383 Mopar powered M37

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57hemicuda
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383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

Bought a 54 a couple months ago with the intentions of installing a V8. Drove the truck for a while with the flat head and now the conversion begins. Sold the engine to someone on the board here. Conversion will consist of 383 Roadrunner engine, 727 transmission, with attached 205 transfer case, narrowed Dana 60 dually front with 4:56 gears. 60 in the rear also. Running HumVee wheels with beadlocks. Have a lot of the assemblies built so the conversion should go fairly quick.



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Last edited by 57hemicuda on Thu Jun 04, 2015 6:18 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

Starting with the engine, used a factory Chrysler truck oil pan which I really didn't care for, pan had no baffling at all. As a hobby I do some roadracing, the one thing that has taught me is that oil pan baffling is very important. I desided to fabricate some baffles and welded them into the pan to keep the oil in the pan near the pickup while climbing and descending hills.

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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

Engine ready to install

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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

In the transmission I found a little more carnage then I was expecting. I scrounged some parts and got it together with Redline clutches and bands.


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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

The front differential I narrowed to get the spring perches to line up. Used a dually front to allow me to run HumVee beadlock wheels. Needed to cut 3.5 inches off of the long tube to achieve the proper alignment.

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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by Tuko »

Holy smokes! :shock: nice going so far, keep the pics coming!
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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

The frame needed to be notched for the oil filter to clear. The mounts had to be fabricated the motor and transmission.

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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by W_A_Watson_II »

WOW, Great work and a very cool build and pictures!
Thanks,
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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by Cal_Gary »

That is daggone impressive! Thanks for the photos, too!
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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by CSCameron »

Fun to watch someone with "skilz", lol. Great job. Keep the pics coming. :mrgreen:
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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by CREEPING DEATH »

57hemicuda wrote:Engine ready to install

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What air filter housing is that? I remember seeing them commonly listed here and there years ago, but haven't been able to find htem lately - but, I'm looking to use one on a Ford ;)

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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

The air cleaner is from Mopar performance. Got the engine pulled back out the firewall painted, motor mounts, and backer plates sandblasted and powder coated, and then reassemble this weekend.

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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by 57hemicuda »

The transmission crossmember turned out pretty good, looks pretty OEM

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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by choppa »

EN-VI-OUS!!!

Man.. you do sweet custom work for sure!

where are you located?
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Re: 383 Mopar powered M37

Post by jim lee »

I'd guess Parkville MD. Or close by.

-jim lee
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