ClassicCar

1946Chrysler

I am a new poster and I have a 1946 Chrysler Windsor with a Spitfire flat 6. The engine, I believe, is not worth rebuilding. If I'm not mistaken these produce around 100hp, and I would like to have something with 200hp+

. I really like this car ( it was a wedding gift ) and aside from the engine it is in fair shape. This is my first attempt at restoring a car of this age/type, but my father-in-law has experience and has been helping me out. Any suggestions about a suitable engine upgrade? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

hemiparts

There are alot of hot rod parts for the Flat 6 engines but 200 hp is a stretch. What are your plans for the car? Daily driver? Freeway cruiser? How much money can you throw at it? Be realistic here.

Changing the engine to something other than a similar 6 will then require changing the trans as well as the rear axle. If you choose an engine assembly newer than 1956 then you may need to fuss over the 6-volt vs 12 volt issue.

You can see where all of this ends up. If you really want to listen to (read) alot of input, then join these two very different groups:

www.p15-d24.com and www.jalopyjournal.com (also known as the Hamb)

You will get both sides of the stock and hot rod groups thoughts.

Enjoy

1946Chrysler

Thanks hemi, Im considering a 70's Mopar 318 as replacement for the spitfire. It's goig to be a huge ordeal Im sure, but I've got time and a shop to work in with a lift, air-tools, etc. Thanks for the info and the links, I'll surely be checking them out. It won't be a daily driver, so I would like something I can take on the highway and can easily pull this heavy car from 0-60. Hopefuly the 318 with a new intake, carb, cam, and exhaust will do the trick. Thanks again

hemiparts

Since you are looking at a small block, I suggest using a 360...alot more torque. Then add a TF with O/D and a 4.1 or 4.56 rear.

.

1946Chrysler

Thanks again Hemi. My local engine builder just happens to have a 318 that he has no use for (everyone wants a chevy down here). He said he would sell it to me for $200 bucks and was running when he got it some time ago. If I build it up a little bit, will it be comparable to a 360 and be enough motor for my car? I'm also trying to figure out the engines exact numbers so I can find a tranny/rear end combo. Thanks for your help and info.

hemiparts

A stock 360 will have alot more torque than a stock 318. Compare the numbers from any service manual, 72 and up. Although the 318 is cheap at $200 you are still behind if you need/want the bigger torque numbers; as you add hot-rod parts to make the 318 a bit warmer, the torque curve rises and the low speed torque you need is gone. The old style 318, pre 66 style, has a better head design and will make more grunt than a post 66 318. The bean counters at Chrysler found out that they could save 5 or 10 cents by using the new style head...

Have you considered using a B engine (383-400)? Gobs of torque in stock form, more replacement parts than you can shake a stick at...and the 400 is often overlooked as a 'smog motor'.

When you have that service manual open, also look at the 400's numbers.

1-888-Hemi-Parts if I can help.

Gary

Jfinley1950

Dear Sir:

I have installed a Chrysler 360 in my 1946 Windsor and have been working on it for 8 years.

I really feel I can answer any question you may have regarding this engine swap.

Number one: Forget about the 318! Did you hear me? forget about it!

Now, purchase a 360 (Dodge Truck engine) , vintage 1978 . I say 1978 because the side castings are a bit thicker and can take the .030 over bore you are going to have done when the engine is cleaned up.

Next, depending on whether you want a street rod, retro rod or hot rod.

I have a retro rod- meaning I have choosen to keep the body the same but I have updated the entire drive train. Engine to rearend.

You will have to do this.

Your 360 should have a 727 torqueflight ('78) with a 2200 high stall converter if you are going to go cruising and not racing?

the 360 should be fitted with an Elderbrock performer kit which includes the intake, cam, and special valve springs.

You will also need a 1969 Chevy tilt steering wheel .

Special motor mounts and a rack and pinion from a Chevy cavilier. I forget the year for the rack but I will look it up for you.

If you try to install this engine you will have to set it back 3" into the fire wall to compensate for the additiion weight and you wil have to have special gussets welded so you can install different shocks.

I have done this so belive me, you have to do this our your car will not be worth driving.

Don't forget to get the rear sump oil pan.

I am new here so I don't know how to attach a photo.

But you can see it at HubGarage.com. Just look for Blucille Garage!

Let me know where you are at in your project or send me your personal email and I will send you some photos to see if what I did is where you want to go!

James

37 Terraplane#2 · 37 Terraplane#2 June 2009 Posts: 1,659Platinum Member

Don't know what your goal is but that 318 is one of the best engines that ever hit the road, I've had several and have one now in my truck, ---BUD

'54 Special

Yes, the 318 is a wonderful engine...

IF you want economy and dependability...

But it is NOT a "performance engine", and cannot be made into a performance engine for reasonable $$$.

It is sorta' like the Chevy 305 (also a "small block")...it's not a "performer", and and there are no inexpensive hop-up components for it.

That's why there are lots of 318s and 305s in scrap yards

for cheap-cheap...nobody wants 'em.

I don't mean to "dis" the 318...I got one myself.

But it is what it is.

Sam

Moparcowboy

Were you located at?

I have 3 -318s (wide block)

I'll make you a really good deal on.

2 are out of 1966 Chargers and the 3rd is out of a 67 Ply.

They are compete with transmissions

these are not the small block.

If you going with the sm. block I would go w/t a 360. Dont get me wrong

the 318 is a good (small block) engine.

Good luck.

by the way I put a 360/727 in my 47 DeSoto

dodgedufus

Hi im a new poster as well have a 39 chrysler with a spit fire thinking of doing a 360 swap to could use some help

Frankie47

Jfinley1950 wrote:

Dear Sir:

If you try to install this engine you will have to set it back 3" into the fire wall to compensate for the additiion weight and you wil have to have special gussets welded so you can install different shocks.

I have done this so belive me, you have to do this our your car will not be worth driving.

James

The stock 251 weighs in at around 650 LBS, quite a bit more than a 360 so there should be no weight transfer problems due to the swap and no need to knock your firewall back either.

Just get the Plydo engine relocation mounts and move it over an inch. If you go with stock exhaust use 360 truck center dumps or A-body forward dump to clear the stock steering box, if you use the cavalier R&P it doesn't matter.

Carnut1420

Its really nice post....

I was searching this kind of posting .....

I just liked it....

Thanks....

dupon registry

:)

66patrick66

Moparcowboy wrote:

Were you located at?

I have 3 -318s (wide block)

I'll make you a really good deal on.

2 are out of 1966 Chargers and the 3rd is out of a 67 Ply.

They are compete with transmissions

these are not the small block.

If you going with the sm. block I would go w/t a 360. Dont get me wrong

the 318 is a good (small block) engine.

Good luck.

by the way I put a 360/727 in my 47 DeSoto

Actually, they ARE a small-block 318. Often (wrongly) called a "big-block 318" or a "wide-block 318", they are POLYSPHERICAL HEAD, or Poly 318, or A318. They share many parts with the later '67-'94 LA318 engines. And there are LOTS of performance parts available for the Poly-head 318 engines. You can get 416 cubic inches and over 700 hp out of the Poly 318. Yes, really!

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