318-2 in Formal C-Bodies

PeugFra

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I know at the time it wasn't the hottest configuration around (and it still isn't), but from 1975 through 1977 you could get a 318-2 engine in your full-size Dodge or Plymouth. And some buyers did. Jeffrey Godshall even mentions the end of the 1974 model year as the start of this practice.

Just for the sake of history, does anybody know which trans type it was hooked up to? Specifically, was it something else than the 727?
 
The first year the 904 was behind a 318LA in a C body was 1968.

As the 318 Formals came out some came with the lock-up version of the 904 (early versions were problematic) and by 1980 F/M/J and R bodies got the wide ratio version called A-998 and A-999.
318 Formals got the 904,360 Formals got the 727.
There can be exceptions like a 318 cop car, or other type of fleet vehicle or optioned with towing package, ordered a 727.
But Sales bank car on the lot with a 318 had a 904.

Correct me if I am wrong.
With Ma Mopar,you can never say never.
 
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Just as a correction, the 318-2bbl was available from the start of the "C' body designation. In 1965, 66 it was the old poly head version, and in 1967 want to the new LA engine. I have owned many over the years with this combination.
 
Just as a correction, the 318-2bbl was available from the start of the "C' body designation. In 1965, 66 it was the old poly head version, and in 1967 want to the new LA engine. I have owned many over the years with this combination.
I agree on the Poly notes,but the Poly came with a 727 not a 904.

Adding another note,Canadian built Dodge,Plymouth C's for 1967 still carried the 318-2bbl Poly/727 (yeah we got to use up the leftovers,LOL!)
The LA318/904 arrived in Canada in a C 1968.
The LA 273 and 318 were available in A/B cars in Canada.
 
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318 Formals got the 904, 360 Formals got the 727... Sales bank cars on the lot with a 318 had a 904.

That would be my gut feeling as well. Does there exist a concrete example/first-hand experience/document to back that up?
 
That would be my gut feeling as well. Does there exist a concrete example/first-hand experience/document to back that up?
My Aunt had a Beige 75 Grand Fury 4dr sedan 318/904 car.
Other than that I do not have any documentation.
I am more into the slab era of the C,personally.
But owned a 77 Newport 4dr hardtop with a 440 as a winter beater years ago.

During the Malaise era, there is more documentation (in the form of...recalls lol) on the F bodies than the Formals!! LOL!!
Just only lately the Formals are gaining any interest.
You are sailing in uncharted waters, so do not give up,keep searching!!
:thumbsup:
 
1980 F/M/J and R bodies got the wide ratio version called A-998 and A-999
Actually just a deep first ratio to work with the 2.45:1 rear gear available in the 8 1/4 rear. They did that because a lot of big block 727 cars were so lazy.
 
My Aunt had a Beige 75 Grand Fury 4dr sedan 318/904 car.

That's good enough for first-hand experience!

We'll put off bickering about the exact 904 derivative (A-904-LA, A-998, A-999) for some other occasion. For 1977, these sales codes are listed:

D31 A904 A/Trans
D32 A998 A/Trans
D33 A999 A/Trans
D38 HD A904 A/Trans
 
318 in a Formal was a Canadian - only thing, yes??

The U.S. sales brochures list the 318 as an engine option on 1975 DM, PM and DH, PH and as the standard engine on 1976-1977 DM, PM, so I wouldn't say it was a Canada-only thing.
 
I know at the time it wasn't the hottest configuration around (and it still isn't), but from 1975 through 1977 you could get a 318-2 engine in your full-size Dodge or Plymouth.
I think you are confusing the 318 for the 360, both small blocks.

I'm sorry, but...
Never heard of a 318 in any 74-78 Formal.
Never seen a 318 in any 74-78 Formal.
I refuse to believe this urban legend.
Please show me any factory documentation.

PicsArt_02-22-11.26.29.jpg
 
Commando, correct, never a 318 Chrysler Formal, but it could be done in a Dodge/ Plymouth.
77_Royal_Monaco_0008.jpg
 
... but it could be done in a Dodge/ Plymouth.

And that was the statement in the opening of this thread.


That option list is actually very interesting, as it shows that the 318 engine was NOT on offer in Canada, at least, not for 1975. So it was more of a U.S.-only thing.

Could there be a connection with stricter environment standards in the U.S.? We know that the catalyst also arrived later on cars for the Canadian market. If so, was the 318 introduced on C-bodies in order to arrive at a more EPA-compliant product mix?
 
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Putting out an offer is one thing, having the offer accepted another.

For 1977, out of a set of 136 VINs for DM and PM models, I find only 14 cars with the 318 engine (VIN code G), about 10%.

Not much of a runner. Lots of buyers paid the extra buck and snubbed the standard offering.
 
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