340 in 66 cuda?

-
J

jpbauer

New Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2005
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I have a 66 cuda with a slant 6 in it and am looking to put in a V-8. I am having a hard time finding a 273 to put in it. Will the 340 bolt in the same? Any other ideas... thanks
 
it should, any LA engine should bolt right up. only a 360 will need a few more mods because its externally balanced, but they will fit.
 
The only 66 I've ever owned came with a 340 in it..4sp car too..fun ride. Where are you located? we toss 273's around here..they're everywhere.
 
The 340 will fit, you will need a K-Member swap, and probly a rear end swap. I have a 318 in mine at the moment. I plan to put a 360 in next year some time. Check out my site for good info.
 
the 64-66 a-bodies wont need a k-member swap. just the proper mounts. You can either use the factory V8 mounts and use a spacer on the drivers side, or get some shumacher mounts and just bolt it in.

The K member was the same for /6's and V8's for these years.
 
Oh yeah, and like Xanth said, unless you have an 8.75, you will need a rear end swap, because the 7.25 won't last long.
 
A 340 is an easy fit. Use regular 66 V-8 motor mounts. You will need to weld a little triangular piece on the right V-8 motor mount and drill it so it looks the same as the other side of the same mount. The clutch bellcrank may ned to be shortened to fit against the larger V-8 bellhousing if you have a 4 spd. The exhaust manifolds or headers are the biggest issue. Another issue is finding a really sanitary route for large dual exhaust pipes you will probably want. (Not a big deal but worthy of a little planning prior to the swap) If you use a 64-66 273 water pump it looks and fits exactly like the original 273. You might need a bigger radiator if you jump horsepower on your 340. Mine kept cool when the 340 was stock but when I went to 400HP it wouldn't keep cool in stop and go traffic. I had to go with a better radiator. The 7-1/4 rear end will probably last until you engage the four barrel on your 340. Plan on upgrading to a 8-3/4. (I've got a pile of about seven 7-1/4s with the pinion cross shafts torn out of the housing if your interested....Slow learner here......really embarassing to have a 5.0 Mustang beat you as you clunk to a stop at the side of the road.... ) A little rewiring to adapt to electronic distributor and voltage regulator will also be highly recommended. Another helpful upgrade is to go with the double wire alternator to provide the volts to ensure good fire for the electronic ignition.
A 340 in a 64-66 A-body is aboout as easy a swap as there is. Do It!
 
thanks for the advice. Looks like the 340 + drivetrain is the way to go, now the search begins.
thanks
 
no, same K member, different brackets for the mounts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top