Adding V8 Power

By Classic Car Restoration Club Editors

Q.

I found a 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger with a Slant-6 engine. Can the Slant-6 be removed and replaced with a 340 or other V8 without a lot of modification?

A.

Yes, The 340 c.i. small block MoPar is a great way to add more than enough power to your Swinger.
You will need:
  • Conversion Motor mount brackets
  • Bigger radiator
  • Rear axle
  • Front Torsion Bars
  • Transmission
  • Driveshaft
  • Brakes, etc…
As you can see the list gets long quickly… and you’ll need to do some hunting to find all of the parts, but it can be done… Those who have done this often rely on purchasing a parts car or are ready for the hunt at local swap meets, junk yards, or online auction sites. Best of luck with your great project! Wrench Safe, Mark

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27 Responses to “Adding V8 Power”

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  4. Brian

    I hve a Duster with a Slant6, wasn't worth the head ace of switching motors, alot of parts 2 track dwn &amp; manual labor 2 do n the swamp, I left the 6 cyl in &amp; enjoy driveing the kar.....

  5. David James

    Or you could find some Clifford Performance headers and their 4 barrel manifold and eliminate all the change-overrs.

  6. Edward Greenberg

    The Chrysler 225 Slant Six is arguably the best engine to ever come out of "Detroit". It is indestrutible. We put 253k on a 1965 Dodge Dart, sold it and last we heard the buyer was close to 350k. I would forget the added power and keep the engine "you can't kill", gives much better fuel economy and is more reliable than any engine you are thinking of putting in it. If you use the car for racing....I understand. No other good reason to remove a slant six unless the engine is shot. I have never seen or heard of a "worn out" Slant Six.

  7. Reg van Buuren

    Good hunting !!! &amp; join a Doge Dart club ... should be able to get bits off fellow members - swapping ...

  8. Tom Schultz

    Or, you can give your dart to me!!! Sounds like a great project! Definitely upgrade your brakes and suspension as others have already advised.

  9. D

    I have a slant 6 that makes a sound like a child's bicycle bell ringing. It appears to be in the valve train. It can do it while idling or in gear. It does this inconsistently (not all the time). ANy ideas?

  10. Bruce

    Would it be a more fun build out to turbo/supercharge the slant six? A rear axle upgrade/transmission &amp; radiator might be all that is needed to make a good sleeper. Slant sixes are known for durability.