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318 or 400/440?
#85996 June 28th 2001 10:45 pm
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journeyman
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I have a '76 B-200 LWB with the stock 318 and 2 bbl configuration (less than 60k miles), and the original 727 tranny. Since I own a van, I obviously don't care too much about getting good gas mileage, but my question is: can I stuff a 400 or 440 engine in the van without cutting any sheet metal, or getting custom engine mounts? Also, will the 727 handle that size engine? (the replacements will most likely be stock or close to it).

Re: 318 or 400/440?
#85997 June 28th 2001 11:24 pm
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I'm no major-talented mechanic, but I can tell you this much, Fast Eddie, I had a '77 Dodge that had a 400 in it from the factory. It was listed as such on the sheet on the underside of the hood. But I always had one hell of a time convincing the "authority" behind the local parts counter that the van had that size motor. So any way, the parts must be out there for it. I think most of us are of the same opinion about the gas mileage. Unless it's a four banger in a "mini-van". And no guys.... I'm not trying to revive the "what is a van" topic! [Linked Image]

Re: 318 or 400/440?
#85998 June 29th 2001 8:34 am
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Yes Ive heard of and even seen articles of 70s dodge vans coming with 400s and 440s, maybe you can check out a mini-motorhome(class c) for any needed parts or see how its stuffed in there.
Im pretty sure the 727 will work fine with that size engine, I dont think they make a bigger trans.

Gas milage? Maybe Im cheap, but it bothers me latley, mostly because what we pay here on Long Island, about $1.80gal. I have 2 vans with v8s to keep full.

Ive check Blues Traveler at the last 2 fill ups, 12.3 and 13.7mpg, 50/50 city and highway without the trailer.

Any other magnum 5.2s doing any better than that. since I put in new Split Fires and cleaned the airfilter(K&N) and replaced fuel filter a few months ago it seemed to drop a bit.


Re: 318 or 400/440?
#85999 July 04th 2001 12:01 am
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Just a little more info I found out about the 400 cube motor: It was an option offered from '77 to '79. Just read about on www.allpar.com.

Re: 318 or 400/440?
#86000 July 12th 2001 10:56 am
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journeyman
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Yeah, the big blocks were only available for 2 years... The 318 I have now has the stock 2bbl on it - looking at upgrading to a 4bbl, and know that I need a new intake manifold. Does anyone recommend Edelbrock, Weiand, Mopar Performance, or any others? Still trying to decide if upgrading the 318 is better than stuffing a 400 or 400 in the doghouse... more HP will be better, I'm guessing!!!

Re: 318 or 400/440?
#86001 March 22nd 2002 12:30 pm
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Madman!
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About swapping a 440 for a 318. It can be done, but there are a few things you should know if you havn't already startet the project and found out the hard way. The motor mounts non't need to be custom you just have to find 440 mounts and install them in your van. You may be able to use the ones from the 318 but may have to drill different hole to match the 440 block. Sometime I've noticed in doing engine swaps on a Mopar, you can put the mounts on opposite sides to make them fit.
The 727 trans will NOT work. You can use a 727, but the 318 is a small block, and the 440 is a big block, so... the bell housing for the 440 is larger.
You will probably also have to change the radiator, because the water pump on a 318 or 360 has the outlet on one side (for the lower hose) and the 440 is on the other. You will also have to change the throttle linkage and trans kickdown linkage.

Hope this helps;

Superbeast

------------------
Ken Schwarz
Tricky Truckers,N.J.


Re: 318 or 400/440?
#86002 March 26th 2002 5:24 pm
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pooh-bah
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Well Superbeast, I'm glad you mentioned the trans, I was just about to say that. Also, be careful what year 440 you choose, in the early 1970s, Chrysler was scrambling to meet 5mph law requirements and put different motor mounts on the 440. They are about twice as long and have a rubber sleeve that the motor mount bolt goes through, they suck. Anyway, the K-member will not accept these and you will have to get special mounts. There is a company that advertises in one of the Mopar mags that make a retro-fit mount. And finally, as I have found out, make sure you REALLY want a big block in your van, now that I have one I have noticed that there is hardly ANY room to work on it compared to the small block. They are really wedged in there, it just took me an hour to change the waterpump on my van 440, which is a ten minute job in my Coronet!
Hurricane Wayne II

Re: 318 or 400/440?
#86003 March 26th 2002 7:34 pm
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Hehe...WEDGEd in there...clever....big block Mopar....wedge...
I guess a Hemi is out of the question, then? [Linked Image]

Re: 318 or 400/440?
#86004 March 29th 2002 9:34 am
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Find me a cheap Hemi and I'll do it!!! I'd actually like to put and old 331 hemi in a van, it'd be a little easier to play around with, since the distributer is in the back. I'd love to get my hands on the old "Mr. Van" blown Hemi van, but I'm sure it's been long since stripped and parted. They only ran 12.90s in it, could've done so much more!
Hurricane Wayne II


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