Hi all,

I know I just posted asking about an AX behind a mild 318, but I've decided to go with a mag 360 instead of the 318 after some input from other members. Now I'm in the same curiosity. The normal NV3500 is rated for around 300 ftIbs and the HD is 330? If I'm correct. I believe the 360 is rated for anything from 325-335 depending on the year.

I have a rough build sheet right now, not sure what numbers I'll be pushing out but here are my planned specs.

Comp Cam "Tow Cam" 264/270 @ .480/.480
Odessa Monster Magnum Heads
Harland 1.6 Rollers
Shorty headers of some sort
Intake? I plan to keep the TB/EFI so not sure what my choices are.
Going to get the PCM from whatever truck the engine comes out of, and then a 96 318 Dakota harness for OBDII tuning.

It's not going to be a stock build, but its far from a hotrod. I do also plan to keep the 235s and probably run BFG Advantage tires, so no slicks or anything like that.

Also in terms of other parts I'll need, what would they be for the swap? I know I need the 5.9 flywheel for balancing, but in terms of anything to bolt the trans to the motor what would I need?

Appreciate any input, Josh.

 

Make sure that your PCM is 96-97. Newer, or older, won't work. Same for the harness.

Engine donor year doesn't really matter, but, keep in mind, the 2nd temp sensor went away in 98, and 95 and older will have EGR on the intake. (and some 96's may have it as well.) I ideally, you want a manifold that does NOT have the EGR stuff in it..... but DOES have the hole for the 2nd temp sensor. About the only choice you have for an aftermarket manifold, would be the hughes air-gap, but, looking at your specs there, I don't think you need it. Modify the stock kegger a bit, (remove the center wall, and cut the runners back a bit) and run with that. The engine should have GOBS of low-end torque. Push the house off the foundation, if you have the right tires.

If you can find an NV3500HD out of a dakota.... (yeah, good luck with that, this is where the 'hen's teeth' reference comes in.... ) It's rated for 340 torque. I highly expect you will be pushing a fair bit more than that, once properly tuned... but, if you don't beat on it, it should survive.

Yours is a 4x4 isn't it? If that's the case, you will need the correct oil pan/pickup tube as well. (the 318 versions will work just fine.)

 

I remember seeing a company that sells modified kegs for the magnums so I might do that, or buy their DIY kit could work too, very similar setup as what you stated, or I can just do it myself lol. Define beating on it though, I do like to drive with a heavy foot, but granted I'm going to be putting the power through 235 all seasons I think the wheels would slip before the trans creates another neutral.

 

Yeah, you are certainly going to be traction-limited. But, if you TOW with it..... Be gentle.

 

I did find a low mile NV3500 for sale for cheap so I'm going to go buy that, it is out of a Dakota, and just run it for now. Given how cheap it is, if it blows, it blows, and I'll swap to a T56 or something along those lines, I believe those should bolt up somewhat easily as I believe the Viper has the small block pattern.

 

The t56 might be too physically large to fit in a dakota trans tunnel though......

 

Why did I choose such a strange platform to monkey around in

Maybe I'll be lucky and have this trans work well, maybe it'll even be the HD version, but I guess until the time comes I have time to poke around at what trans can fit behind a 360 in a Dakota lol

 

I would go with an AX15 instead, I have one behind a 360 and a 318, no issues with either.