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The car got a free motor today. 1986 318 V8 from a dodge truck. For FREE !
The guy next door is installing a 360 so pretty much gave me the entire engine. Now its time to send it off to the machine shop to be bored .030 over and buy a set of 360 heads. The front independent suspension should be here in a couple weeks.
On another note went to start it today and found that a fuel leak right under the fan shroud. Thank god in a couple weeks the car will be torn down and i can rewire the entire car and make it safe for the wife..
Gordon
The 1986 LA-318 will better fit the Engine Bay of your 1949 De Soto better
if you have a 1975 to 1988 Car Exhaust Manifold on The Left Side because of
the locaton of where it "dump's" at.
The Truck and Van Left Exhaust Manifold is a Center Dump ( just as the right
side but with out the flapper for Cold times ).
**
The 1986 Exhaust Manifolds have fittings for Smog Regulations. Apply twice
dailey some "anti-rust juice" for about a week before you attempt to remove
what is there now and to install a couple of plugs.
Or use any pre-1975 318 or 360 Set of Exhaust Manifolds.
***
All 318 or 360 Valve Covers used before 1975 will not have the tab spot welded
to the Valve Cover that sticks up and shows all that you have a Smog Engine.
********
To use a set of 360 Heads on a 318 sounds good but on any dyno it will show
a lower level of power and a higher need for fuel.
A set of 1988 to 1990 318 Heads for any 318 will be better than taking two steps
to the rear. This is another dyno proven item.
If the neighbor takes the Engine Cooling Fan Unit to put on his 360 - aquire the
same Assembly to use on your LA-318. The 18" Cooling Fan Spec'd for a Silicone
Fan Drive is less than $10 at the pick & pull here in Colo Spgs.
****************
Any 1949 De Soto will need a Fan Shoud when you install the V8. No Fan
Shroud equals a very hot engine and soon a new set of heads/ gaskets and etc.
****************************
Any Rear Axle from a Dakota is a bolt in vs the measuring and machine work
to get a FoMoCo Axle to fit.
The first series that had a V6 is what to look for. They all are five lugs that
you need. If you see a six lug Dakota Rear Axle - The five Dakota Rear Axle
will fit using the same seals and etc.
I hope this helps you vs you spending $$$ for items that do not work to good.
Rodger & Gabby
COS
FltSgt@outlook.com
Gordon
I forgot to say the LA-318 ( of any year of V8 ) will not match the bolt holes
or Starter location of your 1949 Bell Housing.
Rodger & Gabby
COS
FltSgt@outlook.com
Man thank you so much for the info you have gave me. I was going to use a 727 torqueflite transmission. If its ok could I message you about more info ?
Gordon
The Flat head Engine is a bolt in for any era De Soto and I feel
as others could use it if you let the location of your city/ town be know.
The Same for your Transmission too.
Even though you would rather modify some FoMoCo Rear Axle instead
of using a bolt in Dakota Rear Axle - Your 1949 Rear Axle is another
item that other's of The De Soto Club could use.
Yes you may PM me for hints.
Rodger & Gabby
COS
FltSgt@outlook.com
Yes sir, as soon as i have my set up and ready to install I will post pics and what will be available to anyone that needs it.
