318 into '41 Dodge truck w/straight axle!!

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rusty46

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 30, 2008
Messages
143
Well...it's about done. The starter is no longer an issue but believe it or not, the bigger starter fits better because of the design of it after one simple modification to it. We cut one of the plastic ears off the starter and used two bolts instead of a stud setup and a bolt to install it. It's kinda of a tight fit and the top starter bolt is well "intresting" to install because it is tight for sure.

It lines up in the trans tunnel nice as well. Chopping the one of the plastic ears of the starter doesn't effect anything. We then hooked a battery to it and it turned over just fine. This can be done. I have heard to many people to tell this can't be done and that I should just put a SBC in it. I could not find anything anywhere about putting a Chrysler small block into a vintage straight axle truck. Maybe this will help somebody out. I hope so...
 

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Good for you not using a chevy engine.....chevy engines in everything are soooooooooo overdone its sickening............I put a 318 in a 47 over 20 years ago but cant remember any specifics but I know for sure I didnt have to modify the starter but like I said its so long ago I cant remember
 
Thanks!

Putting a Chevy engine in the Dodge was not even an option. If I was gonna do that, I'd just have gotten a Chevy in the first place. I am guilty of the GM 1 wire alternator though :D:rolleyes:

It took lots of trial and error to do this but I feel that it's worth it. Mopar engines in a Mopar rod makes people look twice (including me) as it is alot more intresting.
 
Here is what I started with about two months ago. I also tried the mini starter and it would not clear. I know it seems hard to believe but the mini would not work because of the shape. The large starter has a dipped in area right where it meets the steering box. I'd have never believed the big starter would have fit.
 

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Crappy cell phone pic sorry...
 

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