426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda

Posted By: moparman111

426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/10/12 05:33 PM

Hi, I am very new to A bodies but not the Mopar world. I own a '67 Barracuda with a tired 318, 4spd combo. I have always dreamed of owning a Hemi and with a good year at work I might treat myself. Other than a BB bell for the tranny and a new set of headers what is needed? Does Shumacher sell a set of swap mounts that make this swap easy without a crossmember change. As far as I am aware the tranny is a 23 spline unit. Would it not hold up to the Hemi?

Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Robert

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/10/12 08:14 PM

Check with Shumacher on the mounts, I've put several 426 Hemi motors into A bodys using a set of Elepahant ears and set of A body Hooker race headers

The thing to keep in mind on locating the motor is the crankshaft centerline and hieght

The 23 spline trans will hold up as long as your not dead hooking it letting the clutch out at 6000 RPM +

If you do this swap don't forget to upgrade the fuel line size and tank pickup size, 3/8 I.D. or larger

Posted By: Daty Rogers

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/10/12 08:19 PM

I checked SCS, no mounts in the online catalog. FABO guys seemed to tend toward motor plates, several threads there. I yahoo searched for info and that's all I found.

-Daty

Posted By: demon

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/10/12 08:27 PM

Not sure on the mounts, but I know of a 69 Cuda with a Hemi and dual quads with stock chrome dome aircleaner. Looks like it was born there. He used a 1/2" spacer at each K frame bolt to lower the engine for hood clearance.
23 spline 833's are plenty strong, don't worry about that unless you are a total animal with slicks.

Posted By: autoxcuda

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/10/12 08:39 PM

The mounts are only part of your concern.

You'll need headers, offset master cly w/flex lines, lower steering column bearing support moved up/shortened, manual steering box, dented/scalloped passenger inner fender for valve cover clearance, and some other incidentals...

TTI headers are the most cost effective new headers for this. So you must put your motor exactly in the place in the TTI instructions/diagram.

I believe Mega Parts and/or Ed Debevic (sp?) makes K-members ready to install in the correct location for TTI headers.

When you get all the right parts and check everything first the motor install will take about 30 minutes and this will happen...

Attached picture 7456645-Untitled-2.jpg

Posted By: Daty Rogers

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/10/12 09:58 PM

The SS A-Bodies did have spacers on the kframe, forgot about that. Still looking for a bolt-in mount system.

-Daty

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/10/12 10:53 PM

Quote:

The SS A-Bodies did have spacers on the kframe, forgot about that. Still looking for a bolt-in mount system.

-Daty

Elephant ears or motor plate.

Posted By: moparman111

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/11/12 04:15 PM

Darn. With so many other changes required to run a 426 hemi its just seems unpractical. I have the up most respect for those that have Hemi's under their hoods. I honestly dont know if I could afford it all. You all know what a crate Hemi is. I was really only factoring in the cost of that and a new heavy duty clutch kit from Brewers. I already have a nice aluminum radiator to use. I guess I will stick within my budget and more than likely upgrade to a beefed up 440. Thank you to everyone who has chimed in and shared your experiences and knowledge.

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/12/12 01:38 AM

Quote:

Darn. With so many other changes required to run a 426 hemi its just seems unpractical. I have the up most respect for those that have Hemi's under their hoods. I honestly dont know if I could afford it all. You all know what a crate Hemi is. I was really only factoring in the cost of that and a new heavy duty clutch kit from Brewers. I already have a nice aluminum radiator to use. I guess I will stick within my budget and more than likely upgrade to a beefed up 440. Thank you to everyone who has chimed in and shared your experiences and knowledge.

Build the 440 now and later on you can sell it and use it as capital to fund a Hemi.

I did the 318 to 318 w/360 heads to stock 440 to modified 440 as funds allowed. I was still able to have fun with the car in all forms!

Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: 426 Hemi swap into a '67 318 Cuda - 11/12/12 03:22 AM

I'm a lifelong Hemi nut, however I have never considered the Hemi A-body a good car for the street. One of the best driving Mopars is an A-body with an A engine and a 4 speed. I think you should work with what you have if you want a well balanced, fun to drive car.
It will be a lot easier to put together a nice 360 based stroker.

Sheldon