318 swap

Post by **Monkey Man** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:04 pm

I am sure you would be able to do it Bob, having the time to do it is of course the problem and there are definently better options and methods than the way I went about it, hope you enjoyed the pics anyhow

Take Care

Regards - MM

poor rich · Post by **poor rich** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:22 pm

a picture says a thousand words but all my words are all questions.
did you adapt to the existing transmission?
did you reuse the ratiator, or put in a bigger one?
I'll start with these questions, but I have lots more.
otherwise it looks like you did a great job
Rich

Post by **Monkey Man** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:44 pm

G'day Rich.....
I did use the stock radiator, I got the inlet and outlet moved to make the radiator more of a full flow design and it also suited the install better. I also used the stock transmission, bellhousing, clutch etc so basically, from the adapter plate forward it is V8, from the plate back it is all bog standard M37 bar the hydraulic clutch actuator etc.
The annoying thing is the engine I bought as a template unit was bolted to an auto which I declined, now I realise after seeing some on this site it would have been well worth my while to keep what turned out to be the 727 auto and just make my winch hydraulic or electric, the truck would be nicer to drive with an auto, My ignorance of what it was made much more work for me

Take Care

Regards - MM

poor rich · Post by **poor rich** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 7:52 pm

next questions...
did you make the adapter plate, or purchase it?
every auto tranny Ive looked at was to long to fit in before the transfer case, would you then use a tranny/transfer case togeather? and if so what about the emergancy brake?
Rich
P.S. my questions are open to anyone who has experiance, good or bad.

Post by **Monkey Man** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:44 pm

G'day Rich.....
I templated the adapter from a Dodge straight 6/V8 universal bellhousing (the index pins for a slant 6 and a flat-top are identically positioned) and made up a 4 index adapter and as you can see the bolt pattern has a few common points to work off, this allowed me to use the stock bellhousing, tranny and mounts. I also mounted up the starter plate to the adapter plate and made it permanent once I aligned it all, makes for easy access and maintainence of the whole assembly..
The 727 comes in a short-tail version I think, saying that if you look about the internet there are quite a few sites that make rear-ends for auto's that are not only shorter but some have custom drive flanges so getting a good match for the M37 transfer is quite possible. I would stick with the M37 transfer case, unless you have a specific reason to change it isn't a good idea as then the mods just keep on coming to make it all work. Another good idea others have gone for is the centred rear prop shaft to make things quieter and cooler at highway pace.
I am happy to just cruise in mine so the rar shaft suits me as it is.
Have I made the issue more confusing yet??
Take Care

Regards - MM

poor rich · Post by **poor rich** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 3:47 pm

well I'm not over my head yet but I'm up to my bottom lip.
Ive talked around and cant seam to find anyone localy that has any experiance with mixing and matching parts, so when I do this I'm going to be on my own.
I guess the place to start is to get rid of the scrap iron thats under my hood now and get the engine Ive been looking at, and just start figuring it out.
Rich

Post by **Monkey Man** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:52 pm

Don't let it worry you Rich - just remove the engine and transmission, look at your options and see what suits you best and remember, the V8 is only an option, the slant 6 is another good one and may!?? allow you to use your setup in a much more stock fashion plus it is one tough engine design with good output...

Regards - MM

Post by **Monkey Man** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:40 pm

Rich.....
Check our Ray's posting and his website, I dare say he will have all the info you need there and more......
Link to Post: viewtopic.php?t=1406&highlight=

Regards - MM

bubba_got_you · Post by **bubba_got_you** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 9:31 am

What did you use for rubber on the engine mounts?

Post by **Monkey Man** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:28 pm

I used 1/2" laminated rubber with grade 8 shoulder bolts to suit and nylock nuts, hasn't been a problem and really dosen't translate to excess vibration, well, not even as much as the old 6 cylinder anyhow

Regards - MM