Tech Q and A

I own a 1962 Dodge Polara 500 and I want to put disc brakes on it. I have collected all the complete parts from a 1977 Cordoba. Should I use all the parts off the Cordoba? Will the upper and lower control arms from the Cordoba cause any problems if I use them on the Dodge?

MM: We would not recommend using all the Cordoba parts. The Cordoba control arms will not interchange; the length is different, which could adversely affect your front end geometry. Additionally, the Cordoba disc brake spindles are not the proper height for a 1962 B-body. However, the Cordoba 11.75” rotors and caliper mounting brackets will work well in conjunction with 1973 to 1976 A-body disc brake spindles, and will keep your front end geometry as Mopar® intended.

I have a 1964 Dart with a 318 motor. What Mopar parts would I need to swap the existing two-barrel carb with a higher performance four-barrel without overdoing it (flooding, etc.)?

MM: The 318 in your Dart is the “poly” engine that was produced through the end of 1966. In 1967, the “LA” version was introduced by Chrysler. Unfortunately, Mopar does not offer any parts that would work on the poly 318. But here’s an idea: Your best solution for more performance is to consider using one of Mopar’s small block crate engines. First, get a copy of Mopar’s Crate Motor Installation Manual (P5007521) and then have at it. This book is a great tool to help you out in your project. Good luck!

I own a 1970 Plymouth Scamp with a 360 crate motor. I just found a set of W-2 heads with repositioned pushrod placement. Should I expect any installation problems with the plane or angle of contact points? Any other concerns you would have?

MM: Careful attention would be required to “pushrod oil” the W-2 head/valvetrain (see Mopar’s Small Block Installation Manual P4876826). Above the oiling issues, the correct W-2 valvetrain (offset intake rocker arms) would be needed, along with W-2 dedicated intake manifold and headers.

I would like to replace the tired 225 cid slant six in my 1979 Dodge 4 x 4 W150 Power Wagon with a V8. Will either a 318 or the 360 fit the existing mounts and bolt up to the four-speed trans? Are there any major issues I should be concerned about?

MM: Yes you can mount the 318/360 engine in your 1979 Power Wagon. The mounts will have to be purchased from Schumacher Creative Services (www.engine-swaps.com), since you are retaining your original slant six K-member. As for the transmission, we recommend using a manual trans from a 340/360, since the bolt pattern is different between the six cylinder and V-8 bellhousing..

I have a 1968 Coronet Super Bee coupe, which I bought new and have now restored. I’d like to know how many ’68s were built.

MM: The 1968 Coronet Super Bee came with two engine options: the high-performance 383 and the venerable 426 HEMI.® During 1968, 7,177 Super Bees with the 383 engine were produced. Only 125 HEMI Coronets left the factory that year. For anyone else who has similar questions, there’s a great Web site available that has a lot of good information about vehicle production figures and more. Bookmark www.musclecarclub.com.

I own a 2000 Neon with the 31TE automatic transmission. I have the chance to buy a five-speed manual out of another 2000 Neon and was wondering if there would be any conflicts as far as the PCM goes. The trans comes with all the hardware such as the shifter, flywheel and pedals.

MM: The issues you may encounter during your prospective transmission swap are in these areas: Back up lamp switch, clutch pedal up stop and down stop switch, and the wiring to connect these into your vehicle. You will also need the engine controller and steering column from the manual Neon. The engine calibration for the manual is different than the automatic and has the inputs from the clutch pedal. The steering column is required because of the key interlock switch. Without this you will not be able to remove your ignition key. As always refer to the factory service manual for more information.

I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota with a 318 Magnum. I heard that the Magnum engines run better with a colder thermostat other than the stock 195°, such as a 180° or 185°. Is there any truth to this? Also, does Mopar make a 185° thermostat for this engine?

MM: A cooler thermostat can maintain a cooler intake manifold temperature, which leads to a denser intake charge, and offers a little additional mid-range power. Keep in mind, though, this does change the emissions cycle and should be used in off-road applications. The cooler operating temperature also offers a bit less octane sensitivity and less detonation potential. The factory MPI systems are designed to come off the “cold start” program at 177° so you can effectively use a thermostat rated as low as 180°. Mopar has not found it necessary to offer cooler rated thermostats, since they’re so readily available throughout the replacement parts industry.