Dumb Idea? 273 in a Diplomat

AMC Diplomat

AMC Diplomat

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As my 360 progress is kinda slow, I had yet another terrible idea, and that is to put a 273 in the car while I work on my 360.

I found a '67 273 with a transmission attached.

I know the radiator/water pump configuration is backwards.

Otherwise this awful idea should work, right? I mean, small block is small block eh?

I like to do silly things as long as they're easy enough
 
What is currently in your car, 318? Why switch? Or is car downed. Sorry, I haven't followed your build.
 
LSM360 said:
What is currently in your car, 318? Why switch? Or is car downed. Sorry, I haven't followed your build.
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a quarter million mile 318 that smokes when cold and then gets hot enough to fry an egg on the valve covers.

Basically, the 360 is in pieces and I'm probably going to end up at a machine shop with it at some point and I'd rather chuck a running 273 in there. The 318 has to come out and I have to solve the routing for the exhaust and delete the lean burn either way... so hey why not do something stupid and put a 273 in?
 
Haha I don't think it's stupid if you have access to one.

Have you shifted your gas tank over to accommodate dual exhaust? That was one of the bestest mods I did. Shifted it over and bought Jegs A-body mandrel bent kit which fit nicely with a few modifications on driver's side. Or, shift it over and have a good shop bend you a nice duals.
 
It would probably easier to find another 318 for it. It's the 273 any good? The transmission? The carb? Its all the little things that will make that swap a pain.
Run the 318 till it dies.
 
LSM360 said:
Haha I don't think it's stupid if you have access to one.

Have you shifted your gas tank over to accommodate dual exhaust? That was one of the bestest mods I did. Shifted it over and bought Jegs A-body mandrel bent kit which fit nicely with a few modifications on driver's side. Or, shift it over and have a good shop bend you a nice duals.
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I have a whole new tank I picked up brand new in box from a junkyard when I was on vacation last year, so when that goes in I'll move it over
 
AMC Diplomat said:
Not around here. people want stupid money for junk 318s
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Not surprising. Same around here. I'd probably ride-out the 318 if you think it'll make it.

Biggest "little" things I came across in my first 318 - 360 swap: The 360 was a magnum head engine so accessories brackets needed modification (not forseen) . Different converter/flex plate based on internal/external balance. Left side engine mount different. I was also switching to a 727 at same time so that threw in several other issues...linkage, driveshaft shortening...um, what else.
 
LSM360 said:
Not surprising. Same around here. I'd probably ride-out the 318 if you think it'll make it.

Biggest "little" things I came across in my first 318 - 360 swap: The 360 was a magnum head engine so accessories brackets needed modification (not forseen) . Different converter/flex plate based on internal/external balance. Left side engine mount different. I was also switching to a 727 at same time so that threw in several other issues...linkage, driveshaft shortening...um, what else.
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I have a 360 out of an 85 pickup. I decided to rip it down instead of slamming it in. I should have just ignored the temptation and ran it lol.

It started with just wanting to replace the intake and it 100% snowballed. Only the crank shaft is left in it. On the upside I don't think it's ever been apart. On the down side it's absolutely filthy, to the point where I want to hot tank it, and then I tell myself well if I do that I might as well get the cylinders bored instead of a diy hone job. Then I might as well deck it... ugh
 
AMC Diplomat said:
I have a 360 out of an 85 pickup. I decided to rip it down instead of slamming it in. I should have just ignored the temptation and ran it lol.

It started with just wanting to replace the intake and it 100% snowballed. Only the crank shaft is left in it. On the upside I don't think it's ever been apart. On the down side it's absolutely filthy, to the point where I want to hot tank it, and then I tell myself well if I do that I might as well get the cylinders bored instead of a diy hone job. Then I might as well deck it... ugh
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Hahaha! Been there, done that. We can relate! Might as well do it right this time and not be wanting for more power, etc.
 
Camtron said:
It’s like 20 hour round trip to Chicago, come take my 318 out of my garage. Never rolled 100k. I’ll even pull the report for you :)
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It's a 10 round trip for this 273! what's an extra day for a 318? lol!
 
AMC Diplomat said:
'67 273 with a transmission
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I believe the biggest challenge would be the motor mounts, as the 273 never had spool-type mounts. They put that engine in A and B-bodies from 1964 through '69 and made some changes over the years (intake manifold, U-joints). The people on "For A-bodies Only" would have more insight on this, although they usually put newer engines into older cars.
 
With the 273 you get into is the trans with it any good? If not it could be an issue running yours, there were some differences torque converter wise. You could probably move the water pump and timing cover over to deal with the rad hoses on the wrong side but would also need the harmonic balancer and the later 318 one might not fit on the older engine??
The feedback carb won't play nice with it, a different carb might end up having linkage issues and the cost of getting a different carb. You're also taking someones word that this thing runs better then the 318 even tho it's that much older?
Oh and 10 hour round trip?? It seems like the whole thing is far more time and trouble then it's worth.

There's someone around here trying to give away a 318 for free for someone who pulls it. I've been seeing the add off and on for a while and a little bit tempted but I usually pull 318s to put something bigger in and also don't exactly have the space at the moment for one more big part like that to be kicking around lol
 
Mikes5thAve said:
With the 273 you get into is the trans with it any good? If not it could be an issue running yours, there were some differences torque converter wise. You could probably move the water pump and timing cover over to deal with the rad hoses on the wrong side but would also need the harmonic balancer and the later 318 one might not fit on the older engine??
The feedback carb won't play nice with it, a different carb might end up having linkage issues and the cost of getting a different carb. You're also taking someones word that this thing runs better then the 318 even tho it's that much older?
Oh and 10 hour round trip?? It seems like the whole thing is far more time and trouble then it's worth.

There's someone around here trying to give away a 318 for free for someone who pulls it. I've been seeing the add off and on for a while and a little bit tempted but I usually pull 318s to put something bigger in and also don't exactly have the space at the moment for one more big part like that to be kicking around lol
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It comes complete, air cleaner to pan, its like I can't even lose any money if its a dud, except for gas and a day of driving.

Part of the attraction to it is the adventure.
Camtron said:
Do it, give me a couple hour notice to chain it on the hoist and it’s yours.
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Christ. This is tempting.
 
I almost convinced a guy drinking his pee would help his body fight off whatever was making him sick ‍

IMG_6125.jpeg
 
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