a friend is trying to take a 361 out of his 61 chrysler and transplant a 70 something 440.

problem is the auto trans is an iron one with alumn bell housing.. the converter looks to have studs that go through the crank and nuts on the end.

is there anyway to get that converter to bolt to a 70 something 440? is there any way to still use the old trans with the newer motor?


thanks in advance

The only solution to do that I can think of is to find a 1959 to 1961 413 crank and have it rebalanced to that motor The other solution is to use a later model, 1962 to 1965,dodge or Plymouth 727 push button tranny and not use the park function in it I'm not sure if the 1962 only Chryslers and Imperials had aluminum case 727 with no park or not, my father in law had a 1962 Chrysler 300 that didn't have park in it My 1962 Plymouth Fury and all the 1962 Dodge B bodys I've seen did have park in them stock as well as all the 1963 and later Imperials and Chrysler having them in them stock

No and Yes.That engine will not work with the iron Powerflite as-is. The only way to make it work with that transmission is to swap the crank with one from something pre-'62. Crank bolts up way different. Not really worth it. If he wants to go with a 70 something 440 then I would highly recommend hunting down a '65 aluminum Torqueflite. With that transmission, he can use the 440, retain the pushbutton shift, and dump the ball and trunnion joint on the drive shaft.

I have restored a few of these cars and would be happy to answer any questions if it would help.

The one-year-only '62 727 in full-sized cars still had the parking brake on the transmission and the '62 shift cable will hook right up to the '61 push button shifter. If you can find this trans it greatly simplifies the swap.

I hope this doesn't come across as a for sale ad, but I have an old 8 - bolt 413 crank if he's interested.

The '62 TF would solve the park brake issue, but it still uses the ball and trunnion drive shaft setup. The '62 TF would be the easiest fix. The '65 has the modern slip-yoke, and a transmission park setting in the tailshaft. The '61 Chrysler has no controls for the park setting, so something would need to be improvised. A park brake lever from a '63-'64 Chrysler works nicely. Using the '65 setup modernizes the drivetrain and makes maintenence easier, but it's a little more work on the front end...

The best is to get a 1962 aluminum 727, it will have the parking brake on the back of the trans. This trans will not have park in it. There was no park on th 61 either, and no way to connect it without adding something. The parking brake cable is a different length between 61 and 62 so it would be good to get that cable also.

If you use a 65 727 with a slip yoke you will not have a parking brake on the car at all.

Changing the crank is fine if you would rather work on the engine and leave the trans alone.

ok, thanks guys.. i'll let him know..

The elusive '62 727 trans.

If a transmission swap is being done, try to get the later crossmember too, as it's different as well.

Very good idea, or else some fitting and welding will be required. '62-'64 will bolt right in.

I have a 62 BB trans in the garage.Its a 40K unit.My kid pulled it when he put the CRT trans in the 300.I even have a nos filter that goes in the trans line.Did have 2 but he used one when he put the CRT trans in.I believe some 62 trans had parl also.His does not.Nothing wrong with B&T shaft.The one in m6 65 is still going strong and Ive broken a lot of rear joints never a front B&T though.Rocky

well i gave him he news.. not sure what he is going to do now..

thanks for the information..