How difficult is it

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williaml

williaml

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How hard is it to swap an engine out of a 1965 Dodge Dart. I'm having the original engine rebuilt while driving around in the replacement engine. Is it difficult to remove a slant 6 225 no air since it is a convertible. I have never done anything like that but it doesn't seem that complicated. Any advice would as always be appreciated.

Bill

1965 Dodge Dart Convertible
 
If it is a manual trans the new engines crankshaft might not have been drilled for the pilot bushing. If it is an automatic your torque convertor will NOT properly fit a 1968 and later crankshaft without a spacer. It is long engine, but the procedure isn't very difficult.
 
Bought the car it has a 1969 Dodge engine 225 and the 1965 transmission. I will have the 1965 engine rebuilt and the 69 trans I guess if they are able to swap.
 
DartFred, did you encounter a lot of snags? It's just me with a come-along. Automatic transmission.
 
It's not a difficult job if you have the proper tools and knowhow. You also need to have the correct parts so there are no incompatible mismatches. '65 and '69 engines and transmissions are not a direct interchange. The main problem areas are: crankshaft pilot hole for the converters are different diameter, converters for the same reason along with input shaft spline count, engine oil pans (they can and must be swapped over), driveshafts ('69 is slip yoke and '65 is flange type) and cable shift vs. linkage shift on the transmissions along with neutral safety switch/backup light switch, wiring, and function. The transmission as an assy is a '65 only transmission.
 
The hole in the back of the crank on the 1969 engine is a larger diameter than the 1965 engine. This allows you to install a 1965 torque convertor into a 1965 crank, but a 1969 convertor will not install with a 1965 crank. When you use the older smaller (1965) torque convertor with the 1969 engine's crankshaft you MUST use a adaptor/spacer. In other words your 1969 trans will not attach to your 1965 engine without some serious work. Here is a link to a thread about the crank adaptor that should be between your 1969 engine and the 1965 torque convertor. If it is not in place the convertor just kinda sits on the bolts instead of centering on the crankshaft. I believe not having the spacer causes vastly accelerated trans wear.

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=182542
 
okay so I am going to have the 65 trans rebuilt/ I will hopefully take out and the trans guy says 2 days and he'll have it ready. I wonder how the previous owner had it "rigged" up.
 
I contacted the previous owner not much help as far as information goes. The engine in the Dart right now is a 1968 engine hooked up to my 1965 trans. Are those 2 years compatable without all the re-sizing and such as mentioned above?
 
You really should have the spacer between the crank and convertor. I don't believe there is any way to check if it is there without pulling the trans. And yes the 65 trans and 68 engine will fit together without it, but it really really should have the spacer.
 
williaml said:
okay so I am going to have the 65 trans rebuilt/ I will hopefully take out and the trans guy says 2 days and he'll have it ready. I wonder how the previous owner had it "rigged" up.
Click to expand...
You'll be the first to know! :) Usually the adaptor bushing is just left out. Sometimes you're lucky and the converter stays centered and doesn't cause a problem. Other times it will vibrate, crack flex plates, and wipe out the converter bushing and seal. It's not worth the risk for a $20-30 part.
 
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