Step one done for the project car, only 9,999 left.

very cool adam. ever since reading the article way back when in hot rod, i have really liked this platform. i could see myself doing a full fendered version!

 

Well? Spill, we want to hear all the details

 

Mopar performance flex plate to mate a Gen 3 to a small block 727 or 518
a mid-90's Dakota starter works with the Gen 3 and 727 or 518 trans

and the best one...

A rheostat type sensor from an 03 RAM that allows the use of a throttle cable (and trans kick-down cable) but the converts to an electrical signal for the drive by wire throttle body.

 

Now that's cool stuff. That's what we're talking about. Who woulda thunk about that unless you're doing it?

 

hey Adam.....check this out for the 545/45rfe.....this is what I am going to be using to keep all the factory electronics but be able to run and old school dash and speedo. The 04/05 Ram pcm doesn't need speed inputs, only the abs pump did....this will allow a normal speedometer.

 

Hmmm...I haven't gotten quite that far yet for the gauges. I know my trans has an electronics hook up for the speedo back on the overdrive.

Is that an aftermarket tail housing? Thanks Erik.

 

yeah aftermarket housing with a speedo drive.

 

Very cool. Thanks for the info. I was thinking I would just end up with a Dakota Digital adjustment box since I've changed the final drive ratio with gears and tire/wheel size.

 

Is anyone doing anything to beef up the 545RFE? I remember Sharadon was looking into that...

 

Haven't seen much, that's one of the reasons I went with the 518. Many more high strength parts available for it.

 

Sharadon builds the 545. I know Paramount is playing with them as well. Honestly I bet it's not a bad trans when it's not in a 5500 lb truck.

 

Finally ordered the Factory Five 33 hot rod kit kit this week! Its on their production schedule to be completed 10/8, should be delivered to Cali by November. Time to get this show on the road.

 

WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Damn, I'm excited as all hell. Can't even imagine how excited you are, Adam...

Congrats.

 

Finished the differential on Monday.

In preparation for my kit arriving, Ralph (MOL SRT8), his dad, and I built my differential on Monday. It has a 31-spline Eaton Truetrac, Ford Racing 3.08 ring and pinion, and Strange Engineering 31-spline axles with c-clip eliminators. Went together pretty well, got the pinion set-up right on the first try. 10 thousandths back-lash and you can see the nice gear mesh pattern in one of the pics.
Some before and after:

 

Looks stout.

Why aren't you narrowing the axle?

 

Then you don't have to reverse the wheels like they do on the civics

 

With custom wheels, you don't need to.

Actually, the suspension pick-up points are based on the OEM bushings and OEM shock bracket, so narrowing it would be a big pain in the butt.

 

I want to know how we're all going to get rides in that.

 

Gotcha...

Not sure about you, Dave, but Maureen and I will get plenty of rides in the Hot Rod. :thongue2::thongue2::thongue2::thongue2:

 

Hmmmm...maybe we'll build a rumble seat into the fiberglass body. I'm sure you'd feel safe riding on the outside of the frame at 100+ mph.