Re: Re: Re: 52 Dodge Panel Engine Swap

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Posted by Hal/WA on May 26, 2002 at 00:14:58 from (208.8.194.50):

In Reply to: Re: Re: 52 Dodge Panel Engine Swap posted by Tip on May 25, 2002 at 08:09:19:

The "Camaro/Nova" clip can come from the 70's to about 1981 and similar variations can be found under Firebirds and the Buick, Olds and Pontiac smaller rear wheel drive cars similar to the Chevy Nova. The "Volare" setup is under most of the Chrysler rear wheel drives from 76 to the late 80's-- the one with the torsion bars going sideways, not with the torsion bars front to back. There are lots of these setups still on the roads and in the junkyards. Most have power steering and I think all or most have disc brakes.

Putting either type in is a big job that must be done just right to get a frontend that can be aligned properly, the wheels are at the proper location in the fenders and most of all, so the vehicle is safe and durable. Unless you could find information about someone who has installed one in an old Dodge like yours, it would take careful measurement and some fabrication skills to get it right, the first time preferrably.

Another option would be using one of the many kits that use Pinto/Mustang II suspension on a fabricated crossmember setup. Probably some company even makes a kit that would fit your Dodge, so the engineering and guesswork is already done. It still has to be welded into your frame though. And it would be more money than the wrecking yard clip setup.

I have seen a number of poorly planned swaps that were never completed. If they weren't junked out, the project was usually sold to someone else at a huge loss. Unless you have a lot of money and a lot of time, start small and stay practical. Have fun, but try not to make something that no one wants that just ends up getting thrown away. Good luck!

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