Knocking 273 LA Engine Gets An “Overhaul” For The “Llama Barn” 1967 Plymouth Valiant!

[@garymckee8857]

Hard work pays off in the future, laziness pays off now 👍 Since I turned 61 years old I can relate to this.

[@antoninoorfano8187]

In Australia 1965 We first got the 180hp 273. Then from 1967 to 1968 it was 195hp . Both using 2bbl carb. Great motor .

[@LongIslandMopars]

Nice. Do you know where the horsepower bump came from? I built my 66 273 to stock specs (180hp).

[@antoninoorfano8187]

@@LongIslandMopars According to the books , it says a higher lift cam , everything else stayed the same .

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@antoninoorfano8187 Nice. During my rebuild I went with an Isky E-4 as that's what folks on forums were using for their 273 builds. It loves to rev and the gas needle shows it. However, it's in a 4 door Coronet with a 2.94 rear. Not a rocket. 😎

[@beljames1563]

My first d500 315 cuin hemi was also a 3 5/8 bore. In fact it used the same rings as a 273. This reminds me of the "overhauls " I used to do. Way more refresh than overhaul. But they were just fine. I usually threw in fresh rings and rod bearings, but not always. One time I broke a ring installing it. I lived 20 miles from town so that piston got a used one...lol. Good times and fun cars that don't mind running in spite of us.

[@jmr1970]

Hey Jamie, ❤ the 273 Commando. I had one in a 68 B5 blue Dart. It had 13” tires. I drove it to High School in the late 70’s. It was a ripper…

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Awesome! The 273 is fantastic. Hopefully this one will be mostly great.

[@jeffhutchins7048]

I like the comparison of the 273 piston in the 360 bore......GOOD THINKING for a video!!!

[@michaelnault5905]

That old Valiant is going be happy!

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Owned 2 273 Valiants and put many brand X to shame . MOPAR for life 👍🏻🇦🇺.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Got to love the little 273's I've had 2 cars with them in the past, a 68 valiant was my first, then a 65 belvedere a few years ago, no powerhouse but they get the job done!👍

[@SuperSatelliteGarage]

She’ll scream just fine! Nice throw-together. Happy 2024

[@dartdude4084]

Nice little 273 I have one in my 65 Dart GT.

[@wiggyjones]

Happy New Year! Look how far you've come in 2023! Here's to a lot more success in 2024.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thanks Wiggy!

[@tedcorey3054]

I'm probably a little late to the party ,(not unusual) , but Sleeper Dude was rebuilding a 360 and he used a piece of emery paper around the crank journal and with a shoe lace wrapped around it ,worked it back and forth to polish it , it was perfect .

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s essentially what I did, but with 400 grit sandpaper - and my fingers.

[@Grandadsjunk]

Love the bush mechanic cheap rough and ready and it will go just perfectly

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Good stuff. As a kid in 1970s, we only had a carport w/ much junk everywhere. My dad was always turning wrenches on old Buicks & asking me (@7) to light his cigarette as his hands were messy. Good times. 👍🇺🇸

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s a good one 😅

[@hr9781]

Finally the 273 video

[@stannelson2582]

Good enough 🧐. Paid off well!

[@jamesashabranner2426]

Y'all are hilarious love y'all show 😁👍

[@dnfd737]

If I recall properly, the 64, 65 273 had diffrent heads and intakes, late 65 and newer were the traditional la heads and intakes.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Correct! I’ve learned this before but it had been a while. For some reason I was thinking that the goofy bolt angle and size stuck around as long as the adjustable rockers and solid lifters did, but that is obviously not right.

[@dnfd737]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I found out got a 80 ramcharger with a 65 273 doner motor, and the 318/360 manifolds wouldnt work. Fortunately in the early 90s you could still find the intakes. I dont recall what all I did to it but a substantial over bore low torque cam and larger valves(yes I had the block cut for them. Carter afb carb on a 4bbl....fun ride.

[@saxmusicmail]

Commando decal on the air cleaner indicates Plymouth. The Dodge decal was Charger 273. The Charger name for the high performance engines was discontinued in '68 due to confusion with the Charger cars, and renamed Magnum. But you have the right air cleaner decal for the Valiant.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes. lol. I’m hip to that.

[@rexkean]

Awesome as always!

[@linwoodlane5721]

Found your vids in 2023 , very entertaining and il be watching in 2024 , Happy new year Jamie , stay safe and keep on posting stuff up . they did the bore / piston matching in the UK too , used A , B , and C . There was a D but the book of words says service only - whatever that means

[@rockystanaitis2908]

I suggest a big round cow tank full of #2 diesel for storage of engines. A plywood cover would keep the kids out.

[@kencooper2059]

Those old 273s sounded mean with glass packs!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

My brother had a Duster with a 273 through Purple Hornies. It was ridiculous. That car was fun.

[@doncroitor3248]

Love to see this built into a ddart motor!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’d like to do that some day! I’ve got more blocks. Haha.

[@MetallicAH2O]

Happy new year!

[@tonyb3864]

Another great "how to" or "not how to" video. This reminds me of the engine rebuilds we did back in the day. It will be fine. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@SeanJoseph-s2s]

Good content and thanks

[@matthewb8229]

You said, "Admire the super high quality deck machining." and I immediately flashed back to the very first episode I ever watched of yours. You were doing a ride along with the yellow power wagon. You show a side shot, and say something like "Admire the bent up front fender." Finally it just got to down to *camera angle* "Admire...." Made me subscribe, it did.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Wait, have I done a yellow Power Wagon? Man, I’ve done a lot of videos and projects at this point. I have no idea what’s going on anymore. Haha. Thanks for being here.

[@matthewb8229]

@@DeadDodgeGarage The old '53...I think? One that has huge, flat fenders.

[@pcbullets8726]

This will be pretty awesome to see when it's done! Happy New Year!

[@COUNTSLURPULA]

Yessss!!! Laziness paid of biggly! Wooooooooooo!

[@hhplymouth9473]

I subscribed to your channel after seeing the live on Uncle Tony's channel.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh awesome! Welcome aboard, and thanks.

[@kennycarter8179]

1977 sr yr 1st car 67 FS Cuda 4spd had a 70 340. Over a 20 yr period I owned several 273 Darts and Valiants converted to 340's and had several 273's sitting around along with 340 rods, cranks and heads from building stroker 340's. Recalling a magazine project 67 Valiant 273 with 340 heads that ran 10's I thought why not lol. I recalled buying old 273 intakes from Mancini Racing just to have (not a hoarder) and talking about the 273 project. He suggest magnum heads I didn't have any. Starting out with manly spare parts could be a cheep build hahaha. Decked squared bored block, cut J heads and intake, healthy valve reliefs in the block, custom forged probe pistons lowered ring lands for deeper block valve reliefs better flow, custom Hughes Cam it all got out of hand but in the end was a high revving pretty fast fun 273. LOL

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nice. I have some ideas. Magnum heads were definitely on the table. Could do 360 heads but worried about compression. Lots to think about on this.

[@TJay074]

Arthur Brown reference, things i didnt think id hear

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s been a recurring theme. The people love it. Haha.

[@trojan440]

And remember, do like I say,not like I do.😂 Great little motor.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Bingo!

[@carlokerblom770]

I believe that in 1966 the 273 D dart was born over 350 hp solid lifter cam adjustable rockers in a 1966 dart

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It didn’t make 350 HP, but it was pretty stout at 275 HP. Yes, they had solid lifters and adjustable arms - but so did all other 273s at that time.

[@roywhitman7109]

Happy New Year! I have 2 of these engines. One is residing under the hood of my 67 Dart GT convertible. Those valve covers & air cleaner are getting pretty pricey!! The engine in my Dart has a stock 340 cam & a set of 360 heads. It's snappy!!👍

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh dang! That’s awesome. Did that require any clearance notches in the bores? Or do the stock 360 valves clear ok? I am planning something similar, but I was going to stick with shaved closed chamber 318 heads to keep the compression up without a domed piston.

[@roywhitman7109]

@DeadDodgeGarage No, I used a stock replacement Felpro head gasket & had no issues. I haven't over-reved it with the 340 cam set up, either. I didn't use the adjustable 273 rocker set up. I went with the 340 stock cam, lifters, push rods, & rockers. Everything has been good. Actually, did the 360 heads for the hardened seats. I've been told that there are different head gasket thicknesses available in case someone wants to play with a higher lift cam. I believe clay checking would help prove that, too.

[@saxmusicmail]

Strip off the flat black on the valve covers and redo them with black wrinkle paint - like the original. Pro tip, immediately after spraying put them in the trunk of the car on a hot summer day. The heat will make the wrinkle more gnarly.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It’ll be a long time until we see a hot day around here 😅 but yes, the wrinkle finish would be ideal.

[@RustyFuel]

I just got one of these. I am going to put it in my 70 dart with an 8833 overdrive. I want to see what kind of mpg I get.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

If my brother’s experience is anything to go on… pretty dang good!

[@butcher390]

I'm really looking forward to this 273 c.i. rebuild , Jamie As least you're , "brutally honest" 😬 Caught that bagged out #3 rod bearing and leaking oil pressure switch 🤞 New years 💫 rebuild Glad you've got your own endless-ish , supply of 273's #Hording

[@setha360]

The 1966 273 gt with high compression and stock 4 barrel carb put out 275 hp not too shabby , I still have the valve covers

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Not the GT - it was rated for 235. The race oriented D Dart package was rated for 275. I didn’t know it was that high! The thing to realize of course is that those were gross crankshaft HP numbers, so they sound a bit more impressive than they were. Either way, I need to learn more about the D Dart package.

[@Bob-Whiting]

Hey Jamie, Happy New Year's Eve! I can tell that you're a fellow guitar player, 'cause you're installing a "Relic'd" motor in the Valiant! 🤣😇

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Damn right! 😅

[@Coronetguy]

First car was a 67 Dart GT. It came with 273 in boxes.. it all looks so familiar. I do remember laughing at the small pistons. But that motor was awesome!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I love 273s! A performance buildup on one is coming. I’m looking forward to it.

[@shaunclifton5281]

I had the same. 67 Dart GT 273 4 barrel, automatic console, 3.55s, and AC. That 273 would smoke tires all the way down the street. It was Impressive.

[@Coronetguy]

@@shaunclifton5281 mine had A/C as well. It mounted under dash . I always thought it was after market but later learned it was factory. Of course I ripped it all out and stuffed it in the corner of garage.. lol

[@idaholineman5788]

Hell yea! She’s a beaut Clark!

[@nickelliott1174]

I caught that Rick and Morty reference. 😊

[@Ripsaw17]

A little bit of buffing and then it'll come back to a normal Journal not that bad I would check the main bearing specially after the rod bearings look like copper

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I probably should have checked the mains… but I didn’t.

[@OlderNotNecesarilyWiser]

Not to shabby for a one armed man! Hope your arm heals up quickly, that sort of thing is so frustrating. Looking forward to hearing it run. You just cleaned the oil pickup and used it again? I've had too many bad experiences with that, I got to the point only new ones with the hope of not having to go in again. Best of luck with it, with all of your vast knowledge and experience you know better then me. Maybe I just didn't clean them good enough.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

No, I say specifically in the video that that’s a really bad idea. I strongly recommend against reusing a pickup. But on this engine, I don’t think it’s going to matter. So I shook the chunks out and reinstalled it.

[@xX2fast4uXx1982]

I FOUND THE SAME PISTONS ON MY 273!!!! I was removing my heads to replace my rock hard and cracking valve seals. Fid you find a wobbly guide indicatig a piston ate a valve too? You and I are kindred spirits my good sir.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I never got into the heads on this one. I probably should have…

[@bigwrenchtech]

YES!!! Hahahah, I love the rick and morty reference. Don't forget to work the shleeb.

[@zanemartin5564]

Question I have a 89 d100, the 86-89 body style. I’ve considered swapping the whole front clip for a 77-78 front clip on my 89. Would a 78 front clip fit on my 89? Bolt right up? And can I leave my 89 core support or will I need a 78 core support?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

See my reply on the other video.

[@spurgear4]

It seems we have the same machine shop..

[@tomc8157]

Well shit, wire wheel the pistons. I soaked in carb cleaner and wire brushed them. Worked, just took forever and a day.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s a good way to do it. I like the bench grinder, especially for the added benefit of adding heat and shocking the rings that don’t want to move.

[@davestark2015]

What a fantastic and expensive hot tank you have !!!! Lol

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

😅

[@markandrews2942]

My first 273 had a cam and reported intakes to match a 340 torker manifold and 600 double pumper in my 65 barracuda A friends 383 roadrunner couldn't pass my 135 top speed but his engine was stock.....

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

Did the R/T chargers have special badging (R/T) on the inside of the car (like near the glove box or on the doors)?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

No, they did not.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

Been waiting on this Jamie.Probably get me to kick off the build of my 273 +.30

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Sounds good! This one was a quick throw together deal. My other one will be the performance build for my Barracuda, and I’m really looking forward to that.

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Nice. I built my dad's 273 in his 1966 Coronet 500 back to stock except for an Isky E-4 cam. Still running the 2bbl although I have a Commando 4bbl intake waiting in need of a small AFB. I didn't do the high compression domed pistons; it barely cleaned up at 0.030 over so I went with stock flattops that wound up sitting low in the deck (didn't deck the block). She's no powerhouse in a crew cab Coronet (4 door sedan) and it gets terrible fuel mileage, but its dialed in perfect with a Pertronix and runs like a champ. One day, when I find a decent, proper, small AFB that is period correct, I'll switch it over. Happy New Year, Jamie.

[@Project-Mopar]

Everyone is going to flame you, and correct you and blah blah blah. But guys like us know... it's gonna run no problem. Cool project. Team crude!!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I hope they do. The algorithm must feeeeed… there is a *right way* and this definitely isn’t it. But it is *a way* and it’s probably going to work! I actually find more value in doing things this way in terms of education as opposed to having a machine shop fix everything and simply bolting it together. It takes some ingenuity and a willingness to fail. And I’ve got that. 🤣

[@dartdude4084]

Do you have any videos setting the valve lash on a 273?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

No, but it’s the same as setting it on anything else really. A couple feeler gauges, an 1-1/4” socket (or starter bumping tool,) the valve covers off, and - if you want to do it right - a “hot” engine.

[@JimmyLoose]

You should have thumbnail titled this video, "Going Commando."

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Dang it! Missed it by that much…

[@mikedaugharty5544]

Jamie I am repairing rebuilding my front suspension on my charger and probably a challenger 70 and I was wondering what urethane suspension kit you suggest or have used and thought the best I've never used one I've heard conflicting stories about them so I would just like your opinion on which kit to buy thank you Sir have a blessed new year hey

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I believe PST has them. We don’t usually do everything in polyurethane - just the lower control arm bushings.

[@mikedaugharty5544]

Thank you for the info@@DeadDodgeGarage

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

Heh Heh, very entertaining! No new timing chain though?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

There wasn’t enough slop in it to concern me. I think the used rod bearings will be a problem long before the chain. Haha.

[@noberet]

👍

[@r1lark]

So.......is that a new Hemi sitting in the crate behind the 273? C'mon, don't hold back on us, show us the big buck stuff! I mean, you have a Studebaker so you must be a bucks-up dude! 🙂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I don’t have a Studebaker - my friend Dave has a Studebaker. I’ve just been storing it and occasionally working on it for 6 years 😅 that is a 408 stroker small block, which is going in a Dart Sport. I showed the engine and other parts in the first video on that car. More updates coming soon.

[@r1lark]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Sweet, sounds like a great engine, I'll have to go back and look at that video! Have you gotten the bug to get your own Studebaker yet? Wish I had a great friend that would store my Studebakers! 🙂

[@danielventura8073]

Is it possible to swap a 225 slant 6 with a 273 in a Dodge A100 or 200 Van?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes - but you will need a different transmission/bellhousing, V8 mounts and accessories, etc. They did come with 273s and 318s from the factory, so parts exist.

[@garryhatchett775]

Yup, intake bolt changed in size and angle in 66.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Riiiight… I should have remembered that. I was thinking that change coincided with the hydraulic cam (and loss of adjustable rockers) but that was incorrect.

[@dantupper1784]

The 273LA- they're mostly harmless, and kinda fun. You ever get the feeling the 273LA was kinda a afterthought? I haven't ran across a set of 273 heads with the early small bolt holes with the standard LA bolt pattern. Old, and maybe BS tale was they used the leftover 277 Poly tooling- hence the small bore. But with all the recycled Poly parts on the LA engines, makes you wonder.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I wouldn’t know anything about early Poly tooling stuff. I don’t know what would be of any use that wasn’t already available in the 318 parts pile.

[@kennycarter8179]

Having had several stock 273's I can confirm 64 - 65 had a unique intake bolt angle and smaller diameter bolts than the "standard" 66 and later engine.

[@dantupper1784]

@@kennycarter8179 I still have 2 pair of the '64-65 small bolt heads & matching Offy 4bbl intake.

[@steveash9831]

Hmmm... Let me see if I learned anything from this video. "Ummmmmmmmmm". AH! YES I DID!!! My knee joints only hurt when it shows it's raining there! Thus, I love this lazy-based educational video!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

You can’t see the rain if I’m inside! 😅 funny thing happened yesterday, for a brief moment, a giant ball of fire in the sky was shining through the open bay door in the shop. It was… odd. Unexpected this time of year. Holy crap, I just looked outside and it’s doing it again. I should go to the beach or something.

[@steveash9831]

Hah! Make a video of you at the beach. I'll bet my legs are whiter than yours!@@DeadDodgeGarage

[@bobdunn4179]

No cheap refirb is complete without "champion plugs".😂🤣

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I don’t understand the crap I’m getting for using Champions. They’re the factory plug…

[@darrelldavis5116]

Pretty sure those aren’t the stock hi-compression “commando/charger” pistons.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

No. This is not a Commando engine. It is *dressed* like a Commando engine. I explained the plan in a previous video, so I understand if you didn’t see it. But I did say in this video that its job is to look like a Commando.

[@normp3273]

What do you reckon a simple rebuild would cost at a machine shop?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

This really needs an overbore. 273 pistons are a problem… the machining bill alone would not be so bad.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

I'm uh err uh - dumbdified !

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

😮

[@jamesonpace726]

You had to think about a 440 vs. 273? R U kidding....

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That low compression motorhome engine probably doesn’t make much more horsepower than the stock 273, and weighs much more. Lol. It does have all the torque though.

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Chrysler small blocks are a jewel. I helped get my buddy's 318 running mint in a 72 Satellite Sebring Plus. Nice and light in the front, decent power, and can handle.

[@adamhoffman3687]

A whole Lotta not as I do-do as I say lol.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Exactly. Haha.

[@adamhoffman3687]

@DeadDodgeGarage I am looking for to seeing how it works. I'm able to get pictures of the rear axle if you want. Let me know.

[@samelliott1056]

Is it legal to be this early?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Legal, yes - fashionable? Not so much.

[@johnhoward7298]

I guess You call it dead dodge.. garage for a reason

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Well… yeah.

[@johnhoward7298]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I had a 65 barracuda Yrs. ago , it looked brand new ( except for the headliner )

[@Mr.mopar71]

Chumpions? Jamie, I'm so disappointed 😢. Autolites or bosch are so much better and won't fail.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Champions are fine. I use them all the time. I’ve had this stash of them for years and put them in everything. They’re spark plugs dude… they spark.

[@Mr.mopar71]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I suppose, but all the mopars I've owned I always got better performance and mpg with autos or Bosch. Copper core, not platinum.

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

😅

[@JimmySloan-r9s]

Amazing that no Yankees above Kenturkey , use compressed air to clean out orifices' , wtf..

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

What makes you think that, exactly?

[@brucebourque6899]

What a hack job , helps to give mechanics a bad name !

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Ok buddy. I professionally build high end restoration engines with correct details down to the factory markings on fastener heads. This is not a customer’s engine. This is for me. It’s an exercise in frugality. A lesson in what can work and why. It’s cheap fun. And more than anything? It’s ENTERTAINMENT. How many times during the video did I say “don’t do this?” Seriously dude. Good luck.

[@rivegauche3149]

Why don't you act like someone with sense weather than trying to be a comedian , Jeez 🙄

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Why don’t you bite my shiny metal ass?