I've owned my '65 Coronet 440 for about 13 years. It's the original motor that has gone around the clock a few times before I even took ownership. It's run so good for me until now. She blows smoke like a steam train. I want to keep this car. So I am seeking your advise and ideas on which way I go to. I am not looking to rebuild the 318 poly. I understand it's cheaper and better to replace it with something else. I was told that getting a 360 would be a good option. As it's not for racing and I like the reliability the 318 gave me. Forgive my ignorance but I am guessing the 3 speed auto in my car is the 727?! I have no problem replacing my transmission as it too has been around the block. I am wanting to replace the motor, trans and diff now that I am in the position to do so. With all the knowledge and wisdom here. For a year of Coronet. Would this 360 be something I could work with?https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/HP73C/10002/-1
As soon as I find the motor I can fit in this car, the sooner I can start piecing together parts. So recommended transmission and diff for this would be great. Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help me piece together getting this car back on the road again.
Yes that engine would work, the biggest issue you will have is the transmission because your torque convertor is neutral balanced and the engine is externally balanced . . and I don't believe you can get an externally balanced convertor for an early trans. SO you will need a later trans and ext. balanced convertor. This causes another issue because '65 is a bastard year when it comes to the shifter mechanism (combination linkage/cable set up) The easiest way around this would be to install an aftermarket floor shifter. I believe the Poly motor mount brackets will work on the 360, you may need a new flex plate, you will need headers or LA exhaust manifolds, not sure if your pulleys will work (probably not) you will need the correct alternator bracket too. Hoses are a simple issue and the radiator connections are the same.
** Direct connection used to sell a weight kit for converting a neutral balance convertor to external - if you could find one this may be an option and save a bunch of time, money and work ** welding is required though.
** if you could find a rebuilt LA 318 that is neutral balanced - this would allow you to keep your trans also. All 360's were externally balanced.
If a man speaks while in his garage and his wife does not hear it, is he still wrong?
My thoughts (which have always been my day dreams with this car)...now that the car is in a stage of not being driven until I get another motor...is to upgrade both the transmission and diff. All because, over the time I have driven it over the past 13 years. It cruised strong, all day long, but if I stood on it, I would hear and feel that it wasn't making the transmission happy. I used to think it was perhaps the drive shaft wrapping on the floor as I have lowered the car a decent amount, but came to realize, it's tired parts. The diff, I would like to find out if it is the 8.75" and if it is, keep it but rebuild it so it's solid. The transmission would sometimes hold in 2nd and not want to shift to 3rd. And to get it into reverse, meant I would over shift and come back for it to engage. Standard old car stuff, but signs that it could use some help too. So to replace it as well as the motor, I am not against doing. Definitely, have no problem with setting up a floor shifter. I am even prepared for shortening the driveshaft in order of different parts going into this. We will see.
It's all homework right now, and I'll gather information from everywhere and everyone, till I come to a conclusion that lets me get this all taken care of so I can drive her once again. Thank you so much for giving me some more information on what I have to face to make this happen. I truly appreciate it!
I can confirm it has the 8.75" I found a good page with a lot of info on these axles including info on different center section types that are interchangable.
I have a '67 440 that had a 273 SB. I bought a '70 Newport with a 440/727 and swapped it in. Had to rebuild the trans but what a great swap it was. And changed the pumpkin to a 355.
