installing 340 in 69 dart with exhaust manifolds bolted on

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Pentarockstar

Pentarockstar

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Thanks for looking. I have never done these things and looking for some advice.

Getting ready to put my 340 back into my 69 dart with power steering.

Will it go in with the HP manifolds bolted on? The right side should not be a problem, but that left side....

Also can the four speed go in with the engine? I do have one of those 4 point tilting slings.

Thanks for your help.
 
Under the hood has not been painted in around 50 years, so no problem there.

As far as why.... I am old and wrenching under the car is just not as much fun as it use to be. So I am trying to get everything that i can on the engine when it is easy to do.
 
Put it in from the bottom. Like this. Not my car. Just a stock web photo

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Wow! That looks like a bunch of work.

But if you are trying to stuff a big block in a small block hole...
 
It's easier to have the manifolds hanging on the end studs - loose, that way you can move them around if you get hung up, then put the rest of the bolts in when the engine is in place and tighten. Don't forget to put the gaskets on loose too, unless you have the ones that are cut through on the bottom for the end studs.
 
Thanks! That does sound pretty reasonable. That right side has to wrap around the steering column. I just don't want to try and jam a torque wrench in there.
 
Don't try to install the drivers side manifold once the engine is bolted in place - you end up taking that side motor mount loose and jacking the engine up anyway. The trick is to get it all in with the "ears" on the studs. If the end threaded holes didn't go into the water jacket the whole process would be a lot easier.

Hang 'em on there, even just start the nuts to keep from having them fall off. Then go slow, keep going from side to side, and you won't have a problem. Two sets of hands, sure makes it easier. Having that tilt sling will really help. As far as the torque wrench goes, use it on the bolts and the nuts you can reach, get a feel for what it feels like and then use that sense to do the ones that you can't reach with the torque wrench. If you can stand the price use Remfex gaskets and use their torque specs. I've never had them leak.
 
Thanks for the info. I did use the Black RTV on the corner studs, so I hope they don't leak. When I got the car 25 years ago it had 318 manifolds on it, so that is why all the HP manifold stuff is new to me. I did look at the Remfex gaskets after I bought some NOS Mr. Gasket gaskets from the 80's hoping the asbestos would seal better. Now I am beginning to think that was foolish.

As far as torque goes. I never really got a solid answer on that. Some sites say 30, others 20. I went 25 on the right side, but that seemed too much.
 
No way in hell would I try it with the manifolds on. The way the driver's side wraps around the steering shaft is gonna hang you all the hell up. If you're old, you're supposed to have wisdom. Act like it.
 
Thanks King James,
Wisdom can only be gained when you have been through an event. Since this is my first rodeo, I ask questions and listen to those who have come before me.

He loved me and I knew Him.
 
The drivers side manifold "dog leg" has to come down on the inside of the torsion bar too. Trying to maneuver that heavy engine around while lowering it into the bay and making sure you have room to fangdangle it into place, will make you crazy before you get everything to line up not to mention swearing like a weekend sailor. Plus, if the tranny is in place, you'll be trying to get that lined up too with the drivers side manifold blocking some of your view as you lower the motor into place. Save yourself the misery and leave the manifolds off or at least the drivers side for sure.
 
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If you leave the passenger side manifold off you’ll have more wiggle room on the drivers side If your coming in from the top. This should give you enough room to slide it in. The passenger side manifold’s way easier to install after your lined up and on the mounts. Good luck with however you decide to do it.
 
I had to put my DS manifold in after I set the motor in. It was in the way of the steering shaft. I put it in, up through the bottom. However, it was in a Duster and not sure if it makes a big difference or not.
 
i put the manifolds on after the engine is in.You have to "finagle" the drivers' side but it will go in.I never had to raise the engine but maybe it would be easier?
 
Thanks for all of your answers guys. Looks like I am trying to hit too many birds with one stone. Time to focus on getting the big and more complicated stuff to fit first.
 
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