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360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question

Posted By: dssaa

360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 04:09 AM


Good Evening Moparts...
I have a 1979 Dodge Power Wagon that had a 318 auto....it was seized with broken connecting rods. I came across a 1975 W200 that had a good 360 4/speed in it. I pulled the 360 in hopes of a direct drop into the Power Wagon. Question...since the Power Wagon has a 318 Convertor in it, do I need to swap it for a 360 convertor. I know there were balancing differences between them. I have the motor almost lined up, then it dawned on me that the convertors may be different. Any thoughts?
Appreciate any tips. Was hoping to have the motor in this weekend...now not so sure.
Dave in Colorado
Posted By: moparmarks

Re: 360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 05:09 AM

Hey Dave wave
Yes the 360 uses a weight on the convertor. There is an early 2 piece weight and a later one piece weight.
I just swap out a 318-727 for a 360 in my 78 D100 and was lucky to have a good 360 convertor sitting here.

Attached picture 20201208_100545.jpg
Posted By: 451Mopar

Re: 360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 07:32 AM

B&M External balance flex plate would allow using 318 converter (or other neutral balance converter.) Has stock size 5/16" bolt hole pattern for both big and small converter bolt patterns, and the large 7/16" bolt holes for aftermarket performance converters.
https://www.holley.com/products/drivetrain/flexplates/b_and_m_flexplates/chrysler/parts/10236


CR13 converter has the two small weights, 1600-1800 stall.
CR15H converter has the triangle weight, listed as High Stall (I think 2200?)
Trans Star Converter catalog:
https://www.transtar1.com/TranstarI...verter%20Catalog/mobile/index.html#p=665
Posted By: PurpleBeeper

Re: 360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 04:24 PM

I'm no small block expert, but my gut instinct would be to use the flexplate and keep your current converter.....OR, if you want an aftermarket converter, there are normally a lot more choices for "neutral balance" converters. Again, I'm no expert on small blocks, but I've run into similar situations with externally balanced big block engines
Posted By: moparx

Re: 360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 06:42 PM

this is a timely post for me.
i have been asked about installing a 360 in a 1970 fury, but keeping the original 904.
without going into why this is a bad idea, has anyone added the weight from a 727 converter to a 904 converter ?
the chassis book shows where to put the weight, and how many grams it must weigh.
i know the B&M flexplate is the best way to go, but i'm just curious if anyone has added the weight to the 904 converter.
as always, TIA ! bow
beer
Posted By: Sniper

Re: 360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by moparx
this is a timely post for me.
i have been asked about installing a 360 in a 1970 fury, but keeping the original 904.
without going into why this is a bad idea, has anyone added the weight from a 727 converter to a 904 converter ?
the chassis book shows where to put the weight, and how many grams it must weigh.
i know the B&M flexplate is the best way to go, but i'm just curious if anyone has added the weight to the 904 converter.
as always, TIA ! bow
beer


I added the weights from the old MP kit to a 727 converter when I went from 413 to 400. Not exactly the same but no issues doing it.

I don't think the type of trans matters, just the type of engine.
Posted By: moparx

Re: 360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 07:07 PM

thanks. those were my thoughts as well. balance for the engine in use.
beer
Posted By: 5thAve

Re: 360 swap in a 79 Power Wagon torque converter question - 01/08/22 07:50 PM

I've always paid a transmission shop to add the weight and they supplied it. I would have gone with the B&M plate and I'd pick one up if I ever saw it for a great price somewhere like a swap meet but this was quicker and cheaper.
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