need engine swap decision help

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R3dplanet

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My car is a '65 Barracuda, almost entirely stock except for the brake upgrades.

The original 273 blew up this week and I intend to rebuild it along the lines of a Commando over the winter. In the meantime I'd like to temporarily drop in another engine. I want to drop in a good engine because I do a lot of distance driving and I don't want to break down in the middle of nowhere again. Also, I want to sell the engine to someone else once my 273 is all ready to go.

The thing is, I don't know exactly what my options are. I know 318, 340, and 360 engines will work - but exactly which ones? There are lots of engines on Craigslist pulled from a variety of vehicles ranging from old unloved, beaters to modern Dakota pickups. Are there better years? Will they even fit without retro-fit aftermarket parts like engine mounts and what-not?

*** My main concern is EASE. I just want to be able to pull and replace an engine over a weekend without getting too fancy. ***

Here's more information about my car: it has power brakes and power steering, both of which I really like. It has a manual 4-speed A-833 transmission with a stock rear end and driveline. I've upgraded to front disc brakes. It has a stock exhaust system. I have a new Dakota-style starter to make way for the power steering gear.

Any thoughts? Similarly, anyone want to sell me an engine? I'm in Portland, Oregon and willing to drive a couple of hundred miles to find a good engine. I'd rather buy something "in the family" so to speak.

marcus
 
To make it less expensive go with a 318 because the engine side of the motor mounts interchange on the 273/318. If you went 360 you may not want to put the 273 back in.
 
I was going to say to plop a 318 from either an early carburated car or a late 80's roller cam engine from a Diplomat to fifth avenue. Use the carb on your 273. It's not fancy or fast, but it'll work and be easy.
 
a late 80s truck 318 would probly be best. high nickel, thick wall block so you can just throw a set of rings an bearings in it, lap the valves, new timing chain and oil pump, new gaskets and paint. it would be really reliable. if you want to get fancy maybe a 340 cam and a cheap 4 barrel setup.

oh and you get #302 heads with that motor!
 
Pretty hard to disagreee with any post on here. For cheap, decent performance, it is pretty hard to beat a 318. Any version, roller or std. hydraulic. There are a gozillion of them for minimum dollars. I have had them all, from 273's to 416's. My personal cheap favorite is a 360. More torque for everyday driving. Slightly lower in the rpm band for longevity. Same long rod, with the 3.58 stroke. Also cheap and easy to come by. The change or modification on the mounts is not a really big deal. A 360 is a very nice performance driver engine with a low cost. My two cents, but it is your car. Do what you want, and do what you can.
 
Where are you located? I have a newly freshened 1965 273 available. It is upgraded with a comp hydraulic cam and hydraulic valvetrain as well as a later Holley streetmaster modified to fit the early heads.
 
I'm far from Tennessee - I'm in Oregon.

I'll call around Portland and Seattle tomorrow and see what I can find. Thanks for all the input.
 
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