I bought the bare metal 71 Challenger Conv advertised on MOPARTS and eBay a couple months back. I've decided to take the plunge and do the restomod with a late Hemi conversion. I have just purchased and picked up a 6.4 with a NAGS1 trans from a 2013 Charger SRT. 3700 miles. I plan to leave it stock and morph it into the 71 Chall. So here’s the dilemma.
Most of the builders suggest using a 545RFE Truck transmission in the car. It will be easier and need fewer modules. The only thing on the 545 is the problem with the 1st gear or two. With that I would need a 391 rear for any decent low end. I have a nice set of 3:23 posi that I had slated for this. Also the trans is not known for taking a lot of horsepower. The stock motor is 470 HP and with headers and cold air it will probably push the 500 mark. Not to mention I would have to buy the trans, Converter, starter and all the attaching parts and flywheel. Trans new can be bought for $2000-$4000 depending on what you buy. Also would have to change rear end gears which will cost probably another $500 or so.
Now with the NAGS1, I have to get several modules (
http://www.hotwireauto.com/?page=sales-nag1 ), and the harness will cost about $800 more than the one for the 545. Also it means finding a place to hide 3 more modules and will need to use the factory shifter from a late LX car. Hotwire is positive it works and they have several on the road since 2007. I believe the floor pan mods will be about the same, but the driveshaft will be special and have to be custom made (say around $700). The NAGS has great gearing through all the gears. They use this in the new cars along with 3:08 gears. My 08 Super Bee has this setup in it and it pulls great in all the gears including out of the hole with nice highway overdrive.
I really want the NAGS1 in the car, but the reliable sources tell me otherwise. I have had nothing but great conversations with all the best builders/suppliers including Modern Muscle, Bouchillon and Hotwire. They are all great. I just need some advice from guys that have done the nags to decide if that is the way to go. I can put a stock 71 Challenger together without a problem. I’ve done it for 30 years with great success. This is uncharted waters and cut and make fit
? that’s like a foreign language.
Any suggestions or help???
Just FYI, The car is going to be built like this…
71 Challenger Conv Sassy Grass Green or B5 Blue (not decided)
Front and rear rubber bumpers, R/T Hood, Quarter scoops, Side stripes (Black) , 71’ Gull wing
TTI Headers and 3”exhaust with tips.
Street Lynx rear suspension
Stock K-Member front suspension with power steering
4 wheel disc brakes of some sort
Wheels and tires undetermined, but looking at 17x8 and 18X9.5 Foose Nitrous 5
White interior and boot (Buckets w/console)
Vintage Air
Replacement dash cluster with newer gauge package.
Thanks, Keith
