Posted By: Texican
Question regarding swapping a 426 Gen II Hemi in 69 Superbee - 07/26/21 03:01 PM
I need some help and guidance on a engine swap I'm about to undertake while my #s matching block (440 +6 - A12) goes to the machine shop to undergo cleaning, machining and rebuilding.
Quality parts alone are going to be costly, plus the labor, etc.. since I can't afford to throw down several thousand dollars overnight, I plan on swapping in a 426 Hemi for about 6-12 months while this work is being done.
I've had this fully rebuilt / fresh Hemi for a couple of years for another project that I have already sold, so there it sits screaming to power my 69 Bee for a while.
My 90s block 426 Gen II Hemi is complete from top to bottom and front to back.
I already have a set of Hemi Conversion Mounts from Azzurra that will allow it to mount to my 440 Wedge K-Frame with (they say) near perfect placement (from those that have used them).
I'm using my original 11" 440 bell housing from my 440.
I already have a new (8-Bolt) flywheel from Brewer's 11" 143 tooth that will bolt to my Hemi and Tranny/Clutch
I also got a Clutch, Pressure Plate and TO Bearing from Brewer's that goes with it all.
I'll be using my Original 18-Spline Tranny.
Questions:
1.) What Exhaust Headers should I use for best fitment ? I've heard that the Hemi manifolds will not fit around the 11" Bell without Grinding and Headers are much easier to ding and bend to fit.
TTI / Dougs, etc..?
2.) As I pull my 440 out of the cradle and replace it with the Hemi, are there any recommendations as far what I should do first ?
- Can I just pull the 440 engine while leaving the tranny in place or should I drop both the engine and tranny and mate them up outside the engine ?
3.) Is the only way to install the new Hemi Engine/Tranny from the Bottom up after it's already connected to the K-Frame, etc, or can it go down from the top ?
- The bottom up method looks easy but I've never done it. I've always gone in from the Top Down (old school).
4. Is it possible to go in from the Top Down with Hemi engine only (1) Mount the engine to the Bellhousing (2) Install Starter (3) Tilt Engine so I can Bolt in Headers, Bolt to K-Frame, connect Clutch Linkage, etc.. ?
4.) If not, then how & when do I put the headers on ? In what order and when ? Looks like a tight fit with the headers/inner fender/starter, etc... When do the headers & starter go on ?
I'm open to suggestions from those that have done this before.
Many Thanks in Advance