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The trickiest part of the whole project was the engine management. The chrysler electronics
are just not designed for modification or performance. (to say the least) Fast and some of the other engine management
companies have some really good products, but I had several requirements:
- OBDII compatible
- Replacement parts are off the shelf - can be picked up at any auto parts store in the country.
- Can be serviced by any garage with a scan tool.
- Was built for performance and can be tuned.
I decided on using a G.M. L.S.1 computer and sensors. The Hemi and the L.S.1 are both 5.7 liters. Bore
and stroke are close, even the cam specs. are almost identical. I had to build a custom crank and cam reluctor rings.
A custom adaptor had to be fabricated for the L.S 1 throttle body to do away with the drive by wire throttle. Comp
cam and springs,and other assorted speed parts were installed. Remote coils were a must (PLUG WIRES HAVE TO
COME OUT OF THE VALVE COVERS ON A HEMI). Valve covers were seriously ugly, so I had to fabricate custom ones.
(had to have the correct hemi look) It took a while to get the bugs out, but it seems to work really well.
The transmission was not so exotic. A 727 with a good rebuild, Chetah
Manual valve body, (forward pattern so that the slap stick would work).
For the suspension, I wanted something totally safe that handled really well.
After talking with many custom K frame companies , all of which required a motor plate or elephant ears, they
seemed to agree that this would not be feasable for everyday street driving and would not guarantee as such.
With that information I decided to go with Magnum Force adjustable control arms to get the caster I was looking for and a
Flaming River close ratio steering box. The car was lowered to get the correct stance and suspension was rebuilt with
poly bushings and Edelbrock shocks. For brakes, Baer was an obvious choice. Nothing looks as good or works as
well. (again all parts can be replaced at any auto parts store) Calipers and pads are late model G.M F body.
The rear got new 3.91 gears and a rebuilt power lock.
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