Big Block A body Swap, in Minutes!

[@gregtough9055]

I find if you raise the rear of the car when installing the engine/trans together, it makes life a little easier as the harsh angle is not required.

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s an excellent idea! It’s the simple things that help the most. Thanks brother.

[@johnwilburn]

Also, those engine levelers with a crank are hugely helpful with installing engine and trans together or inline sixes that are half under the cowl.

[@dinadaughtry8993]

Heck yeah like the idea

[@timbrwolf1121]

AYYYY now I see why you liked my 383 comment! You'll have to watch me do mine. I plan on filming when I drop mine in my 95 dakota. Been looking at electrolysis. The block I have is bare block with untouched 906 heads. Got it for $300 from a guy selling a roadrunner. His kids had ripped the plastic off it while it was fresh for rebuild waiting in his shed so it is coated in thin surface rust.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Will do! I’ll give you a sub!

[@ChiruStone]

I’d like to see that as well!

[@timbrwolf1121]

@@JustMoparJoe kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXLNn5Rvnsd1o80 Was trying to find a better medium for the electrolysis process. Apparently its white vinegar.

[@mikesr3407]

What timing ! I was wondering and sure enough Mopar peeps sent out early SAT morning video ! 👍👍👍

[@mikesr3407]

What The H. Pipe ! Dang what's that doing there !

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@mikesr3407 got the car from some Mopar guys. That 2 1/4” exhaust will probably have to go as well someday. KZbin should be the Saturday morning cartoons equivalent for adults! I always try posting then to give anyone time to watch over the weekend 👍🏼

[@gregoryskaggs656]

Help is always good to have when you shoehorn big blocks into A bodies. Nicely done.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I may grab the engine leveler later to pull this one. But that’ll be a few months. Maybe it’ll cool off before then!

[@shanew.williams]

Cool build Joe. About 10 yrs.ago i did a built 440RB & 4 speed into a 1973 Dart Sport 3-speed manual car using Schumacher mounts & TTI long tube headers. Despite all the naysayers,i kept my factory air,PS and everything,no cutting,flattening or any other mutilation. The only real difficulty was getting the passenger side TTI long tube header in. I had to get a big stack of tires,wood beams etc. in order to prop the car almost on it's left side,rmomentarily moved the torsion bar,then the header slid right in ,put torsion bar back in. You'll have a great driver there.

[@JustMoparJoe]

That sounds like a pain! I have a set of hookers from a B body that I hope to make work. I’m not scared to cut a tube or 8!

[@shanew.williams]

@@JustMoparJoe Yes,the pain was the thought of tearing something up & ever having to pull that motor back out lol.

[@JamesTanner-um3on]

You are the man Mopar joe

[@johnelliott7375]

Yes sir we had to get it done Friday night for work on Saturday morning and then drive it Saturday night and Sunday. Hence the good ol' early 80's. Great evening to you Mopar Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I appreciate the support

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe I love to watch you go at it, reminds me of my late 20- &30's doing it so we could drive And race down on main Street. Good Sunday evening to you Mopar Joe.

[@MP-pz9oe]

Hey Joe, havin lotsa fun ! Godspeed !

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! This car will get live soon

[@keithlipford3205]

You motivate me ta get goin on my projects. Thanks Joe n keep up the good work.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for the support brother! I know I’ve been skipping around a lot lately, but I want to keep my Mopars up on the channel.

[@cartersgarage392]

Good work! When I put the 440 in the Swinger the exhaust manifolds/headers were a pain. Ended up getting a pair of Schumacher shorty headers.. worked great. Btw, if u ever need an extra set of hands just holler at me. 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Rick! Where you located brother?

[@MikeS-ci5qw]

That car should roll with that motor in it! It does sit surprisingly high considering all the extra weight. Nice job.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I swear! Makes me wonder if they sneaked one in before. With the previous owners, there’s no telling!

[@johnelliott7375]

You are keeping busy and moving forward! That's a good thing I have to say, glad to see what you are doing today, Mr. Mopar Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks again John!

[@moparnut6286]

Always behind the ears the lugs of the engine... even # on the right side odd # on the left side for the parts number as you sit in the driver seat that's the mopar way. Cool my 72 I converted to spool mount k member now I know for sure what to do if I ever want to put one of my spare big blocks in it! Thank you Joe.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I’m trying to keep the wheels on!

[@johnelliott7375]

If I know you it will look period correct and work perfectly on top of it. I'm going to say guaranteed money in the bank. Great day to you tomorrow, Mr. Mopar Joe. No thank you for your time and your video.

[@johnelliott7375]

Gotta love that H-pipe, I knew you would overcome that little obstacle.

[@DuddiesAdventure]

I've always been told that Big Blocks were a tight squeeze in a A-Body, Looks great but it sure doesn't give you much wiggle room. Gives me lots of ideas if I ever build a car one day. Great job Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Get on it Duddie! You’ll need a big block someday.

[@tomdamon7208]

Bigs are not an issue in A's . b -engines fit better than RB engines

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

the 400 is just fine in my dart, but i have a old k frame and schumacher headers. can change the plugs with a plug socket and a wrench on the end of it.

[@billsanchez2665]

Wow does that motor look big in that engine bay, thanks for sharing you are always showing cool projects!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Bill! I’m sorry for jumping around so much. I just know that people want to see them all. I just want to see them driving! 😂

[@cameronpowell8584]

Big Block in an A body 👍👍🔥

[@JustMoparJoe]

It was meant to be! Besides, if it’s going to race a little on the pavement, it might as well have a big block!

[@LeonelCoros]

…👍🏼😷 ha! Just what I needed to see, how to ‘drop’ a 383. Well mine is going on an E body, since I sold my Duster! 👊🏼😷 ✌🏼 Tks Mr. mopar Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Hopefully the pans make you a great car! Let me know how it goes!

[@LeonelCoros]

@@JustMoparJoe ...for sure! Thanks again Mr. Joe, this is just the start. I will be looking for more pieces to replace. Speaking of... Just got the two door panels for the challenger. 👍🏼😷

[@timbrwolf1121]

Looks like you are using a pre 66 transmission as well. The rear housing is entirely different from 66 and on as the parking brake is contained in the rear housing before that. You may encounter other issues from this later on, but the forums have everything you need.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I might actually have this trans sold to a guy in Arizona. I just picked a couple later models up that will make my life easier 😅

[@timbrwolf1121]

@@JustMoparJoe I just picked up a 70 trans with trans brake for $200 to put in my 64 440 318 poly with push button auto. I just need this for the conversion www.aandatrans.com/Products/Push-Button-Conversion-Cable-Set-for-1966-Up-Torqueflite-in-a-1962-65-Vehicle__AA3354.aspx Then I can use a gear vendors overdrive. They don't work with pre-66 transmissions because of the cable tail housing.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Excellent. Good luck on the swap. I might have a 65 dart on the channel in the coming months. Hope to do a 360 swap.

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

If it was me I'd run the big block manifolds for an A - body . on that H pipe cross section I'd cut it out and leave like 2-3" section sticking out on each side and get a small length of exhaust pipe that will slide over the 2-3" sections and use clamps then that way if you ever need to take the tranny out and or motor with tranny it will disconnect the exhaust pipes better . That's awsome that the big block fit into the dart sport 😎🤘🏁. In the words of Ace Ventura pet detective - LIKE A GLOOVE !!! 😂

[@JustMoparJoe]

😂 I quoted him well. I have some B body headers that I’m planning to try. Saw recently that they work by a guy on Facebook. Will report. Lol

[@briansignorelli7090]

I'm impressed that you did it by yourself Joe I've done that not easy

[@JustMoparJoe]

It was a gorilla to get in there! Next time it’ll be a lot easier in two pieces

[@Digitalsharecropper]

I've done them in M-bodies. The fit on the drivers side is awful. K-Car Power brake booster

[@johnwilburn]

Fits like a glove.... OJ’s glove.

[@318willrun]

LOL... John...

[@JustMoparJoe]

That got him a few years anyway. That’s a lot for a football star.

[@johnwilburn]

@@JustMoparJoe Actually, he got away with killing those two people. He only served any time because he was held without bail. The armed robbery years later got him 9 years.

[@Moparmaga-1]

I still can't believe how the jurors didn't know that leather shrinks after it gets wet and dries

[@318willrun]

hey, there's nothing like a visual look !!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Absolutely! Sometimes you’ve got to draw the map before the journey.

[@IronHorseGarage]

Awesomeness!!!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! It was a hot mother!

[@garryhatchett775]

The width is the same on that type of motor mount as the small block but should be moved back about an inch for proper orientation. It’s nice to play around and test things out.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yes sir. When I get my newer trans in, I’ll set the trans mount first, then come back to the engine mounts. Still a while away.

[@keithhebert9334]

A lot of times on Mopars I like to have the transmission in place drop the motor in by itself and then hookah together later I can hardly ever get it in there like that with the crank pulley on

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s exactly what I like. I might unbolt this before it comes back out.

[@davidrubin9258]

JOE, NOW THAT YOU HAVE THE 383c.i. IN THE DART, PLEASE PAINT "THE MIGHTY DODGE" ON THE TRUNK LID JUST ABOVE THE LATCH!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks David! I had to pull it back out to be able to paint under hood. The car needs love for sure!

[@440phoenix]

It's gonna be an azzz kicker!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Brother! I will definitely be proud of this one when it’s done.

[@johnelliott7375]

The last quarter or half inch always made you work then as you well said Woo hoo!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Absolutely!

[@DustDevilGarage]

good stuff I was thinking about mocking mine up soon I have a set of spool mounts hmmmm woonder if they would work

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yes sir!

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

Hey Joe, I've always enjoyed doin B/RB TRANSPLANTS with A/E Bodies and right along with talking-to them lol. I was wondering what happened to that 383. I'm going to be transferring a R/B CRANK into my 383 as soon as I can get block and crank to the machine shop. Good luck with the trial 383 fit.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy. Still have this engine. I will do the 400 fresh build, swap into my barracuda on the channel after the dyno runs. Should be February if all things go well

[@HoosierGarage]

nice vid, I am embarrassed to say i had trouble putting a 340 in a Duster once. So I can imagine my rage dealing with this..haha

[@JustMoparJoe]

It was a pain! Especially with trans attached.I’ll yank it for the rebuild when I can get to it. A guy on Facebook tells me that I need to cut ad move the motor mounts back a bit on the k frame. I’ll have to investigate that.

[@HoosierGarage]

@@JustMoparJoe bigblockdart.com or org is a pretty good site if you haven't seen it before

[@JustMoparJoe]

For sure. I’ve done a 383 into a 72 demon and a 440 into my dads 72 swinger. These spool type mounts kind of threw me for a loop. I’d love to use them if possible for a “mostly street” car.

[@RabidTransitGarage]

Do you have the casting numbers off the drivers side exh manifold? I got a set for the Barracuda and want to compare as I have PS.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I wish you could have asked a few days back. It’ll be a minute before I can check again. Especially now that they’re 1/16” away from the shock tower 😩

[@RabidTransitGarage]

@@JustMoparJoe I know it's tight, no big deal if not. I was trying to pause your video to see if I could make it out...lol

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

they almost fit on the 400 in my dart, just would have had to grind a casting nub off the passengers side.

[@RabidTransitGarage]

@@frigglebiscuit7484 which ones?

[@nate.frechmann6154]

This is awesome, I’m swapping a 383 into my 64 barracuda and I’m going with a motor plate cause I couldn’t find any place for the motor mounts

[@JustMoparJoe]

Excellent! The plate is much easier, but may throw off your pulleys. Good luck 👍🏼

[@nate.frechmann6154]

@@JustMoparJoe thanks, I’m only 17 so it’s gonna be kinda ratty but I just want it to run and drive before I work on cosmetics

[@JustMoparJoe]

That’s exactly what I did at your age. People love seeing the old cars out. They don’t have to be mint to be different from the crowd. People remember getting to ride in an old car. Good luck brother. I’ve got a 65 model 904 if you’re in need of it.

[@nate.frechmann6154]

@@JustMoparJoe thank you, I’ll keep that in mind. I’m lucky enough to have a place called mopar city about an hour away and meeting old guys at car shows and they all said once it runs and drive I could easily win work in progress before I get a paint job on it

[@lautburns4829]

I’m liking it.👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

It’ll be back!

[@johnelliott7375]

Giving me some killer ideas!

[@BeatersRus]

lol at " too much stuff " seriously,you have No Idea what too much is :D enjoyed the hell outta the vid too. cheers !!

[@JustMoparJoe]

You can never have too much! I just need to plan a week of organizing and hire some help to get everything into place.

[@glengabruch4664]

The low deck big block fits great in the 67 to 72 A bodies. Last May, I put a 400 based 512 stroker with Trick Flow heads into my 1968 Barracuda fastback. I used Schumacher mounts and modified Schumacher headers with 3 inch collectors going into a 2 inch exhaust with an h pipe and 3 inch Magnaflow mufflers with 18 inch cases. My 400/512 is backed by an A833 4 speed. 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

That sounds beastly! I’m stuffing the 400 into my 68 barracuda. I may make some front engine mounts.

[@glengabruch4664]

Correction, 3 inch exhaust. I also used the Schumacher Torque Strap too. 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@glengabruch4664 excellent! Which headers did you use?

[@glengabruch4664]

I use a modified Schumacher header, modified with wider and longer 3 inch collectors, modified to work with my 4 speed. Such gives up very little top end (type in fenderwell headers Mopar convince me, page 3 and up show actual drag testing Schumacher vs big headers. It's only 2/10's of a second in 1/4 mile, but with way better spark plug clearance, ground clearance and starter clearance.).

[@jrinn496]

@@glengabruch4664 I'm running Hooker fender outlets for my 400 in my 74 Duster and looking to swap out for the Schumacher. Keep hearing great things about them. I'm looking to get some more ground clearance from the fender outlets and some of the excessive heat they love to generate. Any chance you have a part # that you've had success with?

[@JohnTaylor-kh1sv]

If you got to much stuff , I'll take you last truck you got =)

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John! I want to mess with old blue soon enough. Got too many irons in the fire.

[@johnelliott7375]

I just sent you a message on your Instagram page, thanks again for your time and help Mopar Joe!

[@joewilley7776]

I need all those pulleys, brackets and p/s pump for my 69 Dart 440

[@JustMoparJoe]

Did you send me an email?

[@roby14]

Was the engine mount the only mod you needed to go from a small block to a big block in a 70-74 Duster?? No mods to the K frame?? Also can you use a 727 trans from a 318 to a 383??

[@JustMoparJoe]

The K frame brackets have to be cut and rewelded. You have to have a big block 727. They have a larger bellhousing than the small block. There may be a kit to bolt a big block engine to a small block 727, but you can probably source a transmission cheaper. I will do a more in-depth install on this one, when I can.

[@roby14]

@@JustMoparJoe Sorry for the dumb questions but, can I put a B or E body K frame in an A body?

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@roby14 no sir, not that I am aware. There are companies that make the swap mounts for most applications.

[@joewilley7776]

I could use all the pulleys , brackets and a/c pump, p/s pump

[@donreinholz8121]

That engine looks huge in there. Is there room for a radiator and fan?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yea it’d be tight. This is the car that’s getting the Chinese turbo attached to a 400. That’ll be a fun one to stuff into place!

[@timatwell3728]

are you leaving this in the car ? I hope you put new freeze plug in where the rubber fit was

[@JustMoparJoe]

No sir. It’s coming out for a full rebuild. I just need some time. It’ll probably be fall before it gets going.

[@Moparmaga-1]

Hey Joe , what shocks are you using in your barracuda?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Front shocks are Calvert 90/10’s. Rear are double adjustable koni coil overs. Cuda is back halved with ladder bars

[@Moparmaga-1]

Cool, what oil pan do you run. I have the super stock milodon 9 qt and it's low, I'm just wondering if the shocks you have work well, I also have the Calvert 90/10

[@SkySprice]

“In minutes” lol even with a 225 mine was an all day project just to get it back in the same hole it came out of 😂

[@JustMoparJoe]

This one will go faster when the trans is not attached. 👍🏼

[@SkySprice]

@@JustMoparJoe for sure. The trans makes everything harder. I’m amazed you still got it to work. Good job man

[@edsmachine93]

Test for the 400 Joe? Fills up the engine compartment. It will be cool when that car runs! Will it be the fastest car in The Just Mopar Joe Stable? And is this car why everyone says"Dart Sport" all them time?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ed! It will be a fast one, for an old street car. 😉

[@edsmachine93]

@@JustMoparJoe Drive like you stole it. Fast and Furious! Kick the Tires, Light the Fires, we're going downtown!

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

My last big block Dart was a 68 and I used the original V8 K frame and Schumacer mounts. Im confused though... Was that a stock spool K or was it altered for the big block?? Dont tell me that a big block is a bolt in using stock spool stuff...!!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

That was a bone stock 318 k member. It perfectly lines up. A Christmas miracle!

[@wheels-n-tires1846]

@@JustMoparJoe ok...wtf??? So how did this info pass me by in my pursuit of big block A bodies since...omg...1994(???)😮😁😮 I used to throw away Spool Ks all the time because... "70s junk" LOL...

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@wheels-n-tires1846 let me redact that. There is a guy on Facebook that gave me a link to a guy’s KZbin that says I need to move the stock brackets back a certain amount on each side. I will report back after I get back to it and show exactly how this lines up. Remember my 65 model trans is sitting on the crossmember, without a runner mount in place. These mounts aren’t perfectly in the slots yet. He says I’ll need to move them to be right. I realize how misleading this was after I did it 😂

[@bobgill396]

You have to move the k member brakets to do this.Are you in New Mexico?

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m in Arkansas. I will show the process on the channel someday 👍🏼

[@dinadaughtry8993]

Power steering would be nice with the heavy engine but it does rob power,if a street car then power steering if race car no power steering that is just my opinion but I bet it is going to be quick no matter which way you go, nice 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you! I will try to keep it if possible, but this car is getting a turbo and a 400!

[@martinadams7949]

i always thought those mounts should work

[@JustMoparJoe]

I have new news from a guy in Facebook that I need to cut them and slide them back a certain amount. I will report back on that again someday.

[@maximuswedgie5149]

Looks great Joe! Is a 400BB and a 383 BB the same deck heights? I have a 1973 Bb400 in my 65 Coronet and I really don’t like the motor mounts at all. They keep twisting. My car came with a 383, thinking of someday having a built 500 hp motor and putting one in. Not sure what the factory type motor mounts look like or if they are any better. Have you ever swapped out a older block into an earlier type? Any motor mount issues?

[@JustMoparJoe]

I haven’t done the earlier cars. Put a 440 in a 67 coronet. No issue at all. That’s the earliest car. But I do have a 360 sep coming for a 65 dart in the coming months!

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

400 and 383 are the same, except the 400 has a bigger bore.

[@stevehamilton9418]

They are and they use the same rod. Like one gentleman said, the difference is piston diameter.

[@maximuswedgie5149]

@@stevehamilton9418 Thanks for the info, since my comment I actually did get a new 383, not 500hp but still fun. 👍🏻

[@stevehamilton9418]

@@maximuswedgie5149 cool Max, my daughter has a 74’ satellite that came w/ a 383 and a 400. We decided to rebuild and use the 400. The 383 was in the car but that poor engine was leaking like a sieve! After opening it up, my machinist said #5 may have to be sleeved. I told her to hang on to it as they don’t make these animals any more and this one can be rebuilt….soooo 400 it was. Oh, both engines came with forged cranks, a definite plus! Have fun and good luck bro 👍

[@denniskelly2631]

You will have to swap the cap frame at six cylinder K frame won’t work or V8 whatever you got in it

[@stevehamilton9418]

Hey joe, curious question, what’s your preference, bb or sb ?

[@JustMoparJoe]

For fitment and ease, small block. For the most go, I’d say big block. Cylinder flow definitely helps both. I’ve seen small blocks run half a second faster than a lot of big blocks. But I’ve seen big blocks put a mile on some of the small blocks. I think you can get a lot more bang for your buck from the big block.

[@stevehamilton9418]

@@JustMoparJoe Hey Joe, yeah there’s nothing to substitute big cubes. My preference is bb, but I’ve built and had fun with both! Thanx for responding, good luck 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@stevehamilton9418 thanks. My dad was 100% big blocks. He tried turning me on small blocks before he passed. My 408 was the last one that we built together. Still humming along

[@stevehamilton9418]

@@JustMoparJoe my condolences bro, it’s good to know y’all got to build together! My daughter and son-in-law recently built their first bb 030 over 400 for a 74’ satellite. Unfortunately they’re 3hrs away but we do what we can when we’re together.

[@stannelson2582]

Fun stuff. How different is the weight from small to big block. I was once told the ride is so different it feels like a completely different car. True? Another great video.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I believe it’s 400 pounds. When I lose he ac compressor and iron intake, that’ll help. Maybe some aluminum heads someday! I can lighten up the front. Especially on this car.

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

a full optioned 340 car weighed as much as a no option aluminum intake big block car up front.

[@glengabruch4664]

I put a 400 based 512 stroker in my 1968 Barracuda fastback. Outside of the iron block, the heads, intake, water pump, carb are all aluminum. My 400/512 weighs LESS than the all iron 340 it replaced.

[@robertmagni7201]

Hello Joe I enjoy all your videos wanted to get your email address to send you some pictures of my 93 d150 I’m doing a nut and bolt restoration on. Keep making all the great videos Rob in Blanchard Oklahoma

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Robert! Email is [e-mail]. I need a viewer spotlight!

[@danieljacobson5774]

Arkansas has a different type of heat it's brutal

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yes sir! Humidity at 110 percent

[@Mr.Humphrey60]

MoJoe I need to get you here in Florida Help me with a 02 ram motor swap

[@JustMoparJoe]

That sounds good. I know the 5.7 had a million harnesses and plugs. Good luck brother!

[@geebopbaluba1591]

I’m wanting to swap in a 383 in a 64 440 with a 318 so is this about the same

[@JustMoparJoe]

Not quite. Isn’t the 440 a B body? Check out my newest videos on swapping in the 400 into my 68 barracuda. The guys all recommend the Hedman b body headers. I’m using Tti because they are larger tube diameter. But the hedmans would be great for the street and 383

[@geebopbaluba1591]

@@JustMoparJoe yes the 440 is a B body and they came with everything from a 6 to a 426 Hemi.

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@geebopbaluba1591 you should have loads of room. I just swapped a 360 into the 65 coronet. I have that in a playlist. The LA seemed much smaller than the 318 poly.

[@denniskelly2631]

I belive you r going to have headers.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Definitely. Sad this one got moved to the way back burner 😩

[@SteelHorse3]

Is the dart forsale

[@JustMoparJoe]

No sir. It’s on my list to get done someday. I really like A bodies.

[@joewilley7776]

Where are you located

[@JustMoparJoe]

Central and Eastern Arkansas. My email is [e-mail]

[@joewilley7776]

@@JustMoparJoe I am originally from Goobertown Arkansas ! ( Brooklyn ) Will send email

[@ro.gtheoutlaw8391]

Thank you

[@JustMoparJoe]

Check out my purple barracuda. I show a full swap in it with TTI headers