So I like building sport trucks and just for fun in class a few days ago I was talking too one of my instructors and he mentioned too me throwing a new modern hemi into a 99 Dakota instead of a doing a big block build which at first I didn't really think much of but then I started thinking about how much power the new hemi can make and how they aren't wallet killers on gas so I guess my question is out of the new modern hemi what are really there weak points? have any of you guys every really built serious power out of them? and by serious power I mean around 500 or 600 to the wheels and not have any major reliability issues I was looking at the 392 and 426 HEMI if I was going too do a swap like this

 

Front balancer, pistons and connecting rods are suceptible to big power stress at 600 + anyway.

 

the more ive looked and studied them if I build this I would honestly probably build a 426 modern hemi too use with an aluminum block just too save weight... do you know about any issues with aluminum blocks holding boost? ive never really play around on them I was thinking something along the lines of low boost around 9 pounds? or would it just be worth the weight too just build an iron block 426?

 

The aluminum blocks from Arrow Racing Engines are good! They are the development people for Chrysler's/Dodge Viper and Drag Pak Upgrade (DPU 426) engines. It's about an extra $3000 for the 100 lb weight saving.

You can do whatever you need to with an iron block.

Parts wise, getting a junkyard engine for all the peripheral parts would be a good start.


Arrington Engines offers all sizes of short block assemblies for your interest.

 

What if I pulled the motor tranny fuel pump and etc from an old wrecked charger or challenger do you think the parts would work with the swap?

 

Crazy4carz built a 5.7 stroker for his 68 Dart some time back.

https://moparforums.com/forums/f9/so...-project-1602/

 

my biggest concern right now is getting the wiring all finished right now im in college too get my ASE master certification so its not something that im overly worried about but none the less wiring sucks if I do this swap I will probably make my own gauge cluster instead of using most of the factory gauges also with this build im looking at getting a solid 500 too the wheels with forced induction

 

Absolutely.

A 727 and a 904 are a direct bolt up option as well, just need a conversion flex plate from MOPAR. A newer transmission takes a big tunnel to fit it in.

If you get the wiring harness and computer, you may be able to harvest the wiring you need and junk the rest. Otherwise, it's a good $3000 +/- for a aftermarket ECU and harness.

 

I really really want too keep the tremec transmission if I can I would'nt mind doing the work too fit it even if it requires fab work im going too be taking welding classes next summer so it should help a lot