1979 Dodge MB400 cube van conversion

[Pntyrmvr]

Time for an update.

Here she sits now.

Getting ready for a 2007 5.7 Hemi engine swap. The factory 440 was fine for torque, but down on horsepower. And made way too much heat.

And got 7.5 mpg.

PCM being tweaked. I gave up on making a harness. Too much trouble finding the right setup in local wrecking yards.Attachment 3592

[Pntyrmvr]

Last photo is an 03 Hemi in a 1977 Dodge B200 van that Ron in Ontario built years ago.

[Pntyrmvr]

Wiring harness ordered.

Remove transfer case and trans from sideways donor 2007 Aspen.

Unbolt Aspen body from frame.

Right Aspen.

Pull 5.7 from Aspen.

Pull 2wd trans from old 1991 van.

Swap output shafts from 1991 transmission to rebuilt A518 4WD trans I had rebuilt for another truck.

Test fire 5.7 and A518 with new harness.

Pull 440 from 1979 MB400.

I'll add to this as I go.

[Pntyrmvr]

50° here today and sunny which is abnormal for February.

Sat in a chair and unbolted the starter, transfer case, and transmission in 2.5 hours.

I like how this position of the donor presents itself.

[Pntyrmvr]

Flipped the body of the donor 2007 Aspen off the frame and put the frame into the garage.

Pulled the engine and returned frame outside.

Tested the Hotwire harness. MAP sensor plug too short, AC, and alternator plugs too long. Quick note to Chris Squier at Hotwire got me a same day build on an extension wire for the MAP circuit. Should ship today.

Ordered 3 extra feet of harness so fuse box, relays, and PCM can mount under dash below glovebox.

I will mount up transmission, starter, and fuel pump for a test start before I commit to pulling 440 from Cubicle.

[6cuda6]

Nice!! Keep at it!!

[Pntyrmvr]

Bolted the engine up to the transmission that came with it.

Original starter was dust. Bought used replacement.

Factory fuel pump worked after a few snacks.

Wired up to battery and got it running.

Pedal position sensor is not telling PCM anything but the engine runs on the standalone wiring harness so that's fine by me.

Onward!