Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge travco

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Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge travco

Unread post by vtjoanne » Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:42 pm

My friend is offering me a 1984 dodge ram 150 van with a 318 motor. My dodge travco engine is in serious need of repair. Can I use this engine in the 270 travco 1969?\nAny help and information about this would be highly appreciated.\nthanks and have a great day!\nJo

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Re: Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge tr

Unread post by Acesneights » Sun Jul 28, 2013 3:48 pm

Welcome to the forum.\nAs far as I know The 80's 318s were the same as the earlier ones but if you current engine is a big block then you will have other issues starting with the Trannsmission but IIRC '69 270's still had 318's in them so I would say use the carb manifolds brackets etc from your 69. You may want to use the electronic ign setup from the 84 if you can grab the box and wiring. Pretty easy swap. I did it to my '70. The 84 I think will still be carbureted but it will be some form of emmisions setup you don't need or want. Hope that helps. Also check the oil pan. Should be plenty of room but check. I don't know small blocks that well.
1977 Travco 270 Elite\n1974 Travco 220 Parts unit

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Re: Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge tr

Unread post by 77Travco » Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:04 am

If your Travco currently has a 318 small block then it would be a straight forward swap.

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Re: Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge tr

Unread post by vtjoanne » Sat Aug 03, 2013 11:12 am

Thank you very much - your input is really appreciated!! :D

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Re: Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge tr

Unread post by vtjoanne » Mon Jun 16, 2014 6:45 pm

Thank you!!

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Re: Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge tr

Unread post by KB2CRK » Sat Nov 22, 2014 10:10 pm

The 318 used in the b series vans is a small block where IIRC the 318 polysphere was in the travcos and it is a big block. May be some work to get it done.\n\nNope I remembered incorrectly. The 318 Poly is a small block. The A engine is quite different from the LA 318 from the 80's. It should still bolt to the trans but it could be interesting getting the accessory brackets on it. I confused the 318 poly with the earlier hemi based polys that Mopar ran for quite a few years.

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Re: Can I swap a 1984 dodge ram 150 van engine in a dodge tr

Unread post by badbillybiker » Sun Nov 23, 2014 6:48 am

Hi... welcome to the forum... \nNow for the realities of having a travco...\nIf your unit has a 413 or a 318 and is in need of replacement... just because a free engine and trans is available... as in a free 318 and your unit has a 413? (Dont know when the 413 came on line) ... It would be ludicrous (sp) to swap down ... cubes means power... The Travco is like what another member mentioned to me as in having the airodynamics of a house. The engine whether a 318 or 413 or even a 440, will be under a constant pulling load like a boat. There is no cruising like a car, unless going downgrade. Wind constraints are terrible...and I am contemplating removing the roof air to increae mileage and air flow...The constant is a load almost at all times on the crank and rods. Another reason they also have a better water pump, extra water holes in the heads etc. (Working hard and heating up) IMO replace the 413 with the a/same short block (Doubt if you will find a forged crank unless you use your own) or rebuild the block using the enclosed forged crank and better water ported heads for cooling etc. I dont believe the 69 model was/is a couple of tons lighter to compensate for the underpowered 318 if that is what it is..(Distributor in rear, 318, distributor in front, a 413 or unlikely a 440)....IMO, AFAIK and subject to other members views and opinions,,, \nQuestion... IF you have a 413 or 440 would you swap yours out for a questionable 318.. even if it was a non-heavy duty (as in stock) rebuilt 318... and free??? Meet me and my 440 at a red light with your new 318...\nSorry for the crude? rude opinion & my slanted viewpoint......\nHoping others will point out the results of staying with a 318 if a feasable option to upgrade to a 413 or 440 once the engine is out.\nBottom line... Pull it out, rebuild it or replace it and put it back in. \nI seem to remember in the Travco, the 318 engines as being a "Industrial" 318 with better crank etc.\nI believe a non Industrial (AUTOMOBILE) engine will go under faster from the constant pull/strain and heavy weight. and.on & on...Everything will fit without ANY headaches if you correctly rebuild the original...\nBBB\n.

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