Hi Guys, I just picked up a 63 Dart with a /6 that has been sitting for about 10years and doesn’t run. I’m thinking about tackling the rebuild myself. I’m new to /6 and new to engine rebuilding. Most of my previous experience has been with old air cooled VWs.
I’m looking for the basics. Can anyone recommend some basic books that cover the step-by-steps on everything from where are the best attach points for chains when you go to hoist the engine out to what needs to go to the machine shop.

Also,
I understand that valves from pre -1973 engines are not good for use with today’s lead free gasoline. Can an earlier /6 head be modified to work with lead free gas or do I need to look for a head manufactured later?
Any advice is appreciated and I’m a newbie so please be gentle.

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Lawndart
63 Dodge Dart GT

Welcome to the board. You've come to the right place as there's a ton of good info here.

Engine lifting points: On the manifold side of the head, there are two bosses provided for this. I made my own bracket out of angle iron, bolted it to the head with grade-8 bolts, and attached my chains to it:



Unleaded gas: Have your machine shop install hardened valve guides and seats. These will work fine with lead-free gas.

Good luck!

Roger

Wow that was fast.

Thanks Fab64

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Lawndart
63 Dodge Dart GT

Welcome aboard Lawndart!

Hopefully we can rename you "Roadart" as soon as your car is over the curb and burning gas... Now isn't that a pretty picture?

First things first, get on line and order a copy of a "Factory Service Manual" for your car if you don't all ready have one. It is a necessary tool for working on these cars, and worth every penny.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Thanks WJAJR!

Yes, Hopefully I'll be able to change the name to Roadart and not something like BurningDart or BasketDart. I have a long way to go and a lot of work to do before it's back on the road though. This seems like a great forum with a lot of knowledgeable people though.

I just got my hands on a copy of the service manual that I'm currently digging through. It's definitely a help.

Thanks.

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Lawndart
63 Dodge Dart GT

Just outta curiosity, what makes you believe the engine needs a rebuild? I might suggest you do what's needed right now to get it running and tuned up, then make an evaluation as to it's condition. These old tilted sixes are pretty good engines, and many have been known to run 150K plus without needing an overhaul.

Roger

welcome and since we are on this discussion, isn't there a Mopar 6cylinder engine book that was offered thru Mopar performance which even had a Chrysler part number gave detail to rebuild stock/performance tips and instructions? I think Summit still offers it.

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1973 Plymouth Valiant
1953 Dodge Panel

Thanks GTS225,
Your point is probably well taken. My thinking was that the engine is probably 45 plus years old and has been sitting for a long time. The previous owner said that "the valves kept coming out of adjustment so it probably needs a valve job". I'm pretty sure he didn't know much about the car and since previous owners tend to be optomistic about how little it will take to fix the car they are selling I just assumed the worst.

So you are right. I will go through the basics before declaring it DOA. Very little to lose and a lot to gain.

Slant6 Wonder, Thanks for the tip on the book. I'll take a look over on Summit.

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Lawndart
63 Dodge Dart GT

slant6 wonder: Yup. MOPAR Performance Parts # P4876827 Titled "Six Cylinder Engines". Gut'em here, and your gonnah love the price!

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Be careful with the MP six book, it has some off info or at least not up to date. Remember it was written to SELL MP PARTS.
Frank

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Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

Yes, intresting..considering they make nothing for a /6 anymore

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Michael Glass. Mopar stuff and some rusty Mopar stuff!
1965 Dodge Dart with 66 Valiant front clip. Other stuff...

Thanks for the pointer to the book WJA JR. What a deal.

And thanks for the warning 66aCuda.

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Lawndart
63 Dodge Dart GT

Just a heads up, Mancini has a minimum order so you have to add something else to make the minimum. I added the small block performance guiide that was also on sale so it's a 20.00 minimum I think. Thanks Mike

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Thanks Mike

I'd say try to get that thing running like you said you cant loose and will gain some hands on feel for your slant before you try a rebuild. My dart had 2612 miles put on over 16 years before she was given to me by my grandmother. after some time messing around tuning her up she was running smooth. now a year later she is purring like a kitten burns no oil and puts out 22 mpg. best of luck and keep on truckin.

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75 dart custom, 225, >10.5-1, hurricane, 500holley, erson cam, 904, 8.8 ford 3.55 or 3.91 aussielocked, 17" steelies, and much more.

Thanks for the heads up Lowbudget. I ended up calling Mancini directly. They can take the smaller oreder over the phone even though I think the shipping and handling will cost more than the book.

Thanks for the inspiration 75customdart. Looks like this weekend will be tuneup and diagnosis time. I'll see if I can't get her to fire up.

I'll keep yo posted.

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Lawndart
63 Dodge Dart GT