blackened my 72 cuda

[tellyv]

the wheels are 18x8 up front and 19x10 in back nitto nt555 for rubber 235/40 in front and 275/35 out back.

[fasbird]

This is exactly the conversion I am considering for my '71 Road Runner. Here's where I sit so far.

SUSPENSION:

Already have the AlterKtion, w-p/s, rear coil over AirRide setup for the suspension. This setup is not installed yet as I am just getting the finished body up on the stands now.

ENGINE:

I was going with the 440-6 that has been in the car since '80, but have shifted my wants to installing the new 6.1 crate kit now available. I am in the process of researching all the items to make this fit. I want to add A/C to the car regardfless of engine. The only thing now, is costing out the two engine choices and making the decision as to which way to go. I am REALLY leaning towards the 6.1.

TRANSMISSION:

I have had a Keisler 5spd int he car since the summer of '01. It has worked flawlessly and will go back in.

Well, that is the direction I am going. Not a hardcore G-Machine, but more towards the cruising Pro-touring.

I have some specific questions for my next post.

Gary
BTW, my '71 was a feature car in Mopar Muscle in the Sept. '99 issue. I know, that was a long time ago, but the car is a nice example that I have bounced back between stock-modified over the almost thirty years I've owned it.

[fasbird]

Tellyv, LOVE what you are doing to your Cuda' Can you give any insight or suggestions to avoid any pitfalls when doing this setup? Here's a few questions;

1. How much clearence does the 6.1 have with the AlterKtion? Pan? A/C unit?

2. Did you get together with Bill Reilly prior to doing this to get his suggestions for the conversion?

3. Did you have to get the TTI's custom made, or do they have something for this conversion?

4. Is your 6.1 out of a production car, or did you get it from Mopar Performance?

5. What Engine management system are you using, and where are you mounting the system?

6. If it is a production 6.1, are you modifying the computer system from the donor car? Are you using o2 sensors? What are you running exhaust wise from the headers back?

I'll come up with more questions, but any help you can give is TRULY appreciated. Love what you are doing. My only regret is I didn't make the decision to go with the modern drivetrain earlier, as I would have reworked (smoothed) the cowl and inner panel like you did.

Thanks, Gary

[rjsjea]

This pic is an Abody with AlterK/6.1. The pic uses the older style crossbar, he now does a mandrel bent one, but same dimensions. AC compressor fits well, you would have even more room. Bill (RMS) has done a few of these now.

[fasbird]

Thanks for the photo.

I spoke with Bill this morning about the swap. I also have the older style crossmember. He stated that the member had to get different brackets welded to it to except the 5.7/6.1 mounts. I could do it myself or send him the crossmember for him to do it. He also said he worked directly with TTI to develop the headers they now sell for this conversion. If you go to the TTI site, you will see there is actually a specific TTI header for the RMS suspension. Next was the oil pan clearence. Bill suggested the stock truck pan or the Charlie's pan. If I wanted to use a Milodon<sp> I would have to drop the rack alittle for clearence.

I am still leaning towards this conversion.

[tellyv]

I'll try to answer most of these, the motor is a 07 charger out of a wreck and it had 6k miles on it, I went with the automatic just for my budget, I'm using a street and performance wire harness with a stock style computer that will also work with the tranny, I had enough wire to run the harness in the drivers wheel well and I mounted the computer in the drivers kick panel. The headers are from tti made to fit the alterktion kit they should have a set for your car. The only clearance problems I had was the rack to oil pan clearance and with a couple of love taps to the pan everything worked out well, I used all the stock accesories and the a/c compressor with a southern air hot rod style system, I did have to buy the adaptor to the compressor to get a.n. fittings to work I bought them from bouchilon performance (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). If you have anymore ? let me know I had alot of help from dave weber at modern muscle in martinsville and I'll get you his # thanks telly

[Gearing]

very cool!

[tony byram]

Great looking! Great choice of wheels, they will look super when you black out the centers. Now you got me thinking cuda or challenger for my next project. It just has amazing style to it. keep up the great work, and keep the pics coming! Tony

[gionni]

Originally Posted by fasbird

This is exactly the conversion I am considering for my '71 Road Runner. Here's where I sit so far.

SUSPENSION:

Already have the AlterKtion, w-p/s, rear coil over AirRide setup for the suspension. This setup is not installed yet as I am just getting the finished body up on the stands now.

approx the setup of my just finished project on my '71 road runner...
alterktion with airride and p/s, rear modified airbar 4-link-system from air ride technologies for 68-70 b-body's! next step in a few month: 14/13" brakes with 6- and 4-pistons...and later another engine!



@tellyv: really nice your cuda!!!!!!!!!

[Rybar]

Dude this is a SICK project, I just stumbled on this thread today. Killer Job, love all the details and the 6.1 looks sweet in there.