Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?

Author Topic: Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?  (Read 1217 times)

Offline Dray

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Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?
« on: April 10, 2006 - 01:36:39 PM »
After having a bad experience last summer trying to pull away from my buddies Grand-AM, I decided that a powertrain upgrade was in order.  At the time, I didn't realize how large an effort it is to nail down all the parts.  So I thought I would post everything that I have ordered and if I am forgetting something hopefully we can identify it now. 

Since there are a million ways to go with a powertrain upgrade, if we could focus more on what I am missing as opposed to "You could have saved money here" or "Why are you converting it to a standard" I would appreciate it.


Current Car Specs
72 Dodge Challenger Rallye
340 4 barrel
Automatic 727 tranny
8 3/4 rear end
factory disc brakes on front/drums on the back
15" wheels

Powertrain

Rear End

Brakes

Suspension

Things I haven't ordered yet
  • Brackets to hook up power steering pump and alternator - I am assuming I can use the alternator and power steering pump that came with the 340
  • Radiator hoses
  • New fuel pump for the fuel injection
  • Fuel return line for the fuel injection

I think that is it.  I also want to mention that I am a rookie so any advice that can be shared would be appreciated.  And on a side note, how did anyone do rebuilds without google :screwy:.

Cheers,
Dray




Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2006 - 02:40:56 PM »
That's a big wish list there Dray, So when do you think you'll get this all done?  It'll be a Monster if ever finished.

Get a 3 core big-block radiator. The current one won't have the outlets on the right sides. The Power steering and alt brackets are all different. Might have to get them from Marsh Perf. or ebay.   Fuel pump: Use one from an 89-93 Ford E-150 or F150, Nice big external pump. Modify your original sending unit plate to add a 3/8 supply line and use the existing pickup as a return line. OR add the return line to dump into the filler neck. (easiest to do, pull the filler, weld in a fitting, slide it back in.)       That Hemi will blow alot more than that Grand Am away. 

From my favorite fuel injection site:
"The external pumps used in Ford F150 fuel injected trucks from the 89-93 model years are Delco EP286. At 12 volts, the operating pressure is 70-95 PSI with 36-40 gals per hour. The biggest Delco pump is the EP424, which is 75-90 PSI at 40 gals per hour. EP 268 is a GM# 25117086, EP 424 is a GM# 25176156."

Here is a picture of the Econoline pump:

« Last Edit: April 10, 2006 - 04:23:00 PM by shelbydogg »
Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0


Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2006 - 11:56:41 PM »
the small block brakets for the Alt & PS will not fit the Hemi

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Dray

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Re: Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2006 - 12:58:09 AM »
Thanx for the advice Shelbydogg and Chryco.  I will try to find some new brackets shortly.

As for when I plan on getting this all done, everything is ordered and I have received most of the parts except for the Hemi, brakes and suspension, but I expect them over the next 2-3 weeks as they have all shipped.  So it is just a matter of performing the work, which hopefully can be done end of April/early May.

On a side note the Hemi is going to be pushing out around 540hp.  Will I need some kind of support arms to stop the frame from twisting?

Thanx
Dray

Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2006 - 06:28:01 AM »
Twisting? Yes you will. I'll think you'll have more than 540 Hp. If that's all you will put out get the subframe connectors and hemi-torque boxes put in.
Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0


Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Powertrain Upgrade - What am I forgetting?
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2006 - 10:45:09 AM »
Hoffmans has the brakets , they advertize in MCG

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t