New Engine, Different Tranny???

[Duster88]

i recently got a 73 duster with a 225 /6 and a 3-on-the-tree manual transmission, id like to know what transmission this is and what other engines can bolt up to it with the bell housing. thanks and thanks for any input!

 

[66dartman]

I don't know which model 3 speed they used behind the slant 6 but you can bet it is light duty. Unfortunately, only the other slant 6 engines will bolt up to the 6 cyl bellhousing. So if you're thinking small block, that will be a different bell and the big block a different bell also.

 

[Duster88]

sadly, i was mistaken about my good fortune. its actually a 198 /6 on a 74 Duster, while that is still the same car, i fear the engine is inadequate. what would be a cheap way to get horses back without nitrous?

 

[66dartman]

Depends on the word"cheap". There is a slant 6 forum that gets into making the 225's run, there is a guy that turbocharged his fairly cheap. For starters, it would probobly be fairly cheap to swap that 198 for a 225 if you want to stick with the 6. I am swapping the 225 out of mine for a small block, you can do it cheap and have good results. Even a mild 318 would be a huge improvement over the 225.

 

[intimidator]

I think the best way to get some performance would be to just pick up a 360 with transmission and just bolt it in. This should be a very simple change in a Duster as long as motor comes with manifolds.

 

[moper]

I would do a couple things..the 198 and 225s are close enough to not notice much in a swap..But, you can swap in a cheap 4sp OD trans and floor shifter, and add some rear gears, and it will be a bit more peppy, and get better milage. The whole deal could prob be done for under $300. Then you can consider the power levels and engine swaps..