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Big Block

62 polara engine swap questions

Working on a friends '62 dodge polara 500. He is thinking about having me put a 383 in it. The car was originally a 318 wide block car. Is it a direct swap like from an LA 318 to big block or does the K-member have to be modified. Can I use the wide block mounts. Not sure if he is going to go through with the swap or sell it as is. I think it is for sale either way. Would appreciate any good advice.
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cowboy57
Moparts Member
Posts: 1680
From: Plainfield,Il,USA
Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-15-2002 06:26 AM

You need the big block adapters that bolt to the k-frame,schumacher now repos them.
Then the rubber motor mount insulator bolts to that,then you have to use the big block
repo or original steel engine mounting brackets which bolt to the ears ofthe block. No 318 parts can be used other than the rubber insulator.
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TJP
Moparts Member
Posts: 3897
From: Omaha, Nebraska
Registered: Jan 2000
posted 05-15-2002 10:55 AM

will also need to change the trans as the bolt pattern is different.
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Dennis
Moparts Member
Posts: 6820
From: Eagle Creek, OR U.S.A.
Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-15-2002 03:40 PM

It couldn't be a Polara 500 if it was a FACTORY poly head 318 in a 62. The standard engine was the 361HP in those. Are you sure of the engine? If it is indeed a 361, then the 383 would be a bolt-in. In the case of the poly 318, the steel motor mount brackets are different, the exhaust is different, and the transmission would need to be changed to a big block unit. There are also small differences in the radiator, and a few other bits and pieces. Dennis
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269charger
New Member
Posts: 28
From: klamath falls, oregon, USA
Registered: Apr 2002
posted 05-19-2002 10:51 PM

Dennis, not sure of the motor for sure. But I do know it's a 500. So I guess it's probably a 361 car. The mounts that are welded to the K member are flat on top (horozontal) not angled like the later models. With studs on them. Is this car worth a lot since it's a 500? Even with the trunk rotted out?
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Dennis
Moparts Member
Posts: 6820
From: Eagle Creek, OR U.S.A.
Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-20-2002 03:04 PM

Yeah, the 62's used that type of mount. The big blocks used the full sized car mounts, and the small blocks used the same K frame with an angled steel bracket bolted to the K frame, and the same brackets/insulators as the 63-65's did. I would use 318 car angled brackets, and 63-65 big block mounts/insulators. The car is DEFINITELY worth fixing up! I'd say if nothing else, make it look like a Max Wedge car (Beefy springs, Max Wedge exhaust, etc.). Dennis
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