Project SCUD, '69 Dart

[wellis77]

I'd rather not move the cross-member because I'm mounting my lower control arms to it. One way or another, I'll have some sort of cross-member under the engine.

I know the Viper oiling system is different than the traditional V8, I just haven't looked much into it yet. I thought about dry sump and know that would essentially solve my issues with pan clearance, I just don't know anything about dry sump. Any recommendations on sites where I can get educated on Viper dry sump vs. wet sump?

Yes there is a TIG machine on the cart. I haven't had a chance to start playing with it but it's on my list this week. Tons to do... Thanks.

[SuperB70]

Just that you crossmember is so huge in the middle. I think that doesnt need to be, you could make it lighter with tubular structure. Frames will be connected from the front end also, like radiator support?

Everything about the snakemotor is somehow classified. Some kind of secret society " need to pay to know only"

Nobody will tell you nothing. You have to pay them to do it and even then they have machined the part number off so you have to go back.

At least thats what I have come across. I have try to know what bearings they are putting in camjournals, I know they are from oldschool amc motor but not know witch.

I think that is because Vipers are still expensive and modification on them is more expensive so nobody want to spread to info.

Drysump engines has been used on competition coupe models only.

We have one CC here in Finland, maeby you can find owner/mechanic of one of those easier and ask.

I'm doing it cos then I can set the engine down, much more effective that setting it back cos it dont weight so much. About 60kg lighter that small block mopar.

Dry sump is no rocket sciense, can find universal kits from drag racing application, just need a good pump, good real tank w/paffles (you dont want airbubbles in you oil),many filters, pressure regulators and pan that has good pickups.

Sorry about the long post but I dont want held info.

Keep it up...

[wellis77]

Thanks for all the info Juhani. I did some quick research yesterday morning and this "may" be an option for me, though I'll keep it as a final option. I'm going to get everything tacked in place up front, drop the pan, put the engine back in and see where I'm at.

The crossmember is large but I'm not going to cage the car and the core support/radiator mount will not be intended for structure. I'm building that out of aluminum to lighten the front as much as I can now that I have the V10. Tube would certainly be lighter but I wouldn't gain much for clearance. The cross-member is a 2x4 tube and I think the least I could probably go is 1.5 inch tube so I would only gain an inch vertically, granted I would gain a decent amount on depth but I have some other ideas for that if needed. I want to get it all mocked up and see where I am at first.

I just had a thought about all the Viper stuff and lack of information. Have you ever spoken with Chuck Tator? He is on the Viper forums as Viper Wizard and seems to be one of the know all's of the Viper. He was formerly the oldest Dodge dealer in the U.S. and dealt only in Vipers, Chrysler shut him down when they were down-sizing dealers. He still runs a garage focused on Vipers. I've connected with him a couple times and he has been very helpful. Also, the guys at Woodhouse garage have been very helpful. I have seen the guys that will only help "if" you buy and that is super frustrating because while I may not be buying now, I will be later and I'll remember their lack of help.

[wellis77]

Yesterday I got the steering rack in and the front uppers are located. Only tacked the mounts for the rack in place. Based on the height of the tie rod ends, I may be able to lower the rack a bit so I'll wait for the front lowers to be in before welding the brackets solid and putting in the bracing.

[Bryce]

will,

It looks like you need some shorter bolts on that p-side UCA. I work part time at a hardware store let me know I can send some over for you.

http://www.marshallshardware.com/

[wellis77]

Thanks Bryce, those are just for mock-up. Hope to have the actual brackets installed tomorrow. I'll let you know if I need something though.

[wellis77]

A little bit more progress today. Seems like I'm doing more problem solving than building right now but it's coming along.

A custom oil pan from Charlie's is definitely in my future. I pulled the pan and dropped the engine again; all the room I need. Will be a real shallow pan at the cross member but I'll make up for it at the rear of the engine. The sump on this engine is unlike any V8 I've seen. I'll have to snap a picture of it.

[65_LS1_T56]

Thats a pretty awesome project Will. Lotta motor, little car-great combo.
Looks like you could just attach the gas petal right to the bellhousing! Is it gonna be tight in the footwell area?

[wellis77]

Thanks Aaron! The footwell will be a bit tight but I think I'll be okay. Hoping I won't have to offset anything but we'll see.

[wellis77]

Thank you Stainless Headers! The collectors are smaller than I thought, building these might be easier than I expected. Bonus!


I've been waiting to buy this for a while, so excited for it. It's freaking awesome!!!