318 to 360

[Hotfoot]

Possibly picking up a 71 D-100 with a semi-tired 318.

Will a 360 bolt right in or what would I need to convert it?

I'm a semi neophite Mopar guy!

[wideblock]

i think its the passenger side mount that needs to be swapped for the 318 mount. other then that, it goes right in. but make sure you use the 360 flywheel, they are balanced different then the 318.

[PwrWgnWalt]

Hotfoot;

Wideblock is correct on the flywheel - it must be a 360 flywheel (the 360 is an externally balanced engine). In a '71, the 318 bellhousing will work perfectly. The rubber engine mount isolators in your '71 will work fine; but as posted, one of the 360 metal mounts is a slight bit off in stock position.

For hydraulic clutch models (pre '69), there a variance in the depth of the flywheel between the 318, and the later 360 (not spaced as far back from the crank flange), that creates adjustment needs in starter spacing and clutch rod length. It also necessitates cutting the front of the hydraulic bellhousing away - we used a plasma cutter - to clear the 360 flywheel hub. Not a quick switch like the '71!

PwrWgnWalt

[Jeffc]

If auto is used then you need the weighted 360 tork converter for the trans.

[Hotfoot]

Thanks for the tips. Its a 318 automatic.

[Rodger]

Hola

I have a 1970 W100 that came with the 318 and manual.

I also have a 1978 E58 coded 360 that came from a van. I changed the 360 heads to the ones that are on a first series 360 that has the new style air body on it and the old style exh manifolds. The 360 heads have the last three numbers of 308 on them. These heads are the best flowing OEM heads that a carb unit will bolt to with-out a degree to install them.

The other item I did was to install the 92-93 Dodge Trk/Van Magnum rear dump exh manifolds on the same 360 engine. ( plug the smog holes that you may see )

The fuel induction is the 1978 E58 4 bbl Carb using a dual snorkle air cleaner housing from a Van.

The exh is the magnum size to the rear bumper and the mufflers are dual high flow OEM 26" long pots off the MoPar self.

This engine has the NAPA # MC1735 Cam, a set of 0.040 pistons and a dbl row timing gear set.

For now the cab is cooled by my passenger window mounted swamp cooler that needs water every gas stop.

[JJ]

Driver side motormount is different and if you buy the B and M weighted flex plate you can use the 318 convertor. Everythig else should bolt up.
Rodger what are the specs on the NAPA cam?

[Rodger]

Hola Gents

Who ever holds the rumor about the drivers side motor mounts being differant needs to look at several 318 and 360 trucks so they get if fixed in their minds they are the same in all Vans and trucks. If there is no Dodge Van or truck to look at just call any Dodge Dealer in their state and ask for the parts department.

If said person or persons is speaking about a car, then it is true. Oh Yeah, the oil pan in the car is differant that the other.

And the NAPA # MC1735 $102 dollar cam and lifters is as read from the box:

cam lift ....... Valve Lift
int. exh ....... int. exh.
0.280 0.295 ....... 0.420 0.443

I told the clerk that I wanted grunt power from idle to mid-range. I also said that top end is not my concern since I was using the vehicle to pull.

[JJ]

Maybe things have changed but we always changed that mount wen I worked at the dealership in the early 80s. One ear on the block was out of whack on the 360s. General rule was 273-318 one mount, 340-360 another. Even looking at examples of both engines in the garage it looks like the spacing would be off.
Anyway Rodger do you know the centerline and duration of the cam?

[Rodger]

Hola JJ

This 102 dollar assembly which is a NAPA MC1735 has a Lobe ctr of 107 & 117 exh. The dura is 270 & 280 exh.