Author Topic: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap??? (Read 8045 times)

1970GranCoupeConvert · « **on:** July 26, 2013 - 04:10:41 PM »

I'm just toying with the idea of swapping out my 340 and LA-727 with Gear Drive to a Gen III Hemi and transmission.

Ive done three transplants of modern engines and transmissions (Tahoe engine/trans into a 1961 Cadillac, Corvette LT-1 engine and trans into a 55 Chevy and a Camero LS-1 engine/trans into a 55 Chevy) but I am really unfamiliar with the modern Mopar equipment.

I talked to Randy Bouchillon of Bouchillon Performance Engineering and he said that the ONLY automatic transmission that would work is the 545 transmission from a 3/4 ton truck.

Many of the articles on the web seem to be outdated (2009).

So the questions are:

Can you shoot me (and everyone else) some articles on this kind of swap?

What engine and automatic transmission do you recommend?

From what donor car should these components come from?

Does the computer need to be purchased with the engine?

Who are the good companies to buy the wire harness and ECU reprogram from?

Will the OEM speedometer from the 1970 Barracuda still work with the new transmission?

Anyhoo...I know these questions are often asked however it would be great to get some feedback from guys who have done this very recently and who can give some real world experience and suggestions.

THANKS!!!

johns cuda shop · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2013 - 04:29:45 PM »

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0905_hemi_engine_swap_guide/viewall.html http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=3930520

1970GranCoupeConvert · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2013 - 05:25:18 PM »

Thanks...That article is good but it is from 2009...and it is kinda vague on details and there are some new engine designs that have come out since then.

johns cuda shop · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2013 - 05:44:35 PM »

Quote from: 1970GranCoupeConvert on July 26, 2013 - 05:25:18 PM

Thanks...That article is good but it is from 2009...and it is kinda vague on details and there are some new engine designs that have come out since then.

Well it kinda gets you in the ball park. I was not sure what you had in mind for a budget, Its not for the faint of heart thats for sure Several members on the forum have either done the the swap or is in the process of.My gen 3 hemi build thread http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=75207.0 I bought most of my drivetrain from Randy , he knows his stuff . Dont short change yourself of the swap because it will come back to bite you. If you have any questions, I would be happy to give you my personal experience.I wouldnt hesitate to contact Randy Bouchillon or Dave over at Modern Muscle.

thedodgeboys · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2013 - 07:19:58 PM »

Quote from: 1970GranCoupeConvert on July 26, 2013 - 04:10:41 PM

Ive done three transplants of modern engines and transmissions double the price for a gen 3 build

I talked to Randy Bouchillon of Bouchillon Performance Engineering and he said that the ONLY automatic transmission that would work is the 545 transmission from a 3/4 ton truck.any small block chrysler trans will work also

Many of the articles on the web seem to be outdated (2009). not much has changed

Can you shoot me (and everyone else) some articles on this kind of swap?

What engine and automatic transmission do you recommend? how much do you want to spend 5.7 are the cheapest 727 is or any standard shift other autos will require tunnel mods and a controller

From what donor car should these components come from? any gen 3 package will work

Does the computer need to be purchased with the engine? no but it could be used for a core charge

Who are the good companies to buy the wire harness and ECU reprogram from? IMHO hot wire auto makes the best one for a factory ecu and is carried by most of the vendors you mentioned http://www.hotwireauto.com/?page=sales-dcx holley is working on a nice standalone ecu and harness for about 3k

Will the OEM speedometer from the 1970 Barracuda still work with the new transmission? yes you may need an adapter if you use a modern auto

Anyhoo...I know these questions are often asked however it would be great to get some feedback from guys who have done this very recently and who can give some real world experience and suggestions.
my car
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/featuredvehicles/e_body/mopp_1108_1970_dodge_challenger_lucky_dog/
a buddy's car I helped with
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/featuredvehicles/e_body/mopp_1302_1974_plymouth_barracuda/

my build thread
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=41617.0

there are several others on her like johns and Travis's that are really cool...

THANKS!!!

1970GranCoupeConvert · « **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2013 - 11:08:48 AM »

Thanks Scott.

I went to your thread and could read the text however on the first couple of pages when I click on the pictures I get a message that says "404 - Attachment Not Found"

Is anyone else getting that message.

Regarding the "tunneling" work required with a new automatic, what work is required? I have read threads about the 518A and it appears that the trans mount needs to be lowered and a "dimple" pounded into the floor board at one place but there does not appear to be major sugary required? I will go with an automatic.

What are the differences in the modern automatics?

thedodgeboys · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2013 - 04:51:19 PM »

Quote from: 1970GranCoupeConvert on July 27, 2013 - 11:08:48 AM

Thanks Scott.

I went to your thread and could read the text however on the first couple of pages when I click on the pictures I get a message that says "404 - Attachment Not Found"

Is anyone else getting that message.

Regarding the "tunneling" work required with a new automatic, what work is required? I have read threads about the 518A and it appears that the trans mount needs to be lowered and a "dimple" pounded into the floor board at one place but there does not appear to be major sugary required? I will go with an automatic.

What are the differences in the modern automatics?

when I started the C-C server would clear the picture folder when it got full and we would lose all the pictures so I switched to photobuck but I never went back and reloaded them.
that's why the pictures are missing

shelbydog did a nice write up on the 518 install do a search or pm him for the necessary info

overdrive

mostly, the modern trans are larger and need a controller to shift them and some use a bolt on drive shaft instead of a slip yoke.

The new 8 speeds that Chrysler is starting to use is something that would be fun to play with.

until then if I were building an auto car I would look at the GM 4L80E 6 speed IMHO

diyhemi.com · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2013 - 05:03:25 PM »

Quote from: thedodgeboys on July 27, 2013 - 04:51:19 PM

when I started the C-C server would clear the picture folder when it got full and we would lose all the pictures so I switched to photobuck but I never went back and reloaded them.
that's why the pictures are missing

shelbydog did a nice write up on the 518 install do a search or pm him for the necessary info

overdrive mostly, the modern trans are larger and need a controller to shift them and some use a bolt on drive shaft instead of a slip yoke.

The new 8 speeds that Chrysler is starting to use is something that would be fun to play with. until then if I were building an auto car I would look at the GM 4L80E 6 speed IMHO

6L80E with tap shift

PlumCrazyChris · « **Reply #8 on:** July 31, 2013 - 06:38:52 PM »

One of the best threads I've seen on the install, and I referred to it alot is this one on Moparts, How-To install a 5.7/6.1 HEMI into your 'ole Mopar! by 808Cuda

Its for a 6.1, but nearly all of it applies to the 5.7.

Here's the thread.

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=3930520

Travis72 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 01, 2013 - 01:21:55 AM »

with PlumCrazyChris, I used that thread continually as a reference for my Gen 3 swap.

I think Bob with the Twisted Fish Cuda got the NAG1 working. He used a FAST XFI system for the engine and a stand alone controller for the transmission if I remember right. Check out his build thread for one of the nicest Cuda's you'll see.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=28388.735

Travis
72 Cuda

1970GranCoupeConvert · « **Reply #10 on:** August 04, 2013 - 10:00:12 AM »

Thanks...the Hawaii car thread is real good...my thanks to rain that allowed that gave that guy the time to write it up...and thanks to that guy for helping us all out.

He answered many of my questions regarding the engine install.

He used a LA-727 and that makes the hard swap much easier however I really want to go with the computer controlled transmission.

So it is confirmed that the 545 installation needs some tunnel mods to make the install...now the nagging question for me (and I'm sure other guys) is will the NAG1 swap require surgery to get it to be installed.

johns cuda shop · « **Reply #11 on:** August 04, 2013 - 11:10:46 AM »

Quote from: 1970GranCoupeConvert on August 04, 2013 - 10:00:12 AM

Thanks...the Hawaii car thread is real good...my thanks to rain that allowed that gave that guy the time to write it up...and thanks to that guy for helping us all out.

He answered many of my questions regarding the engine install.

He used a LA-727 and that makes the hard swap much easier however I really want to go with the computer controlled transmission.

So it is confirmed that the 545 installation needs some tunnel mods to make the install...now the nagging question for me (and I'm sure other guys) is will the NAG1 swap require surgery to get it to be installed.

Oh, I,ll bet that there will be some major surgery to the crossmember .A lot of guys stick them under the tunnel without thought to the driveline angle.

1970GranCoupeConvert · « **Reply #12 on:** August 04, 2013 - 11:19:40 AM »

Wow that will be a super nice ride when he is done!!!

It looks by the picture he is going to install the 545 transmission and it is indeed a more thicker trans than the 727/904.

Regarding the NAG1...it is much shorter and more narrow than the 545...

Anybody with NAG1 experience...anybody...tap tap tap squeal...is this thing turned on...I'm here all week and remember to tip the waitresses?!?!?!?

(Looking around for more dead horses to beat emoticon)

johns cuda shop · « **Reply #13 on:** August 04, 2013 - 01:19:12 PM »

I am not sure what type of plans you have for the suspension ,. Your driveline angle will have everything to do with the tunnel surgery with any trans swap. Regardless of a Nag3 ,545RFE ,727 Unless you are happy with the factory setting ?? But why ? your already modifying the car for the modern drivetrain .Mopar set it a 3 deg down as standard in the 60s and 70s . If you set it at the factory driveline angle then you are limiting how far you can lower the car ,hence headers pointing downward, A unfinished look,exhaust head pipes hanging under the car ect ect. , A 1 deg down driveline angle gives you more options . Just food for thought before you get started. I wish you luck on your project

1970GranCoupeConvert · « **Reply #14 on:** August 04, 2013 - 03:55:41 PM »

Thanks John for the suggestions...very good thought process (on your end)!!!

Yeah...I admit I march to a different guitar.

My Barracuda sits at stock heigth. Currently other than modern low profile and very wide tires and the fact tht I color coded my Rally Wheels the car looks exactly stock.

I had it slammed back in my high school years (like 28 years ago) but I got tired of the rough ride and scraping my assets on every speed bump so I raised it back up to stock heigth and have been very happy ever since.

Exhaust wise I am currently running stock high performance exhaust manifolds and and complete dual exhaust system with resonators. It has a deep tone but not too loud.

If I go the Gen III HEMI route, I will try to see if the Jeep exhaust manifolds will work (like MP suggests) or I will try to go with shorty headers. I most likely will go with a new exhaust system of undetermined design and components (Ill beat that dead horse on this forum if/when the time comes.

Author Topic: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap??? (Read 8045 times)

1970GranCoupeConvert

Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

johns cuda shop

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

1970GranCoupeConvert

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

johns cuda shop

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

thedodgeboys

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

1970GranCoupeConvert

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

thedodgeboys

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

diyhemi.com

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

PlumCrazyChris

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

Travis72

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

1970GranCoupeConvert

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

johns cuda shop

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

1970GranCoupeConvert

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

johns cuda shop

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???

1970GranCoupeConvert

Re: Does Anyone Have Any "How To" Articles on Gen III Engine/Trans To E-Body Swap???