Slow build of a (hopefully) fast '72 Cuda

[Mopar Thunder]

Awesome!  I can't wait to see the finished product. 

[usraptr]

Nice build!  I am also looking forward to seeing the finished product!

[moparelwood]

Nice project  I love all the new goodies you are putting in.  Keep up the good work. Seeing things like this make me want to get off the web and hit the garage.

[jedg]

Thanks guys.   I hope to test fit the engine/trans by summer.   I ordered the headers yesterday so need to purchase the mini-starter and the steering column.   Then I can see what I need to do to get this stuff in the car!

[jedg]

Well, a bit more progress.   I was able to test-fit the engine/transmission/headers in the vehicle this weekend.   It was definitely a good idea to pull the suspension, mount the engine/trans/headers to the suspension and then lower the Cuda down onto the suspension.   The test-fit and clearance process took around 10 fittings.  (lower Cuda until something touches, mark the contact point, rase the Cuda, use a BFH to make some room, repeat as necessary).  I did this using a gantry crane and hoist.

For the record, I'm using a 6.1L engine, TTI headers, RMS AlterKation front suspension, and a 4L60E transmission.   I have to say that the transmission mated up flawlessly.  I purchased my trans and the necessary adapters from Phoenix Transmissions.   Excellent service and customer support.

This combination required the making room in the trans tunnel on the passenger side for the transmission.   Specifically, room for the transmission lines so that the lines could be installed, room for the lower portion on the trans on the passenger side for what I believe is the access to the gear pack(??), and the pinch seam in the area of the bell housing.   I also needed to flatten a bit of the large humps on the engine side of the passenger A-Frame support.  (So where the upper A-frame bolts to the body, the actual bulges on the engine side).   Also, I had to cut about 1/2" from the flange of the transmission bell housing that is used for the dust cover on the passenger side so that the headers would clear the transmission.

The car is now at the body shop to get the undercarriage, interior, and engine bay painted... then back to me for engine/trans/suspension install.

[Travis72]

Looking good!  Looks mean with those big valve covers.

Travis
72 Cuda

[jedg]

Thanks Travis.   I have to give you credit for my test-fitting process.   I followed your lead (at least I think it was you) to lower the body down onto the suspension.

Looking good!  Looks mean with those big valve covers.

Travis
72 Cuda

[jedg]

So the latest update.   I had discovered that the passenger side header was contacting the transmission dust cover flange.  So, I called Phoenix Transmissions and they said I could clearance the flange without causing trouble to the trans itself.  (note they said to cut or grind but NOT to score and break, I guess some folks tried score/break and cracked their housing).   Anyway, I clearance about 1/2"... header still contacts... i clearance some more... still contact... clearance as much as I'm brave enough to do... still contact... this is when I realize that the header is also contacting the transmission oil pan... dang!   Now I'm thinking the header is designed wrong or was built wrong.   I contact Mike at TTI Headers and send him the below pictures (actually LOTS of pictures from different angles, but I'll save you from seeing the same thing from 90 different angles)...

Well, this is where I have to give kudos to Mike and TTI Headers.   I got an immediate response from Mike.  He determines that the headers were designed to fit a torqueflite 727 trans and that the 4L60E I have is wider, hence the contact.  He tells me that they will build a new passenger header.   I asked what it will cost as I'm prepared to pay since I didn't believe this would be covered under a warranty or such.   He said no cost and they paid to ship the old header back!  When I ordered from them via phone, the service was great.  They shipped the headers promptly and they arrived in immaculate condition.  Now to follow that with great customer service AFTER they have my money.   Yep, I recommend TTI without reservation.  (kind of like an add huh?)

So the pictures... the first three are the old misfit header... the last two are the replacement that TTI sent.

Thanks to my Dad for test fitting the replacement headers and then the photos.  ( the car is at his shop in Missouri and I'm stationed in Indiana right now )

[7212Mopar]

Looking great, nice shiny headers. Looks like the old one exit pointed inwards where as the new ones point straight back.

I will be getting TTI down the line as well.

[ragtopdodge]

Awesome build!


Just curious, but how come you didn't do the Mod Man intake w/the EFI already in it and go with a SEFI type EFI, like the FAST XFI?




Also, before painting, I would clean up the firewall, engine compartment of all unnecessary holes left from the old setup (e.g. ECU mount bracket, voltage regulator, ballast resistor, shocks, etc.).

[johns cuda shop]

 

[jedg]

Good eye on the EFI.  I plan to move to a supercharger in the future (the internals of the engine are such to take it), so, talking with Indy Cylinder Heads, we decided this was the easiest/cheapest 'temporary' setup.   It's the FAST EZ-EFI system and as the engine sits now, it puts out 587hp and 543 lb-ft of torque.

Yep, part of getting the engine bay in paint is to patch all the extra holes.

Jeff.

Awesome build!


Just curious, but how come you didn't do the Mod Man intake w/the EFI already in it and go with a SEFI type EFI, like the FAST XFI?




Also, before painting, I would clean up the firewall, engine compartment of all unnecessary holes left from the old setup (e.g. ECU mount bracket, voltage regulator, ballast resistor, shocks, etc.).

[ragtopdodge]

Awesome!  What supercharger?  A Kenne Bell?

[jedg]

Yep, that's the plan. A liquid cooled kenne bell.   

Awesome!  What supercharger?  A Kenne Bell?

[moparman82]

Wow man, almost 600hp and ur still gonna add a blower?  Thing is gonna be insane, I love everything about the build up to this point, going to be one sweet ride