Author: jgchemie

Figured out out – thanks!

I got my 318 LA engine back from the machine shop on Friday and installed it today in my 1969 A108 van.

Prior to taking the block to the machinist I removed a 1/2″ plug from the driver’s side of the block. That same 1/2″ plug fits what I believe is the oil pressure sending unit hole on the passenger’s side just behind the engine mount (see picture). Everything I’ve read said the oil pressure sending unit threads are 1/8″ NPT, not 1/2″. Any idea what is going on??…

318 oil pressure threads

I have 20 pieces of chrome from a 1969 A108 Van. Some are in good shape, some ok. This is not the complete set of chrome but it does include the front pieces and the two longest pieces on the drivers’ side. I’d prefer to sell the whole lot to one buyer but willing to part out for individual pieces.
Price $30 – $500
Location:
Albuquerque, NM
Pictures are representatives of what I have. Message me for details.

Shipping- we have to figure it out!

View attachment 1715669871

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A108 Chrome

While my 1969 A108 van is being repainted and I’m waiting on engine parts, I have the stock 727 tranny sitting in my garage. It was parked for 14 years prior to me buying it. What are people’s recommendations for it? Supposedly it ran before it was parked but everything is caked in dirt. Do I:
A) Put it back into the van once the engine is back (building a 390 stroker from the 318 case and probably adding a 2,000 – 2,5000 stall torque converter) and then deal with any problems as they arise?…

727 Rebuild recommendations

I’m building a 390 (4″ stoker kit) from my 318 LA engine to power my A108 van (adding aluminum heads and probably EFI). The purpose of this van will be to cruise on the highway but I want good low-end torque. I’m planning to keep the compression ratio low to run off pump gas. I’d like to retain my stock 727 transmission.

My question is what information do I need to gather and then how do I select the best torque converter and matching cam? The sales rep from Summit asked me about my rear…

Picking a cam and torque converter

Trying to figure out if it’s possible to swap the tail on between two 727 transmissions (sorry for the similar thread but it got jumbled up with my engine questions!)

Goal: Put a 400 BB into a 1969 A108.
Required: Transmission that mates to the 400 but has the tail with the top hanging mount and shorter length to fit the drive shaft.

Part that I have:
400 BB and matching 727 transmission from a 1976 B-series van
727 transmission from 1969 A108 van (and stock 318 LA engine)

I read that…

727 Tail Swap

I’m tearing down my 318 LA engine from a 1969 A108 van. Potentially going to rebuild the bottom and add new heads, cam and manifold. This van is for street driving and road trips.

Questions:
How much further into the block should I break it down? All the way and hone cylinders and install new pistons/rings and bearings?
I’m assuming yes.

What are the pros/cons of reusing versus replacing the crank and rods? (I could also add a stroker with tappet cam.)

Are these pictures showing normal…

318 LA tear-down

I recently adjusted my electric choke on a four-barrel Edelbroch carb (weber body) and think I did something wrong. It was extremely difficult to start compared to normal start ups. More problematic, however, is than when I step on the gas quickly it s…