Posted by Paul on Monday, December 03, 2001 at 8:21PM :
In Reply to: POWER posted by Mike on Monday, December 03, 2001 at 7:50PM :
I think to try to determine which is the best, 318 or 350 is fruitless. You love them or hate them. I have just gone through a repower using a 318 on my flatfender 1970 PW.
Before choosing the route to follow, I did a lot of reading and then deciding how I was going to do the restoration.
My decision was to go with the Chrysler 318.
This was based on the available parts to do such an engine swap on a Power Wagon without a lot of problems. I have my own MIG and Plasma Torch, Milling Machine and Lathes. Making engine mounts is not out of the question. However I wanted to do a total restoration over the winter and drive it out in the spring.
I went with HELITOOL 318 Conversion Kit, Power Stearing, Disk Brakes and Suspended Pedals (Clutch and Brake). All the engineering is done. My kits arrived complete, and everything fit the first time and made for a very neat installation. Using the Helitool kits saved me tons of hours that could be spent on other parts of the restoration.
GRAB that dual port NP435 Tranny. If your going to run a PTO winch on your PW, you will have to use a NP 435 or equivlent. The NP-420 tranny with long input shaft will bolt right up to a 318 bell housing, BUT the
PTO willnot clear the Bellhousing. The NP-435 hangs the PTO a little lower and clears.
I did my 318 conversion in 2 days. One day for the actual engine conversion and one day to make mounts for a Delco Alternator and Power Stearing pump etc.
I had a set of exhaust pipes off something Chrysler. Well with a little tweeking they fit perfectly. I took the old pipes to my friends garage who has a pipe bender and he made a new set of pipes. Everything went like clockwork.
The Drawbacks........ANYTHING CHEBY 350 is much easier to find on the shelf's. Cheby 350 chrome valve covers on the shelf, 318 had to order and so on........Will a 350 work ? Of course and its a great engine. Will the entire job be easier with a 318 and a Helitool Conversion, YUP !!
I have no connection with Helitool other than a user of their products that are built to perfection and fit and are priced fair. Feel free to contact me by email if you would like pictures of the conversion or ask questions. Its running strong .
Paul
Paul