Had some time after work and finally got the whole front piece out. No power tools........all by hand....and foot. 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.

 

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.

 

Test firing......no cooling system yet. I have OBD codes and of course engine is not happy. I just needed to confirm it gets gas, has oil pressure and charges.....it does.

Always check that you didn't leave a towel in the intake and nothing is touching the belt.......




CLICK PIC

 

Got my custom rad just now.


It's a bolt in (it better be) and has LOTS more cooling for high HP and 2inch necks relocated for V10 positions.


I paid less to have it made than a stock Viper piece..........and no damn plastic.

 

Stuck the hoses on and and put in some water.

Ran up to over 190 and T-stat opened.

Was a good test and I'm satisfied that I can move forward.

 

... Nice

 

It would not rev past 2500...........code shows MAF 2 problem. I need a sensor or it's a wiring issue.


It can wait till the swap is done and I run it in the '63.

 

DYNO BOB.........when it's running and street legal (though not complete)I'd like a dyno run to see what we get.

 

Check Both the ASD relays for the MAF... Maybe one dropped out...

 

I do believe that would give me a diff code.........but thanks :-)

 

Just completed my build order for the custom front end.


I've decided to build it a bit stiffer for street duty vs drags.


I'm going with 11inch rotors to fit inside my 15inch wheels and that will be enough stopping (4 wheel discs) for the power/weight of my build and no road course action in mind.


Single coil is good enough and a sway bar to keep me good on street cornering.


My Viper steering pump will remain and the Viper rack is standard for this build.


MOPAR spindles as per about 1973, but the build geometry and quality has 30yrs exp behind it.


Powdercoated all black.........a match to my black engine bay.


I'm into this unit for $5,500 shipped to my shop. Not bad and saves me a ton of work.

 

Wow... You really on the move....

 

I'm trying to progress directly to a driver and then continue the project in sections as I can afford and still drive it.

Motor/Trans/Brakes/Driveshaft/Exhaust

Rear/Wheels/Tires

Interior

Body/Paint

 

I think when the engine pops on decel it overpowers the camera mic....sounding not so "poppy" Still....give it a listen with high volume and good bass.

 

This should be about enough for my next step.

 

Front left wheelwell - first coat.

Bit by bit :-p ........tie it all together in the end...........

 

At this time these seats are stored in my living room. Sometimes at night I sit in the driver's seat and imagine my car done

 

So no removal of the Shock and upper control arm house to make more room for the Motor fitment?

 

The Viper V10 is basically the LA smallblock with 2 more cylinders - several inches narrower than the previous engine.

My custom front end mounts in stock locations

 

The firewall won't be so lucky

 

And the right side...............

I need some air after all those fumes

 

Then and now....how times have changed.........