What donor vehicle for 5.7 dart swap

[1968270dart]

My apologies in advance. I'm sure this has been covered many times but this is my first post and I'm not real swift at searching past threads. I'm planning on swapping a 5.7 into my 68 Dart and I'm in the donor vehicle selection process. I've been told that the Ram 1500 is the way to go but no one can really tell me why not use a challenger, 300, Jeep, etc. I hear if you use the right pickup 5.7 it has a few more ponies than the others. Is that the only advantage? I also plan to use the 545 trans (I know it takes a lot of cutting and cross member issues arise, which I'm prepared for) I'm looking to use a 2009 or newer as the 5.7 received many upgrades, heads, variable runners, variable cam timing, etc.

Does anyone have pros or cons on the different donor vehicles. I plan to get the entire vehicle and use everything I can. wiring harness, accelerator pedal, fuel pump, etc.

Thanks in advance

PS- I'm toying with the idea of the Alterkation front end, but haven't decided if I can choke down that horse pill of of price tag!

 

[Keith Mopar]

Welcome to FABO, I can't answer yor question but you can look here.
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/forumdisplay.php?f=83

This forum is only for Hemi in an A body, or ask your question here.

 

[abodyjoe]

I've been told that the Ram 1500 is the way to go but no one can really tell me why not use a challenger, 300, Jeep, etc.

thats because the accessories are located narrower on the trucks and fit into a classic car better.

look at the next post. look how wide the car hemi is compared to the truck hemi... its not that you can't use the car hemi. its just that you would have to buy all the brackets and crap that add up.

 

[abodyjoe]

car hemi..

truck hemi

 

[1968270dart]

Thanks AbodyJoe! That pretty much makes up my mind to go with the Ram as a donor. I appreciate the photos. I see there's a big difference.