318 automatic to 440/ NV4500 swap

hi I am new to this forum and I'm looking for any tips or advice you guy's might have for putting a big block 440 and nv4500 manual trans into my 98 ram 1500. I'm doing this swap because the 318 in my truck has blown up. #Don't loan friends your ram. I don't know if this makes a difference or not but my ram is a 4x4 extended cab with long box.

I can't imagine what kind of issues you will encounter with engine and body controller management. I doubt anybody makes headers for this swap. The factory made specific cast iron exhaust manifolds for BB apps in the late 70s Dodge pickups.

ok well the truck is pretty basic it doesn't have any power locks, windows, or alarm. as for the exhaust manifolds I think can make custom ones as I specialize in exhaust systems. what I really need to know is if anyone makes an adapter or bell housing for a 440 to Nv4500 swap.

you need to Google 440 to nv4500 adapter. From what I gathered the only bellhousing made is a Lakewood scattershield/ bellhousing . Sounds like it could be expensive, but it's also bulletproof. The swap sounds intriguing, keep us posted.

thanks I just took a look at the Lakewood bellhousing and summit racing has some in stock. it looks like there good the old big block mopars and hemi's and the price isn't too bad it's $699.95. but on to my next question what would be a better way to go as far as the clutch pedal is concerned should I just take the pedal assembly out of a manual ram or make something.

I think stock pedal assy is the way to go. For the clutch, I'd look first at a multi disk clutch setup to keep the pedal pressure reasonable. That will make it easier on the linkage, too. I'm no expert on these kind of swaps, but I have made some mistakes on my bracket car, that I'd like not to repeat.

Did this swap ever happen?
I am a big fan of the 383/440 big blocks. Would love to swap my 2001 5.2 auto for a 440/727
Has anyone done this successfully?

SKinnaird said:

Did this swap ever happen?
I am a big fan of the 383/440 big blocks. Would love to swap my 2001 5.2 auto for a 440/727
Has anyone done this successfully?

Click to expand...

If there is anyone who knows, it's these guys... Schumacher Engine Swaps If they don't list what you are doing, give them a call. They may be able to make up a kit for you.

The above link will help you out with engine mounts.. here's some others that may help from auto-man swaps I've done over the years..

1) You'lll need pedals out of a donor truck. I don't think anyone makes them aftermarket like they do the musclecar world..

2) For clutch linkage, you are probably best off looking for a hydraulic setup from Mcleod or others. Much easier to mount a reservoir and run a braided steel line to your bellhousing than lining up mounts/Z-bar links for something that never existed.

3) Bellhousings.. You're best bet is to look for a Lakewood blowproof bell housing (part # 15335), or if you already have a bellhousing, give Advance Adapters a call, they are specialists in making custom engine/bell adapter plates. https://www.advanceadapters.com/categories/engine-to-transmission-adapters-bellhousings/233/

4) Fuel.. you're going to have to either use a aftermarket EFI unit or a manual regulator that can drop down to 6-7lbs psi for use with a carb if you want to use the existing pump.

5) Exhaust.. no brainer, unless Schumacher has headers that will fit, you'lll be searching for manifolds to fit. Wish I could recommend which ones to get, closest bet may be for late 70's pickups/ramchargers that came with 440's (believe 78 was last year, but some may have slipped thru to 79).

6) Engine itself.. biggest issue is going to be oil pan, depending where the engine lays, you'll most likely need a rear sump pan/pickup.

another good thing to do is try to go to the Mopar specific car shows in your area. Someone else may have already done this swap and if you can grab them you may get some good tips tricks and gotchas.

Good luck! Just be warned, this will NOT be a weekend bolt in, even if you do find a kit that says "100% bolt in"... you're probably looking at lot of fabrication and cussing... but in the end when you pull up next to some mall crawler and annihilate him with that low end RB torque, it'll be worth it...

I spoke to a buddy of mine that does rock crawling in Cali and Idaho now, his truck has been a cover truck in 4 Wheel and Off Roading a couple times.. he never done it but recommended a 383 stroker and using a divorced 727 setup over the NV4500 setup, just cause it's less hassle clutch and shifter wise. 383 stroker gives you the shorter deck to help with clearance exhaust wise, and can make just as much power as a 440 if done right.

67440dodge said:

I spoke to a buddy of mine that does rock crawling in Cali and Idaho now, his truck has been a cover truck in 4 Wheel and Off Roading a couple times.. he never done it but recommended a 383 stroker and using a divorced 727 setup over the NV4500 setup, just cause it's less hassle clutch and shifter wise. 383 stroker gives you the shorter deck to help with clearance exhaust wise, and can make just as much power as a 440 if done right.

Click to expand...

400 block with a turned 440 crank gives you a 451.The 400 and 383 use the same deck height. Was a fairly commom combination years ago.I agree though he should dump the manual trans idea,as putting a 727 or a 46RH behind whatever motor he settles on would be alot less headaches and easier on parts.

Wild one said:

400 block with a turned 440 crank gives you a 451.The 400 and 383 use the same deck height. Was a fairly commom combination years ago

Click to expand...

Yup... my 383 is actually a 400 cold weather block that was underbored. Consensus on another Mopar site was it was a warranty block due to it having no VIN stamp on it..

Not a bb but what about a 360? You can build and stroke them out. Personally that would be the route I would go. Dearly love this 1 of 4 70 440/ 6 pack cars, but they are bears to get started cold vs a ford.

Treburkulosis said:

Not a bb but what about a 360? You can build and stroke them out. Personally that would be the route I would go. Dearly love this 1 of 4 70 440/ 6 pack cars, but they are bears to get started cold vs a ford.

Click to expand...

360 stroked to 408.. Don't even think you can buy a 360 crate any longer, they are all 408's... They do build a sh*tload of torque, and I know the 5 time IHRA World Champion runs one in his 67 Coronet and annihilates Hemi/LS6/428 SCJ's every chance he can get..