 bbl. They started 318 4 bbl. in the late 70's. I would look for a roller cam 85 - 91.
 
hdroyals said:
are the truck engines the same as cars im trying to find something i can switch everything over from my 273 as far exhaust and pulleys
Click to expand...

There are many threads on this issue. 273 to 318 is the easiest swap of them all! In short:

USE the 273: Timing cover, indicator tab and balancer. Eng. mounts, Dipstick, Pulleys and brackets, exhaust manifolds, oil pan and pickup. 1 thing to watch is: if going to a 318 with airpump ports, the 273 drivers manifold will intefere on the exh. port pad. You'll have to grind that down slightly. Its thin, so maybe some off the manifold, and "little" off the pad.
 
There are differences in torque convertor to crank fitment also when the earlier trans is retained. Smaller conflicts like your 65 alternator bracket versus the later models oil stick length and routing can be whipped.
Best plan, Get all the accessory set up with the engine and replace the 65 radiator with a new and proper one.
 
hdroyals said:
i am looking for a 318 for my 1965 cuda as my 273 is locked up. i know i need an la block but i was wondering if some years are better than others is a 318 out of a truck different. what 1970's cars came with 4 barrel intake.

any info appreciated
Click to expand...

I'm selling my short block, in my car.. All cylinders checked out with in 10 lbs of cranking pressure..

I ran high 10's with nitrous with it..

It just needs bearings.. Forged Pistons,

It's a 73 block ( stronger) I can email you a craigslust link to it.
 
If your original crank for the 273 is still good, take it and keep it. they are forged and stronger than the later cast cranks. Also keep the original vibration damper with the crank if it's in good shape also.
 
C130 Chief said:
yes, LA passenger car and truck blocks are the same. Everything should switch over. Keep in mind that the front cover and water pumps changed in 1970 so those need to be changed as well. Sometimes it's easier to put a later radiator in an earlier car.
Click to expand...


I keep the original vibration damper for the engine, then put the old style timing cover, and water pump on. then I can keep the original style radiator for the car. I just re mark the vibration damper for the old timing mark location.

(more than one way to skin a cat...)
 
will a newer automatic fit in the cuda i dont if the tunnel is smaller. i assume the factory auto is a little smaller
 
Newer 904 will fit just fine. You'll have to get creative if you want to use the factory shifter. You'll want a later driveshaft too.
 
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