Non A-body question.

[55Redneck]

I have yet to get a motor and trans for my 65 Cuda but I have found a deal on a possible parts car with a 318 auto, and the guy also has a running (according to him) 318 in his shop. I don't know the exact year of the parts car but it looks to be an early to mid 80's Dodge Diplomat 2 door. The price he wants for the 2 motors and the trans that's in the car is very reasonable but for a few extra bucks I might be better off dragging the hulk of a Dodge home and tearing into it. Is there anything I can use off this car that would work on my 65? I'm thinking stuff like parts for a front disc brake swap, maybe the rear diff? What auto was in the parts car and would it fit in my Cuda without having to butcher my trans hump? If none of the front disc stuff will work for my car I'll probably just buy the 2 motors and one trans off the guy. Sorry for what may seem like dumb questions but if it were an A-body Chevy, I wouldn't be asking them because those, and Tri-5 Chevys I know about. Just a Mopar newbe now.:-D

Thanks in advance for any insight you people can give me here.:thumblef:

Regards
Red

 

[Prine]

sure, a 318 will fit in there...but you already know that...all SB's are the same external dimensions.
Important stuff is engine casting date....usually under the driver side exhaust manifold.

A 302' headed 318 is a good little engine with a 4bbl and a set of headers.....so if it is a 1985+ 318, and runs, just pull the oil pan and check for cleanliness, pop the valve covers off and do the same, change the timing chain/gear (all 318's that I have seen have nylon gears and single groove chains) and throw it in....you'll have to plug/weld up the Smog Ports on the 302' heads or you'll have 8 exhaust leaks....otherwise...good luck.

For a transmission, I would try sourcing a non-lockup TF904 out of a
late 70's early 80's 318 equipped pickup, you can use it and the torque convertor straight up, with little to no modifications.

 

[69DARTS]

the dippy stuff will inter change with some fbody cars

 

[cosgig]

You may have an A-999 trans in that Dip which would be a good trans to have around. If nothing else, you could pirate the lower gearset and input shaft out of it to wake up a 904 trans. The brake stuff probably will not work for an early A body, at least not unless you are going to change to all large bolt pattern. Even then I'm not sure if it will interchange. The rearend will definetly not be a bolt in and will probably not be worth the $$$ to make it fit. There are many other options available for rearends to use the one from the Dip. If it was cheap enough, you may want to snag it, but if it were me, I would just buy the 2 motors and the trans. Good luck with your 65, and if you need some parts for that, post your needs here. I just stopped and looked at a 65 and 66 parts car today!! Geof

 

[65barracudadude]

I'd listen to these guy's on this. That motor and trans. would be very useful. Anything else from the Diplomat is basically worthless to you.

 

[55Redneck]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll probably just end up buying the motors and trans.