1966 Chrysler 300 2d hdt

[guldam]

I have a 66 Chrysler 300 sitting out in front of the house. It has a 383 ci v8 and 727 auto. It runs fine though the brakes are non functional at the moment. I was looking at my old beast and just thinking... . Cummins.



And so I contemplate pulling out the transmission and engine and "dropping in" a Cummins. I suppose the Cummins is going to weight a bunch more and am wondering if the existing torsion bars will handle the weight. Then I'm wondering if there are bolt on engine mounts that might work.



So many things to consider.



Anyone else convert a 60's era Chrysler to a Cummins?



GulDam

 

[Shadrach]

The torsion bars can be cranked up to compensate for the extra weight but the Cummins is taller. Just how big of hood scoop did you plan on using? :-laf

Shadrach

 

[Philip]

From the center line of the crank to the top of the valve covers is 24" on a B series. Below center line to bottom of the oil pan is around 12".



You might want to clean the pad and check that engine size agin. I wouldn't be suprised if it isn't a 413 or a 440. The 300 was a high end car. It normaly got the bigger engines in them.

 

[guldam]

Thanks for the measurements.



Nope, it's a 383 for sure. I've had the car since about 1985 and drove it from Florida to California back in 1991 towing a heavy trailer. Drove it daily in San Francisco for eleven years until I threw a timing chain up in Northern California. Was climbing a mountain. Towed it back and kept it in storage for about 8 years. Finally pulled it out of the garage and checked engine compression. Within factory specs. So I pulled of the front of the motor and found the stripped timing sprocket. Replaced that and the gear and chain, put it back together and it ran, even with eight year old sludgy gas. Dumped in a ton of carb cleaner and techron, then filled up the tank with fresh gas. Runs well with 150k miles on the original engine.



As I contemplate replacing the engine with a diesel I get all weak kneed and think about all the good times in this old car. Reckon I will end up not doing this to the old girl. Still, it's fun to contemplate.



GulDam

From the center line of the crank to the top of the valve covers is 24" on a B series. Below center line to bottom of the oil pan is around 12".



You might want to clean the pad and check that engine size agin. I wouldn't be suprised if it isn't a 413 or a 440. The 300 was a high end car. It normaly got the bigger engines in them.