The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I have a 1970 Dodge challenger that someone has attempted to put another motor in. The information that I have is that the motor comes out of a 1968 Plymouth Fury 318 ci. This motor looks different than any other 318ci that I have seen, i.e. the outlet from the water pump is on the driver's side requiring a different radiator than what was previously in the car, and the power steering pump seems to require different brackets. What kind of car should I get a radiator out of to fit my challenger. The engine block tag on this engine is 2536030318-8. Any information that you have on this engine and the type of car that it came out of would be appreciated. Thank you, Calvin.

There are two things that could be going on here but my knowlege of A and LA blocks is limited.

First of all I am sure there are different water pumps for LA blocks so this could be the simple answer to that. Change the water pump.

Second; the older 'poly' A-318 engines were different to the later LA-318 but I have a feeling they had stopped making them well before 1968. Maybe someone can check that number for you or I can check it tonight.

The 318 LA engine was in 1967 cars and up. The water pump was as you say until 1970. The timing cover and timing marks are also different on the 67-69 318 engines. The water pump and timing cover can be changed over to the 70 and up type. The pully and balance I whould check into. Very early LA engines had steel cranks but I don't think so in 69. A early 318 LA runs as good as any.

Thanks for the information, I will try to change the water pump. If this works, it would solve the problems that I am having, but will the water pump from a 1970 or later 318ci fit on my existing timeing cover, thanks, calvin

I am sure it will. The biggest difference in the timing cover is the timing marks are different, the bolt pattern and size is the same. The water pump on the 70 and up is different it that the bottom inlet is on the other side, the small crossover outlet to the intake manifold is slightly larger and the fan shaft is slightly longer. They are usually cast Al where as the eariler ones were cast Fe. I have used the 70 and up pump on a 67 engine and the only problem was that the timing marks were no longer aligned.

Actually if you only replace the water pump the timing marks will still be aligned but may be difficult to see. The location of the timing marks was moved when the type water pump was changed.