Hemi (3rd Generation) Swap
From Mopedia
Contents |
Selecting an Engine
First unless it is really cheap start with a car (300C, Magnum, Charger) engine. They fit a lot better, and are much more attractive. The accessories do not fit under the hood near as well on the truck motor.
That being said the truck motor can be turned into a car motor by switching the front cover, intake, accessories, and damper.
Now if you are using a factory K frame the BEST pan on the market is from Weldtech_Stainless.
Headers
I have only used TTI to date, I know that in some applications the truck log manifolds may clear, but spend the money on headers is well spent.
Block off plate vs 90 degree
Not all cars allow use of the 90 degree applicators. We have even had different b bodies not fit with it, and had to use the remote mount. Both TTI and Weldtech_Stainless make good pieces.
Motor mounts
Both TTI and Weldtech_Stainless make good pieces.
Computers
Aftermarket= AEM/Mopar or FAST These are best for race cars, and are a pain to tune intially, but if you are a qualified tuner then they are modified to fit any enviroment. If you want to run turbo/supercharger/nitrous and make big HP this might be the way to go.
Car computer. Only good if you take EVERYTHING including the transmission, ABS module, ECU, TCM, wiring harness, key, and most importantly a place to get a vehcile speed sensors.
You want everything from the same car so it has been flashed to work together. Then typically even with all this you need a custom wiring harness to make it work.
Now the truck has a computer that is a better starting point. Some truck computers without security in the computer can be reused, ALL other require reflashing unless you use the key setup out of the truck. A good DIY can get this to work if they are starting with a truck that does not have security. I recommend that someone buy the harness and computer from howitre for their application (i.e. manual or automatic)
The best place to buy the harness and computers from Hotwire Auto. They are good people and do a nice job.
Carb conversions
- XV Motorsports offers carb conversions for 5.7 hemis
- Arrington Engines offers the "Chip Killer", a new timing cover that allows the use of a conventional distributor to be used on a new hemi.
Transmissions
- NAG1 car 5spd GREAT Transmission, but requires reworking of the crossmember and tunnel to fit, and adaptation of a custom driveshaft since it does not use a typical yoke. It requires the autostick and all the wiring out of the car to work, and a vehicle sensor. This trans shift hard, and can take a lot of power.
- Truck 5spd auto is run by the 2004-05 computer, and aside from its size works well. Much simplier installation
- 518A is what we recommend for a auto if OD is desired or 727A is a great choice too
- Vintage 5spd we prefer for manual conversion, but obviouslly a 833 can be done as well
Getting Help
A good source of help in your Hemi conversion, contact Plum Floored Creations.
References
- Originally compiled by Ben Grasso
