If the parts car had disc brakes, this would be the time to do that upgrade as well. You have an after market master cylinder that looks to be a drum brake unit with a drum brake booster. Most of 318 cars also had 8.25" rear ends and that will also need to be replaced as the small rear end can't handle the 440 torque. The existing 26" radiator should be able to handle the 440 if it is in good shape. A/C system has been removed, if you plan to keep A/C, be sure to pull the evaporator box and have it flushed. Would be a good time to check the heater core as well as they are a PIA to replace. Most 440 cars also have a heavier rear spring set, so check the leaf count on the 318 set vs the 383 set. Good Luck. Dave
Hi Dave, Thanks for the good luck.
Brakes, your point about weak brakes is well taken. Brakes were a problem when I bought the car. See power brake/disc swap below
Axle, that's coming
Radiator: small block will not work, unless swap sides for inlet and outlet. Have big block radiator from 1970 SF. Any recs for a good recore shop that won't kill me on price? Virginia area would help on shipping.
AC will not be reinstalled. I only drive the car with the top down, except for an occasional 5-mile run to keep oil/fluids in position
Heater Core: I should have done it when I did the dash, but I use the car so little in cold weather. A local shop had a minimum $300 recore fee. I said, "To hell with it." and moved on.
Rear springs: have a set from 1970 SF. Has an additional leaf. Need to see about stance.
Torsion Bars:
Torsion Bars, Dial Caliper:
· Convertible: .982” RS and .985”LS. Lot’s of adj remains on t-bar bolts. Strange that stock for 318/340/426/440 is .98, but 383 and station wagon is .94
· SF: by contrast 383 engine .945” both sides, No need to switch torsion bars
Power Disc Brake install March-April 2014
Original manual brakes. Usual rust from brake MC against firewall.
Power and manual brake booster backing plates are different
Die grinder, roloc disc, sand paper
White paint
1970 SF brake booster after 4 coats Rustoleum gloss black
Power brake pedal is on left. Sold manual pedal $80 to someone on FB who wanted less strong brakes on his 73 c-body??? Strange but true.
Used late model disc-brake aluminum master cylinder: Mancini Racing MRE49315 4-2 Bolt Adapter. Mount 2 studs with blue thread lock on threads going into adapter and 1/4 turn with channel locks after hand tight. Allows 1992 B350 Ram Van MC to bolt into position.
· Need original tan 3/8" spacer plus 3/8" 4-bolt to 2-bolt adapter to place the aluminum MC where rod is resting against back of MC piston without pushing on it. Have full Master Cylinder travel.
