Looking for a conversion kit to swap over my 85 RAM from a slant 6 to a 440. I've looked high and low on the internet but have been unsuccessful. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Highway

 

I seriously doubt there's a kit out there to do that, but I know what you'll need.

New engine mounts
A bellhousing that will fit a big block
A larger radiator
A larger fuel pump

and other obvious small components such as a new ignition system

 

My main concern is the motor mounts. The only mounts I've found were from SB to BB not from a slant 6. I know the motor mounts for the /6 are extremely different from the big block. I didn't want to get into much welding and fabrication as my options are limited in my area.

As for the transmission, swapping that out for a 727. Radiator, igniton,..all that's covered.

 

its always a shame to strip a good condition slanter. especially since in that year they have almost as much power as the 318s for less cost overall.

your best bet is to finda big block donor truck. without that truck if you still manage to find the 440 mounts youre gonna be doing a bit of welding and fabbing for sure. make sure the frame is solid too, the stockbackend should bestrong enough.

 

Bouchillion performance in South Carolina has the mounts, oil pan and dipstick to swap a BB, I swap'd my 318 out to a 440 but remember the mounts are different for a 4x4 vs a 2x4............ You will need the BB brkts and pulleys if you can't find a donor truck but they also sell all the pulleys but there HIGH$$$$$

 

Nemesis, don't get me wrong here, I'm a big slant fan. I've actualy wore out this motor to the point there's not enough compression to start it. I figured if I'm going to spend several thousand dollars building an engine, might as well be on a big block.

Guys thanks for the info, gives me an idea of what I might be looking at for the swap.

 

how is the power difference with the 440 over the 318? What do you notice the most and where do you notice the most power?

 

the (non magnum)318 is under 200 hp. depending on the year (carburettor setup, emission laws, etc)a factorybasic 440 can crank out 300-400. so basically a stock 440 gets the same HP that the 318s upper limit floats around.

i tihnk they only made this engine for about ten years, it didnt survive the 70s oil crisis.

 

i should probably add, that the 300-400 hp is not at the wheels. after alternator, water pump, fan and watever id say high 200s? vbut im not sure.

 

I'd guess the limits you would want to go on a 318 is around 380 hp. But a 440 could do 500?