72 Dart Swinger 3.6L Pentastar +T5

NAG1 and 8 speed are completely different pieces, NAG is more sensitive to WSS, and one tire being more than 1/8" off can throw gear ratio error codes (P0731, for example), and gear swaps are also harder. 2011 and older used the 42rle trans, that's the difference there. CAN is communication, not directly related to security. It's basically a twisted pair of wires with a termination resistance either in the module or STAR connector on later models. The TIPM can give you control over some of the things you want to do, all it is, is a smart fuse box, later Powernet vehicles use a PDC, for your purposes it isn't that much different. Any RWD 3.6/ 8sp L-Car, Ram, or WK/WD could be a donor vehicle for potential swap. I'm totally cool with your direction, it's going to be awesome and different I think. Maybe one day when I get my kids through college i'll have to break down and do this swap on something :)