Well, I guess I'm taking the plunge too...........

-

SS23MOPAR

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2011
Messages
241
Reaction score
26
Location
Mid Atlantic
After giving my Dad the Bigblock driveline out of my 71 Duster for his 72 Dart.....I was offered a 2015 Ram 5.7 Hemi with 9K miles on it. I have a nice 400 short block begging for a stroker kit but started reading about the Hemi swap. and so here I am......The plan is a 5.7 w/ a Megasquirt setup / 833 4spd / Dana 60 3.5/3.7 gears / stock K frame and torsion bars....Engine will be left completely stock......looking to build a nice 4 speed driver with AC. Talked to Mike at EFI Source, great guy/ very informative and so far it seems simple enough, but this is all new to me and I'm sure there are pitfalls to watch out for. The one thing that gets me (just like BB A bodies) is the cost of headers.-> Is there anything else available that works / stock / aftermarket. Theres lots of info on the net about this conversion but most seems to be dated.........so hit me with latest and the greatest PLEASE! Thanks.......
 
That ought to be a too much fun kinda hot rod. I love that 5.7 in my 2013 Express 1500. Has more beans than my 72 BB Ford short bed. Get used to buying drive tires :thumbsup:.
 
subscribed.

How much is the harness and computer gonna run you? Or, is this all you need plus motor mounts and headers?
 
Last edited:
Ive considered it as well. But i'm staying 440...... for now.
 
There are some very interesting EFI kits out there . these do not require the factory harness (hassle). I believe you can keep the factory intake and fuel rails . I think the factory putors go way too far to make it complicated . A $500.00 , 5.7L motor out of a wrecked truck is affordable but the $3500-$4000 for the harness is stupid . Just saying.
 
There are some very interesting EFI kits out there . these do not require the factory harness (hassle). I believe you can keep the factory intake and fuel rails . I think the factory putors go way too far to make it complicated . A $500.00 , 5.7L motor out of a wrecked truck is affordable but the $3500-$4000 for the harness is stupid . Just saying.
where you finding hemi's for that price?
 
On a trip to the local Dodge service center, I asked the service manager "If my 5.7 grenades while it's still under warranty? Will you replace it with a 392?" His response was basiclly "Seriously? :wtf:". I had to ask.
 
The MS3 plug and play Gold box from EFI Source is about $1300......and they make an adapter to use the LS1 throttle body which is a lot cheaper then the Hemi TB's. I'll be ordering these parts pretty soon but I'm more interested in gathering the parts for mock up in the car right now.
 
It's been slow going, but I dug the Duster out of hibernation....I stopped working on it 2 years ago to build my Dads car which has the BB driveline that was in the Duster.............. I also repainted the Hemi....still have to change the pan and maybe the timing cover (undecided on that as of yet)

DSCN5051.JPG


DSCN5167.JPG


DSCN5034.JPG


DSCN5034.JPG


DSCN5044.JPG


DSCN5048.JPG
 
Also picked up a new Hemi long block that the dealer was going to trash because it had some flash rust on it. I used this engine for mockup. I bolted the bell/trans up along with the X member and lowered the car down on to it. Once the X member is bolted in, I suspended the engine while slipping the K frame in. I bought the TTI mounts and headers...OUCH!! I used a /6 K frame and the drivers side TTI mount to locate the engine - Pass mount I had to fabricate - ( the /6 and V8 drivers side mount on the K is supposed to be the same ) - pass. side /6 mount is set back further so I can use the stock oil filter location. The headers fit pretty good....tight on the steering box and touching the pass. frame rail as I believe is common. Looks like I will shim the mounts up 1/4" for better steering box clearance and maybe put a small notch in the rail. You cant run the low mount AC compressor without major mods to the mount and K frame which will be done later.

DSCN5067.JPG


DSCN5106.JPG


DSCN5107.JPG


DSCN5108.JPG


DSCN5109.JPG


DSCN5110.JPG


DSCN5111.JPG
 
Pic of the clutch fork in the car with headers.....didn't have the TO bearing installed so its hanging a little low but it gives you an idea of the amount clearance available. Other pix are with the engine and K out on the cart. I got the 1/4" shims under mounts/ a lot better clearance on the box. That's all for now... I will be working on it this winter as time allows.........

DSCN5124.JPG


DSCN5125.JPG


DSCN5126.JPG


DSCN5127.JPG


DSCN5128.JPG


DSCN5129.JPG


DSCN5130.JPG


DSCN5131.JPG


DSCN5132.JPG


DSCN5135.JPG
 
-
Back
Top