Project Yankee: The Heart Transplant Begins
One Year In

It’s been exactly one year since I inquired on a local Craiglist ad for a 1975 Dodge Dart Sport and ended up driving home in a car that’s come to be known as Project Yankee.

As you would have seen in my last update, things have ramped up considerably in recent months, and the old Dodge is currently deep under the knife undergoing a modern heart transplant and plenty of other upgrades to match.

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In the last update I revealed that Project Yankee is going to have 5.7-liter Gen III HEMI V8 crate motor occupying its engine bay, staying true to its Mopar roots while delivering the horsepower and reliability of a modern muscle car. Helping me out with the fabrication and electronics part of the build have been Matt and the guys at Caliber Customs here in Central California.

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The Dart has been living at Caliber for the past few weeks as both the chassis and engine itself have been prepared for the swap. There’s a lot to cover here, so let’s get started.

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Before the engine could be dropped into the car we had to make sure it was prepared to fit inside the Dart’s engine bay, and also that it would successfully mate with the A833 4-speed overdrive transmission.

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The first step was to remove the late model Challenger oil pan and replace it with a Milodon piece sourced from Summit Racing Equipment.

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The pan is made specifically to retrofit modern HEMI engines into classic Mopars, and with the matching Milodon windage tray and pickup tube installed we were just about ready to drop it in for a test fit.

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Mopar swaps aren’t anywhere near as common as GM LS swaps, but the aftermarket support is certainly there. Leading the charge when it comes to putting new HEMIs in old cars is Tube Technologies Inc., better know as TTi. The California company makes a number of different motor mount kits for Gen III swaps and we used a set of its biscuit-style mounts to mate the new motor with my small block K-member.

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It was now time to set the HEMI in the engine bay to see how everything would fit. But first Matt had to move this pesky Lambo out of the way to make room for my 40-year-old Dodge.

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That’s more like it!

Does It Fit?
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Despite the fact we were using parts made specifically to put this type of engine into this type of car, it was still a little nerve-wracking as we lowered the 5.7 into Project Yankee’s engine bay.

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Even with an original 318 or 340 small-block V8, the engine bays in the ’67-’76 A-body are notoriously tight, and I had a fear there would be some unforeseen issue getting the HEMI in. But fortunately, aside from some minor frame modification to clear the alternator, the engine dropped in cleanly.

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Still, there were some other obstacles. I had a hunch that we’d need to run a remote oil filter setup, and after experimenting with a couple different mounting brackets we did in fact conclude that would be the best route.

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That meant that we’d need a blocking plate to cover the original filter location, but rather than ordering one, Matt simply fired up his CAD software and used a photograph to trace the dimensions.

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On went the CNC machine…

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And boom! No more than 10 or 15 minutes later we had our blocking plate ready to go. This particular swap doesn’t need a ton of custom fabrication, but it’s certainly nice knowing that Caliber Customs is capable of fabricating up all sorts of cool stuff should the need arise.

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The next step would be to figure out the exhaust manifolds. There were a couple different factory manifold setups we test fitted, but we found with the Dart’s tight engine bay and torsion bar suspension it would be too much trouble getting the late model manifolds to fit. I put in another call to the guys at TTi and ordered up a set of their Gen III swap headers, which like their engine mounts are designed specifically to work in classic Mopar applications.

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With the test fitting complete, it was time to pull the engine back out and get to work on mating the HEMI with the A833OD gearbox. As seen in the previous update, we are running a McLeod Racing flywheel and matching McLeod Street Pro clutch kit, that together pair the modern engine and old school gearbox in mechanical harmony.

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Just as important is the McLeod hydraulic throwout bearing kit, which should not only provide good clutch feel, but also saves us the hassle of running a mechanical linkage and frees up space for the long-tube headers.

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Not to be left out is the QuickTime bellhousing kit from Holley Performance. Coincidentally, the bellhousing pattern is nearly identical on both the Gen III HEMI and the original LA-series small block, so this one can be used to mount an A833 behind either engine.

No Time For Rest
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In the meantime, there would be other upgrades needed to get the car ready for its new heart, and the cooling system was at the top of the list. I got in touch with our friend Ravi at CSF to see if he had an aluminum radiator that might work for my application.

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While CSF’s catalog didn’t have radiator made specifically for this combination, we were able to find an S14 240SX part that matched the A-body engine bay and the hose layout for the 5.7 HEMI. I’ll have more on this in the next update, but here’s a glimpse showing how well it fits.

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Next up would be an electric fan kit to mate with the new radiator, and this twin setup from Flex-a-Lite (also made for an S14) should be just what the cooling doctor ordered.

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Looking a little further down the road, the rear differential is another area that’s in need of major attention. The car already has the stout Mopar 8.75-inch rear end housing, but with a 2.76 final open gear it’s not at all ideal for any sort of performance driving. This is where the drivetrain fanatics at Yukon Gear & Axle come in.

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After getting in touch with Yukon, we specced out one of its 8.75-inch 489 drop-in center sections complete with a 3.73 ring and pinion and a new Sure-Grip LSD to ensure the HEMI is roasting two tires and not just one.

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Completing the rear end rebuild will be a set of Yukon high performance axles. Stock stuff, you will not be missed.

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Also joining the rapidly growing pile of parts waiting to be installed is a complete TVS kit from the muscle car handling specialists at Hotchkis Sport Suspension.

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I’ve been to Hotchkis test days at Willow Springs and have experienced first-hand how well this stuff can wake up an old Mopar in the corners, so I can’t wait to get it on the car. I’ll have more on both the suspension and drivetrain upgrades soon.

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Meanwhile back at Caliber, the engine and transmission have been successfully connected and are now ready to be permanently mounted in their new home. I was originally unsure about running long-tube headers simply because of how tight everything fits in the engine bay, but once I saw the TTi headers mounted I knew this was the right choice. They should also make the 5.7 rumble quite nicely.

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It’s still a very tight fit though. As you can see, rather than trying to install the headers with the engine installed, it ended up being easier to install headers, mount the engine on the K-frame and then raise it into the car as one piece. More on that in the next update.

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With a goal of completing ‘Phase One’ of Project Yankee in two months, there’s a ton of work left to do and not a lot of time left. Look for stories coming very soon as I keep you guys up to date with the latest progress.

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to get back to work.

Mike Garrett
Instagram: japanifornia
mike@speedhunters.com

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1

I'm not a mopar guy but man this is awesome! I've always appreciated the dart and the upgrades you are doing are top shelf!

Check out some of my builds on my website http://themetalgarage.com/

Keep up the awesome work!

2

Love new motors in old cars.

3

I can't wait to see how it will end! would love to hear the sound of this new heart =)

4

This is very cool, I really like the direction it's going. It's surprising that the engine fits with so few mods to the chassis/engine.

With 390 HP,  the 5.7L Hemi ought to give this car some decent track performance, but can we expect to see some kind of power adder in the future as well??

5
speedhunters_dino

ohc Blower would be cool :D

6
speedhunters_dino

GusssVaz I want to see a fat burnout once this thing is done Mike!

7

Whipple 2.9 would ne awesome

8

This is my favorite project on Speedhunters . I can't wait to see the next update. Keep up the good work!

9

Medower13 Thanks much. Have another update coming soon as things have been progressing quickly!

10

ohc I certainty haven't ruled it out. For now I want to see how the car behaves with a stockish motor. When stock these cars never made more than about 300 horsepower on a good day, so I want to make sure everything else is up to snuff before going too crazy with the horsepower.

11

speedhunters_dino GusssVaz It's gonna happen!

12

GusssVaz I also can't wait to hear what it sounds like. We are planning to do a pretty trick exhaust system, more info on that soon obviously.

13

johnbezt The best of both worlds!

14
nameless so and so

Once it's done you should race Dulcich and Freiburger in the Crop Duster!

15

My Uncle Jack just got an awesome year old Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrid only from working part time off a macbook air. see this page
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16

these are the projects i love to read about, keep it going

17

my Aunty Peyton got a new black GMC Canyon by work part time using a laptop. try here
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18

as Gloria replied I am impressed that some one able to get paid $9148 in 4 weeks on the computer . see it here=====net.pro70­­.Comllllllll

20

just as Dale replied I'm dazzled that a mom able to make $7293 in four weeks on the computer . view it now---------->> http://tiny.tw/3po4

21

Loving the progress! Just curious, why did you choose a 4 speed as opposed to something more modern like the TR6060? Was it a foreseen fitment issue? Anyway cheers, looking forward to the next update!

-Alex

22

watch here more pictures at  http://www.88-reviews.com/

23

Looks great!

24

1bad37 Thanks!

25

370 Hemi A variety of reasons actually. I already had the bellhousing and trans before the decision to go 5.7 came, and once I found both could be used with the HEMI I figured I'd give that a shot, A T56 or TKO would be nice, but it also requires fabbing a new trans tunnel and other additional work. The A833s are supposed to be pretty stout and with the OD I should be able to run the 3.73 rear while still doing ok on the highway. At some point later I may in fact change over to five or six-speed box but we'll see how it goes.

26

abezzegh87 Glad you are enjoying it!

27

nameless so and so That would be fun. Roadkill is hands down my favorite automotive program to watch these days.

28

Mike Garrett Full 3" with H pipe and dual resonators?  Finished off with fart can style tips!

29

diujcvhj

30

tyrtfhds5

31

my friends aunt just got a real cool Volvo S60 just by part-time work from a macbook air... see it here=====net.pro70­­.Comllllllll

32

My Uncle Isaiah got a stunning metallic Chevrolet Impala Sedan blog link

...........  http://goo.gl/zmRRpY

33

Mike Garrett GusssVaz  Resonated, muffled subtle rear pipes, with a butterfly valves near the headers to swap into dual straight through side exits just behind the front wheels, right, right?

34

Are there any plans for the body, like bumpers or maybe paint?

35

My Uncle Cooper just got a new silver Ford Focus ST by work parttime using a lap-top... more info here  
------->>http://tinyurl.com/daily-jobs12

36

What would happen if this car made an appearance in a CARBROS video?

37

as Sylvia implied I'm amazed that people can make $9819 in 1 month on the computer 


https://goo.gl/hOc8tC

38

My Uncle Alex recently got a nine month old Mercedes R-Class Diesel by working part-time


https://goo.gl/hOc8tC

39
FuelEconomyKilledTheCarsWeLove!

wow great "project", good to see you can make a few calls and get all the parts you want for nothing as per usual for speedhunters.I bet its really satisfying having someone else do everything as well. project on...

40

I love this build.  The car isn't one of the 'holy grail' type of muscle cars, which makes it more appealing to me.  Gotta stand out in a subtle way.
I love how it's a resto-mod.  Something like this would be such a rad car to cruise around in.  I can't wait to see the next bit of progress.  This is actually one of the only articles that gets me all giddy lately.

41

Earl responded   that a student can get paid   in a month on the internet . 
see more at----------->>> http://tinyurl.com/Usatoday01

42

FuelEconomyKilledTheCarsWeLove! I was gonna say the same. WHat started as a "I do my own car" project is now turning into another one of those "I throw parts at it, most of them not paid for, and get someone else to put it together". Not going to learn much here now...

43

looks like a killer project thus far.  I want to do a modern hemi on an older dodge truck in the near future.

which wiring harness are you looking at using?

44

best friend's step-aunt makes $73 /hr on the computer . She has been fired for ten months but last month her income was $13070 just working on the computer for a few hours








http://tinyurl.com/bestjobss

45

JamesMiller7 Will have more on the wiring soon.

46

FuelEconomyKilledTheCarsWeLove! Sorry you feel that way.

47

@Leppah Glad you are enjoying the build. Yep, it's fun being able to mess with a Dart on not something that has a ton of value like a 'Cuda or Challenger. You don't have to be quite so reserved when doing unusual things.

48

DarshanR34 There are indeed. I have some simple, but what I think should be effective ideas for the exterior that will be done as soon as it's running. Stay tuned.

49

LouisYio You never know..,

50

Mike Garrett FuelEconomyKilledTheCarsWeLove!

Mike, I'd do the same thing given the circumstances, so would most. I don't have the time or money for a project like this, but I can appreciate it none the less. I s-l-o-w-l--y pick away at my project cars (years) and I'm sure that you have time constraints. 

While I admit that I was disappointed that the old school Mopar small-block was out of the picture, I can really see the cost/technology logic in using the crate motor; if you price out everything that comes with the crate motor and try to match it with the old school engine, with the same HP rating, this really starts to look like the better bargain. The 5.7 Hemi is a cam change+ tuning session away from becoming a mid 400 HP engine.

With a quick Google shopping search, I found the same 5.7L hemi engine package, slightly used for $3400, which does put this within the realm of a budget build that many could afford.

51

speedhunters_dino GusssVaz Yeah! This car is a tire killer for sure! Would be amazing to watch it.

52

My Uncle Xavier just got a nearly new red Honda Civic Sedan by working from a laptop... Check This Out
❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ➥ ➥  ➥ http://tinyurl.com/ztkz6fy

53
jbfromsiliconvalley

Damn! 4.89's and a four speed!!! Should have both a nice 1/4 time slip and be able to hit up an auto-x otw home

54

Howard said that a single mom able to earn   in a weeks on the internet 
see more at----------->>> http://tinyurl.com/Usatoday01

55

my  mom got a fantastic black Mercedes-Benz M-Class   AMG just by some part-time working online with a cheap laptop
see more at----------->>> http://tinyurl.com/Usatoday01

56

my stepmother recently bought yellow Jeep Wrangler SUV by working off of a pc online. try this out
❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ➥ ➥  ➥ http://tinyurl.com/ztkz6fy

57

just as Dale replied I am amazed that some people able to profit $6877 in one month on the internet . hop over to here

...........  http://goo.gl/zmRRpY

58

FuelEconomyKilledTheCarsWeLove! LOL you're so jealous.

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