New Rwd Project

[12secomniGLH]

Hi I am about to start on a Shelby Charger RWD project, still in the parts gathering stage. I'm using a 2.4L that I'm building with forged pistons and a ported head, should be able to get 500HP I think. I'm hooking it up to a Jeep Liberty 6 speed manual trans,(NSG370) and an 8 3/4" Mopar rear axle. Havent decided on electronics yet but leaning towards T2 due to the simplicity/availability of it. Turbo will be decided on later also. I'm going to put some kind of RWD floorpan in it out of a similar small car and give it a "factory appearance" look, sans simple roll bar. My goal is to drive my daily to the track thru exhaust on pump gas, DOT"S and run a 10.999 and drive home! Not too much out there for internet info on RWD'ing these cars and most that are there are V8's. if anyone has links or comments I'd like to hear them. Pics will follow once I get started. Thanks, Chris.

[Andre Parker]

This will be an awsome swap. I'm doing a conversion myself as soon as my hybrid is done. I would consider the Holset turbos as a cheaper option to get a turbo that can make big hp on a budget. An HX35 would be a good choice here.

[anonymous_user]

If I were to tackle something like this I would look around for a RWD car/truck chassis with similar wheelbase dimensions. Mid 80's S10 chassis is nice and narrow - 45" hub to hub. Strip your subframes from your body and set it down on top of the chassis. Modify stock floor to get it low enough.

You'll be fabing your own motor mounts, tranny mounts, etc. but the suspension and steering and brakes are all ready to go.

This is how I built a backhalved BBC Vega years ago. Shortened S10 chassis 13" fit real nice.

[12secomniGLH]

Good idea but I think that would be too heavy and too much Chevy. Obviously this is not a project for the faint at heart.I am committed to doing whatever I have to do to make this work. What I see in my head is taking my floorpan and cut out the floor from sill to sill and the firewall right up to the cowl.Then I have to find a RWD small car floorpan (like a toyota or rustwang or something, not sure what yet) and weld it in place making it stock appearing. Then add a simple 8 point cage and back half style rear which is fairly straight forward. I know I can make the power I need with the 2.4.

[lil4drturbo]

hey 12....if you are good at sheet metal, just bend and make your own floorpan and and stuff.....or keep the floor pans in there, cut out the areas needed, then patch it back up...

[anonymous_user]

I wasn't suggesting a Chevy motor. That'd be just wrong.

Your plan to utilize an existing RWD chassis is what I was meaning. Sounds like you've thought it out well.

[SMPerformance]

http://www.sdsefi.com/features/shelby.htm

My old charger god I miss that thing

10.26 @ 134.9 mph Daily driver
2.2 T-III auto

[yogurtslinger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMPerformance http://www.sdsefi.com/features/shelby.htm My old charger god I miss that thing 10.26 @ 134.9 mph Daily driver 2.2 T-III auto

Got any details you'd be willing to share or pics of the rear end or front engine mounts??? What tranny did you use?

Thanks
Bryan

[ACR Turtle]

Where is it now?

[devilbrad]

Interesting!! I was just looking at a 71 Dodge Colt for sale and theres also a local SRT4 motor pretty cheap. Didnt know what tranny would work. Is that Jeep trans a for sure bolt on? Whats the power rating on those trannys? Do you know of any other transmissions that will work, or adaptors for others? I want a manual trans if I do this, control the engine with a MegaSquirt and hope for 10 second daily driver times too.

[12secomniGLH]

anonymous user: I knew what you meant.

SMP: I was hoping you would chime in. I bought this car in 96 and had plans to do a 2.2RWD like yours... I remember seeing your car in a magazine a short time later. I remember thinking this #%@$#%$ beat me to it, LOL. My project stalled (bought a house) and now I'm getting on it but think the 2.4 has a lot more potential (strength).I have a question for you though, what K frame and front suspension were you using? That seems to be my biggest hurdle. I'm trying to keep it as simple and factory looking as possible.

devilbrad: the jeep trans is for sure a bolt on. Not sure what clutch will work yet but there is a CF available for the SRT so that should work. It is a mercedes trans. The power rating is 295 ft lbs but that is in a 4000lb vehicle with a tow rating of 5000lbs. So I figure in a 2500lb car it should be ok with 500HP...look at how many A555's are around with minor mods that are waaaay over the recommended output.I bought the trans new and it was actually reasonable but going up quickly. I doubt if there will be many 2WD Jeeps sold so it will be hard to find used...

Thanks for your replies I will keep the board updated and will post some pics in the next couple of weeks.

[cj011]

What auto trans was used?

[cj011]

bump, come on man. please.

[SMPerformance]

woh Sorry guys I forgot this thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogurtslinger Got any details you'd be willing to share or pics of the rear end or front engine mounts??? What tranny did you use? Thanks Bryan

I have a lot of pics but no scanner lol the rear end is a dodge 8 3/4 at first I used a 904 then change to a powerglide

If you can find a copy of MOPAR ACTION magazine december 1997 issue
the car was featured in it all the details and pics of the rear end ,engine bay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y2kTurtle Where is it now?

dont know last I heard AJ Berge was the owner tried to contact him he told me the car was sold

if I ever do find that car and the owner wants to part with it
I would build 1 mean Pro RWD with that car

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj011 What auto trans was used ?

at first it was a 904 then a powerglide

[mo' parts]

now that is sweet!!! a charger with the front wheels off the ground
wish i had more time and money.....
stephane, you have done some amazing things with these cars, keep up the good work