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I found an interesting parts truck today. It's a 1971 Dodge D500 with a 318 (from the vin number), short cast iron water pump, hydraulic bellhousing, 435 transmission, and has a center front engine mount that bolts to the timing chain cover. It has all the parts and pieces I want to do a 318 conversion in my WC63.
The front engine mount will sit perfectly on the front cross member of my WC63, but I'm wondering if it will it raise the front of the engine too high? Does anyone know if there is an optimal height to have the 318 crank pulley above the cross member?
The engine also has a front sump oil pan. Can it be flipped front to back, or do I need a new pan? What about the oil pump and/or oil pickup?
Looking at my Motor Manual, it says that the 1971 318-3 engine has 212 hp, whereas the 1973 318 that I have now only has 160 hp. I'm very temped to go with the earlier engine, but I'm wondering if either one of these might have hardened valve seats? Would it really make a difference on a truck that will get 500-1000 miles a year? Is there likely to be dramatic difference in fuel economy?
And other than the vin number, is there a reliable way to ID a 318 vs a 360 in the field?
Thanks,
Greg
The front engine mount will sit perfectly on the front cross member of my WC63, but I'm wondering if it will it raise the front of the engine too high? Does anyone know if there is an optimal height to have the 318 crank pulley above the cross member?
The engine also has a front sump oil pan. Can it be flipped front to back, or do I need a new pan? What about the oil pump and/or oil pickup?
Looking at my Motor Manual, it says that the 1971 318-3 engine has 212 hp, whereas the 1973 318 that I have now only has 160 hp. I'm very temped to go with the earlier engine, but I'm wondering if either one of these might have hardened valve seats? Would it really make a difference on a truck that will get 500-1000 miles a year? Is there likely to be dramatic difference in fuel economy?
And other than the vin number, is there a reliable way to ID a 318 vs a 360 in the field?
Thanks,
Greg