considering an Aspen wagon

[Tim Keith]

I am considering a 78 Aspen wagon that has a 318 and 904 auto. The
318 motor has a broken crankshaft.

Are there any issues with using a 318 from an '88 Gran Fury? The 88
also has a BBD.

This car won't be a daily driver, but I am somewhat concerned with
fuel economy. What kind of fuel MPG might I expect from the 88 motor.
Also, I've always driven cars with a stick shiift, since my first car, a
Plymouth Duster that I got in 78. Are there five speed swaps for the
F-body with small block that use a T-5 or other common transmission?

Tim

 

[80 Lebaron Coupe]

No issues in using that other Crankshaft.

 

[Darter6]

you may be lucky and find that the 88 is a roller cam with swirl port heads. I am running one now in my pickup. My truck is a 1 ton with 4.10 gears so I can't tell ya about fuel milage. I have owned 2 f-bodys,a coupe that I bought new and a 80 wagon both with 318's. My guess would be in the 18's or better dependent on where you are from and the roads you drive.
Several companies sell the 5 speed conversions. I've done several from Keisler on A and B bodies.Look to pay in excess of 4K when all is done.

 

[Tim Keith]

The last three digits of the casting numbers of the heads is 302. I
understand that it is a 140 HP motor, not so good compared to the
Magnum 5.2. It is represented as having 79K miles. Other than the
body damage the car is cosmetically clean inside and out, but the motor
seals leaked a lot. Otherwise, I'd not think the mileage is accurate.
It is a self service yard, I may get the motor next week. I figure the
crank broke in the 318 that is in the wagon because the thrust surface
was badly worn, I'd rather have a fresh another block to work with.
I doubt that this motor is 179K, but can't be sure unless I remove
the heads.

Tim

 

[greymouser7]

Tim -this 318 is as good as a magnum 318 -especially since you already have the block and very good heads-

You can set up your cam, heads, carb, and rear gears to earn you better than 20mpg's. People on Forabodiesonly.com have done it with stock lower-end 360's in late 70's model b-bodies. do a google search for 400hp 318 will get you some ideas. moparts is good as well. 25k people on fabo and more on moparts...

do some research & good luck

dippy.org -lots of info on this chassis (volare, aspen, diplomat, etc.)

fuel economy:
http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=best&Number=3944014&page=0&fpart=all

380 horsepower:
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/enginemasters/articles/mopar/0667em_mopar_318_engine/viewall.html


http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/hrdp_0804_small_block_mopar_engine/viewall.html

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=194446

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=58090

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=167865

 

[greymouser7]

both the 302 and the magnum have roller lifters and closed combustion chambers but if you don't have the motor yet, you might want to consider a 360 to move that 4 thousand pound car