1963/2008 Dodge (Polara) 440/Viper Bee
 

Now that I have your attention


I've wanted one of these B bodies forever. I found a 42K mile 63 model 440 and got a decent deal. I could do the "normal" bigblock, HEMI, MaxWedge.....ect, but wanted something diff.......a challenge.


I decide to go modern tech and only one choice made sense - the Viper.


I purchased a 6K mile wrecked 08 and am bringing the cars together.


I've already stripped the 63 and the Viper is pared down to what I will integrate.


When I get home I will add pics via my Photobucket.


Stand by to shake your head...........good or bad LoL

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$90,000+ new

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Last night I cut off everything just behind the seat mount as well as the A pillar and windshield. Just need to trim a bit from the area just behind the front wheels so as not to have it in my 63 wheels wells. That is where the headers meet the cats and then out to side pipes....not needed.

The basic concept:

This older pic is from before I realized the hoops (roll bar) would not be included. I have cut the Viper just behind the seats since then and hopefully can retain use of the 63 back seat. This depends on clearance, seat mobility and roll cage location.

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Doing a custom K-member and custom 4link added to my 8.75 rear.
I'll integrate as much of the new tech as I can.


Ordered a custom 4 row radiator Monday. It will bolt right in, but can more than handle the V10

I sold the poly 318 and 727 to guy that will use in a 57 Plymouth.


I sold the Viper IRS to a guy that needed Viper rear bits.


I hope to sell off more Viper bits and maybe a few of the 63 parts at the end of the project.

And YES.........the Viper runs.
I actually moved it under its own power sans front end.
A moto jack and some plywood...............do what we gotta do.........


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One of these two cars is approx. what the final result will look like except I'll prob have a black hood(glass) and front grill.


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quite the project, I look forward to seeing this unfold

Me too.


Getting to where money may be the thing that slows me down.......which is not uncommon cash

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Some earlier pics coming in...........

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Not too bad. Had a couple leaks - one at windshield base and one at rear glass base. Typical due to sediments stuck there. For 52 yrs in Stockton, Ca it's ok.
Previous owner did hack floor repair, but I'll cut it all out anyway.

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Beige interior turning to black.

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How to transport a 3 wheeled car across the country and not block everything on the trailer.

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I cut off airbags and did a quick clean up. Even with a busted window and a cat it is good for 2 yrs stored.

I can't use the rear section b/c it's too wide. I'd be stuck with 19inch wheels and that wont cut it. Also with my 8.75 I can change ratios in no time.

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8.4 L - 511 cid..........all aluminum with forged crank. This alone is over $23K from the factory. I got this one with only 6733 miles along with a nice dual clutch 6speed and all the electronics plus a nice set of seats for $16,500 + shipping.


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You have been making some good head way up to this point.... " I got my Eye on you!!".... lol

With some ProStock sized tires and 4.56 gears maybe I can do some street wheelies

Might need to bolt in a few iron cylinder heads to the rear bumper....lol

Man.... I keep looking at that "Canary Yellow".... That is a "POPPING" Dam nice looking color for that car !!!!!
BOB LIKE'S....:yikes::)

I like the yellow.....great color for it, but I'm more inclined to less popping colors. The blue is a good match to my bike.

I can't bolt anything to my rear bumper.....fiberglass :D

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$25K if you buy at the dealership

I spent some time today removing the front suspension from the '63. I'm having a custom piece built........something like this:


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Removing the front gets the torsion bars out of the path of the exhaust. The Viper has side pipes so the header is funky. I may have to get an aftermarket version for the SRT truck.

Well this is certainly interesting and WAY above anything I could ever attempt.

Its a vision.... Sleep on it...... LOL

Bob like it... Whos building that custom peace????

Maybe

http://www.magnumforce.com/magnumsto...spx?itemid=136

Had some time after work and finally got the whole front piece out. No power tools........all by hand....and foot.:doh: After loosing the skin on my right palm I went to using my leg to push the wrench on the K-member bolts. You know when you do a lot of sit-ups and the skin on you butt blisters..........got that too.

After over 52yrs of being together....it didn't wanna go.

Now I can prepare the engine bay for the next step.........getting the motor and trans situated.


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Cool Beans !!!!

My custom radiator is done and should arrive any day now.


Yesterday I reconnected the Viper harness and fuel system to prepare for some run time.


I've only been able to run the engine for seconds at a time w/o cooling so now we will finally get up to temp.


Maybe I'll grab a lil vid

How does the V10 measure up, length ,height width etc. compared to a 440? I know the trans has large diameter and you will probably have to make room.


It's a cool project, most guys would have gotten a crate Hemi, torqueflite and a Dana 60 and called it good.

To make it easy.............look here http://carnut.com/specs/engdim.html


I will indeed be making room as the whole front floorpan of the Viper is going in.


I coulda done that, but I will have a superior car as far as driving it often and under various conditions. I like the challenge and if I decide to sell I will probably get a better price than a "normal" build would bring.

The V10 is really just a longer smallblock.....the real savings is weight. (Weight shown on that chart is the iron truck V10 - Viper V10 is all aluminum)

And that crazy V10 sound.

Very true..........it actually is not so appealing at idle............but it screams.

Is the floor in the Viper steel?

Very thin stamped steel and 2 ribs on each side to mount the seats..........which will also be used.