Just an idea that has been floating in my head!!

[Orsalak]

I know I am not the only person to think of this so I want some help from you to tell me what I am missing! The new hemi has been around now for something like 10 years and it has been put in something like 8 different vehicles. They are plentyful in junkyards in all different horsepower and displacements now. So how hard is it to install one of these engines into our trucks?
I think I remember hearing that our SB transmissions would bolt up no problem. Am I right on this?
How much of a problem are the engine mounts? Will the new hemi bolt on to the SB mounts?
Could the holly efi solve any electrical/computer problems?
Two plugs per cylinder cause problems?
Ignition problems?
I guess my question is has anyone done this and what problems are there?

[Orsalak]

Well I thought this would have been a much more popular discussion than it is. Maybe it is much more difficult than I thought.

[318cu.in.]

Don't despair Orsalak

I did register to your thread when you started it. Not too long ago, I was considering a 1955 De Soto HEMI for my M37 but, in my case, a number of life and professional issues need attention right now. A modern day HEMI would certainly be powerful enough. I would be curious to know how such an engine would fit between the frame rails.

[Aaron S]

Arrington makes this replacement timing cover that solves all computer issues. It's not cheap, but I like the idea. http://www.shophemi.com/c-1102-gen-i...nversions.aspx

[Orsalak]

Arrington makes this replacement timing cover that solves all computer issues. It's not cheap, but I like the idea. http://www.shophemi.com/c-1102-gen-i...nversions.aspx

Holy crap that isn't cheap! I guess this is harder (read more expensive) then just a swap.

[318cu.in.]

Transfer the sensors along with the engine, Orsalak

I've seen it done. Years ago, I was taking welding lessons at night. The teacher showed the airboat he was fabricating. He used a small engine block (3 cyl. ? from a GM small car). He had cut up the car to salvage the wiring and sensors. And it wasn't his first project reusing a computer equipped engine.

[Matthew Welcher PWA]

I have been giving the modern hemi quite a bit of thought, I have yet to put a pen to the dollars and cents of it but I can see one going into a flat fender some time in the future. The manual transmission side of it is what may or may not be the hard part. I just need to find the correct donor vehicle.

[Desoto61]

I tend to doubt that it will bolt into factory locations unless you build the mounts that way.

I see no real benefit of trying to convert down to a carb and distributor from a cost standpoint. You have two options for the computer, either make sure to get all the wiring and engine computer and have the computer re-flashed for your application, or you should find aftermarket harneses from Painless and probably Mopar since they do sell these as crate motors.

Mechanically I don't think it would be the hardest swap, new mounts and re-routing all of your plumbing aren't super difficult, but the electrical side will prove more challenging in getting everything to talk and work well, especially depending on what you decide to do with the transmission.

[jcruse64]

On Ramcharger Central board, user hutcla has a 2WD Ramcharger that he dropped a newer Hemi in, and it it fantastic. Definitely doable, and his is sharp.