get the sharadon 545rfe. For under 3 grand, it's the 545rfe with upgraded clutches and parts, and also includes the transgo heavy duty kit if I remember right. A lot of the guys at the larger dodge forum sites recommend a built tranny for hp applications over 450 ish. When I get a stroker kit for my hemi (it's going to be a 6.4L beast, unless I find out the clearances are too small for my liking, then it'll be a 6.1 kit instead) I'm going to make sure that tranny goes in at the same time.

 

Well, I might just get one rebuilt for 2k with everything heavy duty and get it built for 500-600 hp.

 

djr4 is right. they have the only proven ones that hold up but still the 2nd prime will destroy even those tranies. im talking to them about a rebuild without 2nd prime but we shall see. djr04 there was an article about how long a bored out 5.7 will last etc... hope ya keep this in mind as even the experienced hemi shops will NOT build up a bored 5.7 or 6.1 as the cyinder walls become to thin for engine life. (from what ive gathered a new block is in store). i think the strokers that dont have to have a borein job done are fine though. just do your research man cuz id hate for the truck to turn into a weekend tuner type were a trip to the gas staytion is to much.

back on topic.... even the guys at sharadon have blown their fully built trans (due to other failures) when it hit second prime. get a srt-10 manual and call it quits. im sure it will need a custom houseing etc... if this isnt in your budget then just watch the highway racing.

ad PICS!!! if ya do the swap

 

I guess IL just scrap this truck and buy a nice gm

 

Well I thought I would come back to this, as this truck is probably not worth scrapping but worth keeping depending. Is there another transmission that will fit onto the hemi other than the 545rfe? I am asking because I can look into this. Maybe I can get someone to program the computer to skip 2nd prime.(AKA never use it.) This would probably be one of my best bet.

Chris

EDIT: I looked into this a bit and found a a-518 would work. A 4 speed tranny but apprently is behind the viper.

 

i am waiting to hear from the tranny builders myself on that. if it were possible it would save nearly every body that is modding form failures from what i can see. fingers crossed. the 2500 ram has an option for a manual and that will fit behind the hemi but im not sure on how effecient it will be at a street rod application. also you COULD make an srt-10 manual fit but the cost is well above the price of the engine itself.

 

Hmm, well I know the 545rfe would be a good idea, just the stupid second prime. If this didn't exsist it would be killer! I would upgrade to stick but that would probably be difficult as seeing it's auto already. Add pedals, just easier with a auto. But I will see truck might be scrapped.

 

The early 5.7 hemi motors have valve spring problem of breaking, causing the engine to misfire and won't run very well. The 545RFE transmission weak point is the valve body. There a plate on the side of the valve that snaps off the bolt heads causing the trans to go into limp-in. If you are looking to race your truck, You may want a 1500 SRT-10 Viper truck with a 6 speed manual. Or a better trans. There is a 6.7 cummings diesel with a 68RFE trans ?