What engine can I have?

[nailman]

I wanted to participate in the car building experience. I recently bought a 1966 Dart 170 4-door. I chose this car just because I could offend noone if I messed it up. Engine was knocking and I needed several parts. I bought a 1966 270 with a horrible body and stripped it. I used the interior, windshield, motor already. I plan to install the power steering, auto tranny, and A/C this year. The motor in the 170 was smaller than this 225. Are they the same block with a different head? If so is it worth it to rebuild it as a 225 or should I just get a V-8? If V-8, which one was available in this year car? I am only putting on parts that would have been available that year. Thanks for any help or advice.
Chris

 

[65s]

If you want a V8--> Small block V8 available in that car would have been a 273. A 273/318/340/360 will all be the same physical dimensions with the same outer appearance (give or take a few small things) so you can go with any small block, if you want. A 273 should be cheap, maybe even free, same with a 318. A 340 will cost you big bucks and a 360 a little less than big bucks. You will need a V8 transmission to go with the motor and a V8 centerlink (it's dropped instead of straight across).

 

[1966 dart wagon]

nice find on the 66 dart :toothy7: 65s pretty much summed it up, you will also need v8 motor mounts right..im not sure about the radiator, but if you go 273 i think the slant rad should be fine. got any pics :worthles:

 

[C130 Chief]

Your 170 probably had a 170 cid engine. The 225 had the same bore but a 1" longer stroke. So in all actuality, same head, different (1/2" taller) block. These cars were available with a LA series V8 from the factory, so any LA small block will bolt in with factory parts (more or less). Big blocks dont fit so well, but it can be done.

V8 radiators are quite a bit bigger, and if you plan to keep the a/c, you need one. Later model 22" radiators should work, chose your water pump accordingly.

 

[krabysniper]

Actually, it would be possible to put anything you wanted from an original tennie weenie slant all the way up to a stroked monster of 500 plus cubic inch. It all depends on your wallet and what you want in the end.