318 to 225 swap?

Question

I have a 77 M-886 ambulance built on the W-200. My 318 is kind of ragged and I have access to a 225. The 225 is out of an 80 car, single barrel. So, I'm wondering about bell housings from slant 6 to the 727 as well as torque converters. True, won't have as much power; but I don't haul much and top recommended speed for this vehicle is 55 MPH anyway. The front runs 4.10's and the rear at 4.11's and I've got a special gizmo in my transfer case that cuts the front wheels out. So wha's up wi' dat?

Montana thanks you.

PeterD · Accepted Answer

Personally I'd look for another 318... I always had a fond spot in myheart for the 225 S6, but there are a lot of reasons that I'd neverconsider that kind of swap myself.

Budd Cochran · Answer

The bolt patterns are different and the bellhousings are cast as part of the case, but you might be able to use your 318 trans as a core for a rebuilt slant six trans.

That's a lot of weight for the 225 to haul around and I don't think you'll get better mileage. My '80 D-150 (225, NP-435, 3.55 Sure-grip) doesn't do as good on gas as my '79 D-150 (318, 727, 3.55) because I have to use more throttle to accelerate and to maintain speed.

Budd

318 to 225 swap?

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