70 cuda with viper engine

[r.a.w.rods]

Well like it says at the top. Im getting ready to start my cuda project and have a 04 viper engine lined up, but not sure on what to do about the factory harness and computer.  Would I be better off buying a new wirring harness and compute or trying to reuse the stock harness and send the stock computer out for returning?  Anyone have any info out there I can read over.  Im not finding much on google.

Thanks Aaron

[Chryco Psycho]

I belive the factory has a stand alone computer available for the crate engine they sold , probably the best way to run the engine , not sure of the cost though

[dutch]

sounds like a cool project, keep the pictures coming     good luck with your build 

[ViperMan]

You've gotta LOT of work ahead of you.  We met a guy at Carlisle in 2007 who actually dropped the 'Cuda body over a Viper chassis, heavily modified of course.  The interior, steering, suspension, etc - was all Viper, with the body components modified to fit over the frame.  It was an absolutely beautiful car.

I agree that you should use a factory Viper harness, and modify it to suit your needs.  Let me give you some websites:

forums.viperclub.org
This is the home of the Viper Club of America - I'm a non-paying member, currently.  I'd recommend this resource to help get some detailed information on the Viper engine and it's requirements.

www.xvipers.com
www.x2builders.com
These are salvage Viper sites - possibly a good source for harnesses, misc brackets, parts, etc.

www.ebay.com
I'd check here for service manuals for the 04 Viper - this will give you wiring diagrams, technical specs on the engine, even things like torque-specs for motor assembly and installation.

I'd suggest some SERIOUS bracing on the 'Cuda body - those Viper motors put out more torque than most diesel truck engines.  You'll twist that body like a pretzel.

I'm slowly developing more Viper contacts every day (just bought my 2000 GTS Coupe) so PM me if you have any questions or problems - I might not know the answer, but I can help you find it.

Jeff

[71bigblock]

Squier auto can make you a harness and flash a computer. 

www.hotwireauto.com

Harness is just shy of $1k.  I have no idea on the computer. 

[r.a.w.rods]

Thanks guys, yes i know is going to be alot of work. I just talked with Mark at street and performance and the reprograming of the stock computer is 395.00.  Mark said I can reuse the factory engine harness or send mine to him and he will use it to build a new one thats just plug and play 940.00.   Ill also know for sure tuesday if the viper engine will be a go or no go.  Thats when Ill be looking at the 04 srt 10 truck with a 6 speed.  Heres a picture of my Money pit....lol

[71bigblock]

Thanks guys, yes i know is going to be alot of work. I just talked with Mark at street and performance and the reprograming of the stock computer is 395.00.  Mark said I can reuse the factory engine harness or send mine to him and he will use it to build a new one thats just plug and play 940.00.   Ill also know for sure tuesday if the viper engine will be a go or no go.  Thats when Ill be looking at the 04 srt 10 truck with a 6 speed.  Heres a picture of my Money pit....lol

Tony Squier makes the harnesses for S&P, dont know if you knew that or not.  He may be able to get you a better price, eliminate the middle man.  Ask for Tony at Squier, and tell him what you can get it for from S&P, and see if he can beat it. 

[r.a.w.rods]

i didnt know that, thanks.  ill give him a try.

[70ptta]

have you looked into the motor mounts.  who makes them or are you going to fab some up?

[r.a.w.rods]

what fun would it be to just go out and buy them...lol Fabbing some up is the only way to go.  Only thing I dont know is if I want to go with a altercation front end or use the art morrions front and build the rest myself.  Dont want to twist the body like a pretzel...lol

[Big Jimbo]

If you think you are crazy, I installed a 2004 viper engine in a 1959 Plymouth.  I started about 2 years ago and have gone though all of your wiring harness and computer issues.  I am finally to the point where I am going to try to start the engine tomorrow!  I purchased my harness from Hot Wire located in AR and their web is http://www.hotwireauto.com/  They have been very helpful.  I will have to look up the place where I had the computer reprogrammed.  I spent months researching this, but hopefully tomorrow will be the day of truth!  I will keep you posted.  I am now rebuilding a Dana 60 for the rear and installing Wilwood brakes so I can stop the beast!  Don't give up on your unique project! 

[FJ5_440]

If you think you are crazy, I installed a 2004 viper engine in a 1959 Plymouth.  I started about 2 years ago and have gone though all of your wiring harness and computer issues.  I am finally to the point where I am going to try to start the engine tomorrow!  I purchased my harness from Hot Wire located in AR and their web is http://www.hotwireauto.com/  They have been very helpful.  I will have to look up the place where I had the computer reprogrammed.  I spent months researching this, but hopefully tomorrow will be the day of truth!  I will keep you posted.  I am now rebuilding a Dana 60 for the rear and installing Wilwood brakes so I can stop the beast!  Don't give up on your unique project!

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have got to see more photos of that 59!!  Big Jimbo, maybe you would be so kind as to start a thread with that car in it?

Engine swaps like these are certainly large undertakings, but I love seeing them.

[dutch]

    awesome      make sure someone catches the first startup on film!  ...and post it here ofcourse... 

[Big Jimbo]

I can start a thread on this site if people would be interested.  I have lots of pics and stories.  I found the site on a google search looking to see if there was another crazy person out there trying to put a Viper engine in a regular car.  I wanted to add moral and technical support to the crazy individual through my lessons learned over the past 2 years.  This is a cuda-challenger site so I didn't want to start a thread for an old Belvedere. 
For the Cuda/Viper project I would expect the issues to be similar to mine since the suspension in the old 1959 is not that much different from the Cuda.  The thing that amazed me on the 59 was that the viper engine mounts lined up with the front frame cross member, and the rear mount for the Tremec 6 speed mounted right on the old Torqueflite crossmember!  I used the stock viper engine mounts and just needed the frame mounts fabbed.  I bet the Cuda will be similar because of shared engines over the years.  The mounting length appears to have not changed much.  The Viper engine is narrower and lower than the old 318 poly wide block I removed (and a LOT lighter) but is about 6-8 inches longer.  The worst part of mounting it was the long continuous oil pan that is cast aluminum so not changeable.  This required dropping the center of the front frame crossmember.  Then there is the length issue and getting a radiator and fan to fit.  The tunnel only required minor surgery and the shifter comes right out in front of the bench seat.  I bet the Cuda would be similar.  Now if I can only get it started this weekend......I have not yet heard it roar.

[Moparal]

I look forward to seeing your post.  And that engine would look so cool with a fuel injection long ram on it