A-Body conversions

This is verbatim from the Mopar 1973 race bulletin#28 MOPAR Engine swap manual -  page 2,3,4

We will begin with the A-body conversion. The A-body engine compartment was widened in 1967 making the '67-73 A-Bodies more desirable for big engine swaps. The 273 V8 engine was introduced into an A-Body in 1964. Therefore any '64-66 A-Body can be mated to a 273 or 318 V-8 by using the '64-66 A-Body 273 engine brackets, insulators and "K" member. This 273 or 318 swap is a bolt in operation. The 340 or 360 engine will fit quite easily by using the 273 mounts with a modified left side bracket (see page 19). The '64-66 engine compartment is too small for the B engine. We do not recommend this installation because of the difficulty in overcoming the engine interference with the shock towers and the steering. Rather, we would recommend a member of the "A" engine family for a  1966 or earlier "A" Body engine swap.

The 1967-73 A-Body had a variety of engine sizes available in production including the 383 in '67-68-69 and the 440 in '69. These cars, therefore, make the best base for an engine swap. If the car was originally a 6 cylinder, a new K-member, 2 brackets and 2 insulators are all that is required to install virtually any engine. All A-engines will use the same basic "K" member, but the actual part number of the "K" member will differ from year to year. For instance, if a '68-69 A engine "K" member PN-2883980 is used in '71-72 A-Body, problems with the front sway bar will be encountered. Try to use the "K" member that goes with the car if at all possible. All A engine '67-72 A-Body insulators are the same - (two) PN-2806779. The '67 273-318 brackets are PN-22843224 and PN-2843223. The '68-72 273-318 brackets are PN-2863443 and PN-2843223. The '68-72 340-360 needs a new left bracket PN-28663445 but uses the same right bracket PN-2863443. With these parts, any A engine swap is a bolt-in operation. This means that the 318 can be easily bolted in place of the 273 by using the 273 pieces. The 360 can also be easily bolted in by using the 340 pieces. The brackets in either case are determined by the engine used.

The B-engine can be swapped into the A-Body by changing the "K" member, brackets and insulators. The B-engine brackets PN-2465862 and PN-2536132 and the insulators PN-2536121 and PN-2465861 were the same for all three years('67-69) that they were produced. The '68-69 "K" member PN-2883999 should be used in the newer '70-72 A-Bodies although some front sway bar problems may be encountered. The RB engine can be swapped into the A-Body by using the same conversion pieces as the B engine. Exhaust manifold clearances get very close with the 440.

Any '67-72 A-Body can have a 383 or 440 engine installed by simply using the 383 pieces. If the car came with a 383 engine, then the 440 bolts in. If the 383 or 440 is installed in the A-Body, the heavy-duty torsion bars PN-2535894-5 are required to compensate for the increase engine weight. 

With the increased performance offered by the B engine, better brakes should be considered, such as disc brakes. Properly adjusted drum brakes can be used with new linings and the wheel cylinders and master cylinder in good condition.

The "73 mounts are of special interest since the bracket and insulator are one piece. This change requires that the "73 motor mounts be used with the '73 "K" member and '72 and earlier mounts must be used with '72 and earlier "K" member. The '72 and earlier "K" members fit the '73 "A" bodies so the '67-69 383 "K" member can be used to install the "B" engine into a '73 A-body. Some sway bar interference may be encountered.

A-Body "K" members

Year     6 Cyl.     273-318-340 V8     383 V8     383 V8 w/P.S.

'64-66  2260609      (1)                                                                          

'67       2768375          2768548           2881925

'68       2883982         2883980            2883984    2883999

'69       2883982         2883980            2883999

'70       2962082         2925976           NP

'71-72 3583062         3583064            NP

'73      3466466         3466468           NP

     (1) V8 used same "K" member as 6 cyl.

     NP  Not Produced

A-Body Engine Brackets

year      6 Cyl      273-318 V8      340 V8      383 V8

64-66   2264668     2465378                                                                  

            2265023    2465379

67       2532278     2843223                         2465862

           2806841     2843224                         2536132

68-69  2532278     2863443       2863443    2465862

           2806841     2843224       2863445    2536132

70-72 2532278      2863443       2863443    NP

          2806841       2843224      2863445  

73(1)   see insulators      (1) A body uses a one piece bracket and insulator 

A-Body Insulators

year        6 cyl        273-318 V8        340 V8        383 V8

64-66      2264140    2465508(two)

               2265018

67          2806844       2806779(two)                   2536121

             2806842                                                 2465861

68-72   2806844        2806779(two) 2806779(2) 2536121

            2806842                                                   2465861

73       3642820        3642810        3642810          NP

           3642821        3642811        3642813 

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