Does anyone have experience converting a FWD Mopar to RWD? I'm not looking at a full blown, certified to run 4.99 seconds in the quartermile, and cost $10,000 to build variety. Just a safe conversion to turn a Turismo into a Slant 6 drag car.
I've got a good, solid body that I don't want to just haul off to the salvage yard.
My idea is to find someone that would be interested in doing the conversion for me while I'm stationed in Germany for the next three years. No big time crunch, work at your own pace, get money sent to you as the project moves along, that sort of thing. That way, when I get back I'll have a slant 6 race car ready that I can pick up and start racing. Any takers?

Rob,
Mopar Performance sold a kit for this at one time. It was aimed at the Daytonas and laser size vehilces. Pretty sure it would work for what your are wanting to do. I am not sure if they make it any more, I will try and find an old MP catalog and see if I can locate a part number.

Maybe someone else will be able to provide more info.

Tom

I had looked into that awhile back and they had quit offering them. I'm gonna do some searching too. If I could find some details on the kit I may have a friend that could duplicate it. Thanks.

You know what they say...
With enough cutting and welding, you can install just about anything into any car.

I would be more worried about getting a "live" rearend into the thing then getting the Slant into it. Correct rearend geometry is a big part of a safe handling car.

My thought is that the firewall and floor will need to be cut away to get a slant / 904 in there. Shoot for a bunch of engine "set-back". The SL6 oil pan sump location and having some distributor & oil pump clearance will need to be worked-out.

Fun project, these are light cars so the sucker will "fly" if you get it going.
DD

I figure if I can find a decent chassis shop, or just the right parts and the right person, I could have a nice platform to race when I get back stateside.
Peicing together the GodsRods Duster has been fun and educational, but the kids have also been frustrated by the setbacks. When I get back I want to have a good package to start with.
I'm thinking I might be able to afford to build a car over a three year period since I won't have other projects competing for time and money. After all, I won't be the one doing it. Someone who hopefully knows what they're doing will get it done. I'll just send them money!
Over the next 7 months while I'm still here I'll try to put together a good game plan and find someone who is willing to take on the project.
Everyone's comments and suggestions are welcome. Thanks Tom and Doc.

Hot Rod mag, Dec. issue, page 98. Guy wrote in asking about doing this to a Daytona. You might wan to check it out. There's a small chart giving some part #'s along with it.

Something in there caught my eye, though. I quote the sentence;

"The spindle and everything outboard from the spindle are from '87-'90 first-generation Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth minivans with the 115mm (4.5 inch) wheel bolt-circle."

Hmmmm???? Might there be a possible alternative source of parts for a LBP/disc brake conversion?

Roger

Hey, Rob. Something else comes to mind for your conversion. Wander over to BigBlockDart.com, and get in touch with either/both Bill Reilly, or a guy that uses the screen name of AAOutlaw. I'm sure Outlaw runs a chassis shop, and Reilly is responsible for the "AlterKtion" front suspension conversion. If your serious, they might be willing to help you out, or point you to someone who can.

Roger

Thanks,
I'm asking all around to see what all the options are.

Roger, that might depend on the engine size (of the van). My family has an '88 (4cyl) with the SBP. ???

I found that article in HotRod and posted some questions on BigBlockDart.com. I got some good responses and decided to give it a try. Since the DirectConncetion kit is no longer available we decided to try something else.

Most people suggested using a Mustang II front clip, but this is a low dollar type deal. The chassis builder said he'd give it a try. He thought he could swap not just the spindles to make it front steer, but he rotated the whole front crossmember so the bulk of it is toward the front. Yes, welding is definitely required for this route. I would have preffered to go more along the lines of the DC kit so I could maybe duplicate these efforts later, but the chassis builder certainly knows more than I do and he was really helping me out by doing this for me.

I found a manual rack and pinion at the local pull-a-part out of a Porsche 911.

I also pulled a truck type rear sump oil pan.

The chassis builder installed a Jeg's 8 point cage and back halfed it and installed a narrowed 8 3/4 on leaf springs (low dollar, remember?)

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see any of the progress made to that point before I had to PCS (move) to Germany.

So I can't tell you if this route worked or not as the project has been sitting since June and the builder decided to get out of the "Hot Rod" business.

I'm trying to get something going again and have someone make some more progress on it while I'm overseas. If any progress is made I'll update again.

Rob

Hey, if they can put a Caddilac 500 motor into a Chevy Chevette anything is possible.

Dart68

Hey, what ever happened to this project? I live in russellville, ky and if it got done I'd love to see it run!

I have always wanted to do this to a early 80's mini van!

_________________
1980 Aspen 4 speed

Umm,... Kinda sorta...

It got back halfed with a Jeg's 8 point roll bar and has a narrowed 8 3/4 in it. I have it here in E-town.

Here's the full story:

http://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13947

_________________
Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser