70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
#3047299
06/02/22 08:04 AM
06/02/22 08:04 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,336 Massachusetts, USA
MASSMOPAR
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OP
pro stock
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Massachusetts, USA
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I want to drop a crate 440/425hp engine into the 318 base Challenger. Any requirements, recommendations and suggestions in regard upgrades to transmission, rear end, brakes, suspension, cooling, exhaust etc ? thanks
70 Road Runner 528 HEMI 4sp FY1
70 Road Runner 440+6 V-Code AG 4spd EV2
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG Vert B5
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG X9 V1X V8R-WORKING
69 R/T Auto/Console 8.75 SG Vert R/T B3
08 Challenger 1st Edition Hemi Orange
69 Super Bee 4 Spd 8.75 SG AG F8
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: MASSMOPAR]
#3047308
06/02/22 09:02 AM
06/02/22 09:02 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085
Benton, IL.
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Make a list of what is under the car now and we may be able to make some suggestions. You do know that just about anything that connects to the small block will need to be changed for the big block, don't you?
Master, again and still
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: DaveRS23]
#3047312
06/02/22 09:26 AM
06/02/22 09:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,336 Massachusetts, USA
MASSMOPAR
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OP
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Its a stock 318 challenger - I don't believe the k-frame needs to change?
I know for sure need to change the auto transmission to 727, drive shaft, rear end axle and differential.
ADD sway bars front and rear, HD brakes and HD torsion bars.
70 Road Runner 528 HEMI 4sp FY1
70 Road Runner 440+6 V-Code AG 4spd EV2
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG Vert B5
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG X9 V1X V8R-WORKING
69 R/T Auto/Console 8.75 SG Vert R/T B3
08 Challenger 1st Edition Hemi Orange
69 Super Bee 4 Spd 8.75 SG AG F8
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: MASSMOPAR]
#3047334
06/02/22 10:58 AM
06/02/22 10:58 AM
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,254 nowhere
Sniper
master
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master
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,254
nowhere
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Its a stock 318 challenger - I don't believe the k-frame needs to change?
I know for sure need to change the auto transmission to 727, drive shaft, rear end axle and differential.
ADD sway bars front and rear, HD brakes and HD torsion bars.
I think you need to find out what you have before you start ordering parts. My 73 Challenger had a 318 and came with an 8 3/4 rear axle. No need to change that out. If you currently have a 727 you can keep the driveshaft. Sway bars aren't required, per se but you may already have a front one. What brakes do you currently have?
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: MASSMOPAR]
#3047357
06/02/22 12:16 PM
06/02/22 12:16 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234 Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
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Its a stock 318 challenger - I don't believe the k-frame needs to change?
I know for sure need to change the auto transmission to 727, drive shaft, rear end axle and differential.
ADD sway bars front and rear, HD brakes and HD torsion bars.
K Frame is the same. All V8's except the Hemi had the same basic Kframe. Motor Mount isolators are the same, (Rubber part) Motor Mount Brackets (Metal bracket on engine to Rubber isolator) are different. Transmission mount and isolator are the same. 1970 floor shift cars had a shift interlock linkage. It is not needed if you lock the shift tube in the column and it is a floor shift car. If you keep it, then it will be different big block to small block and 904 to 727 If the transmission is already a 727 floor shift then New transmission and kickdown linkage are needed but all else is the same. If the transmission is a floor shift 904 then: The bracket that holds the lower part of the shifter bellcrank is different, The kickdown linkage is different Probably the Rod to the shift lever. Driveshaft and slip yoke are different too. Of course you need the 727 Transmission. Column shift cars need the correct bracket for the shift linkage for the Big Block. Nearly all linkage if swapping from 904 to 727. I doubt it is column shift. Not many column shift Challengers. Rear end is OK if it is and 8-3/4, Gear change is optional. Sway bar is a nice plus. Can be left off but really worth it in my opinion. Torsion bars will need to be replaced and if you drive hard the rear springs will probably need to be looked at. Exhaust is different and you would want duals instead of single anyway. Engine wiring is slightly different. A new engine harness or modify the old one. Power steering brackets and probably hoses. If you have/want AC the brackets and hoses are different. Radiator, fan shroud and hoses need replaced if it is still stock. Not a hard job except finding or paying for the linkage.
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: topside]
#3047478
06/02/22 07:55 PM
06/02/22 07:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085
Benton, IL.
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Me, I'd go with a stroked LA unless I absolutely needed 440 CI. I agree. A 408 with the right cam and good heads would be a lot shorter route and the car will drive better with the lighter power plant. If it's got a 904, stay with it. Just beef it some.
Master, again and still
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: IMGTX]
#3047578
06/03/22 09:14 AM
06/03/22 09:14 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,336 Massachusetts, USA
MASSMOPAR
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OP
pro stock
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Appreciate the idea and suggestions to stroke the 318...
This is what I have: 1970 Challenger 318, floor shift 904 and 7 1/4 rear end. and a Crate 440 To summarize needs: Appreciate info where I can purchase these items: - Motor mounts and brackets - The bracket that holds shifter bell crank - - Kick down linkage for 727 - Rod to shift lever - Drive shaft and slip yoke - 727 Transmission - 8 3/4 rear end - sway bars -front and rear - torsion bars - dual exhaust - power steering brackets/hoses - Radiator and hoses.
70 Road Runner 528 HEMI 4sp FY1
70 Road Runner 440+6 V-Code AG 4spd EV2
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG Vert B5
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG X9 V1X V8R-WORKING
69 R/T Auto/Console 8.75 SG Vert R/T B3
08 Challenger 1st Edition Hemi Orange
69 Super Bee 4 Spd 8.75 SG AG F8
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: MASSMOPAR]
#3047581
06/03/22 09:47 AM
06/03/22 09:47 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085
Benton, IL.
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You have a big (and expensive) job ahead of you there. It might be a challenge finding everything you need for it right now. You have the large radiator opening, that is a good start. I do have a couple of questions up front;
Do you plan to keep the A/C with the 440? Do you have the standard flat hood? And then, is there a time or money budget on this project?
Master, again and still
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: MASSMOPAR]
#3047583
06/03/22 10:10 AM
06/03/22 10:10 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085 Benton, IL.
DaveRS23
Special needs idiot
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Special needs idiot
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,085
Benton, IL.
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I will make a couple of suggestions on the shift linkage; lock out the shift interlock rather than mess with redoing it. Just make up a one piece kick down like the later models had. I usually make my own from Dodge trucks in the pick-a-part yards. The key is getting the right ratio between the carb arm and the arm on the tranny. Make sure that the 727 you get has the mount on the tail shaft for the shift rod arm. You see the arms at the Mopar swap meets regularly and they are in repop, too. Is the 904 arm different than the 727 arm? Year One shows them all on back-order and only lists a 727 arm.
Master, again and still
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: DaveRS23]
#3047585
06/03/22 10:17 AM
06/03/22 10:17 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,336 Massachusetts, USA
MASSMOPAR
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
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Have the flat hood - intend to go with AMD shaker and a shaker kit 4bbl. Have A/C Intend to remove A/C. Have 7 1/4 intend to get a Mopar Madness 8 3/4 complete brakes
I'm committed to the project - time not an issue - money is always a concern. Before starting I like to have all the components on hand already have the car and the crate engine.
What parts in your mind are gonna be an issue/challenge to get? Here is a list thus far... Motor mounts and brackets - The bracket that holds shifter bell crank - - Kick down linkage for 727 - Rod to shift lever - Drive shaft and slip yoke - 727 Transmission - 8 3/4 rear end - sway bars -front and rear - torsion bars - dual exhaust - power steering brackets/hoses - Radiator and hoses. - HD leaf springs
Last edited by MASSMOPAR; 06/03/22 10:26 AM.
70 Road Runner 528 HEMI 4sp FY1
70 Road Runner 440+6 V-Code AG 4spd EV2
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG Vert B5
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG X9 V1X V8R-WORKING
69 R/T Auto/Console 8.75 SG Vert R/T B3
08 Challenger 1st Edition Hemi Orange
69 Super Bee 4 Spd 8.75 SG AG F8
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: MASSMOPAR]
#3047586
06/03/22 10:22 AM
06/03/22 10:22 AM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,228 Colleyville
3hundred
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,228
Colleyville
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Save yourself a LOT of time, money and effort, sell this car unmolested and buy an already built 440 Challenger. 2ยข
'68 Fury Convertible '69 300 Convertible '15 Durango 5.7 Hemi '16 300 S Hemi
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Re: 70 Challenger 318 upgrade 440 etc.
[Re: IMGTX]
#3047593
06/03/22 11:02 AM
06/03/22 11:02 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,336 Massachusetts, USA
MASSMOPAR
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,336
Massachusetts, USA
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Aftermarket parts are fine.- availability is more important.
70 Road Runner 528 HEMI 4sp FY1
70 Road Runner 440+6 V-Code AG 4spd EV2
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG Vert B5
69 R/T 4 Spd Dana 3:54 AG X9 V1X V8R-WORKING
69 R/T Auto/Console 8.75 SG Vert R/T B3
08 Challenger 1st Edition Hemi Orange
69 Super Bee 4 Spd 8.75 SG AG F8
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