Questions for those that have Hellcat swapped their E-bodies

[72hemi]

For years I have been conflicted as to whether or not I want to modern hemi swap my 72 Challenger. I prefer popping the hood and seeing the old school 340 6 pack I have in there, but now that I have a daughter and want to be driving the Challenger more than working on it, the thought of dropping a Hellcat engine in it has popped back into my head and I wanted to reach out to those that have done specifically the Hellcat swap and get your thoughts.

1. How difficult was it to package the engine all the required components like harnesses, computer, cooling, etc in the E-body?
2. I want to keep my 15 inch wheels, would a quality 4 wheel disk brake setup that fits within a 15 inch wheel be sufficient, or do I need to go to a 17 or 18 wheel to run larger disk brakes?
3. How has the reliability been?
4. For those with a manual transmission, which did you go with and how difficult is the car to drive with over 700 hp and no traction or stability control? I do have over a decade of experience driving Vipers without any aids, but they have had less than 600 hp.

Thanks in advance.

[Dmod1974]

1.  Check out my build thread in the Resto section.  I cover pretty much everything in detail.

2.  NO, IMO.  Stock braking is pathetic compared to any modern car, and you're talking about something that'll have 720HP.  Yeah, people have had blown 1000HP cars with stock brakes for decades, but it's still a poor plan if you're doing anything with it other than idling.  You'll appreciate it at the track as well as being able to avoid rear ending the car in front of you when they slam on the brakes.

3.  I don't know yet, but overall, modern engines are lightyears ahead of the old school stuff whether we want to admit it or not.  That said, things can/do break on even the most robust platforms, and the Gen 3 hemi's, like everything else, have some known issues but nothing I'd sweat.

4.  There are a lot of other things that will determine how much traction will be an issue than just the engine, but if you can handle a 1st gen Viper (which are known for being a handful) I'm sure you can manage this too.

[anlauto]

I'm looking forward to my first Hellcat swap as well, but for my own personal ride, which I consider just a nice cruising car....I found the 495hp of the 392 enough for me, although I do agree it doesn't carry the same sex appeal the Hellcat does as for eye candy with a punch.

[72hemi]

1.  Check out my build thread in the Resto section.  I cover pretty much everything in detail.

2.  NO, IMO.  Stock braking is pathetic compared to any modern car, and you're talking about something that'll have 720HP.  Yeah, people have had blown 1000HP cars with stock brakes for decades, but it's still a poor plan if you're doing anything with it other than idling.  You'll appreciate it at the track as well as being able to avoid rear ending the car in front of you when they slam on the brakes.

3.  I don't know yet, but overall, modern engines are lightyears ahead of the old school stuff whether we want to admit it or not.  That said, things can/do break on even the most robust platforms, and the Gen 3 hemi's, like everything else, have some known issues but nothing I'd sweat.

4.  There are a lot of other things that will determine how much traction will be an issue than just the engine, but if you can handle a 1st gen Viper (which are known for being a handful) I'm sure you can manage this too.

Thanks for the input! I'll go review your thread. As for the brakes, I definitely wouldn't leave them stock. I would convert them to hydraboost, and install 4 wheel disk. I believe there is a setup out there which utilizes the gen 2 Viper front 4 piston calipers on a 12 inch rotor. The question is will that be enough or do I need to go to a 13 or 14 inch rotor with a 4 or 6 piston caliper.

[72hemi]

I'm looking forward to my first Hellcat swap as well, but for my own personal ride, which I consider just a nice cruising car....I found the 495hp of the 392 enough for me, although I do agree it doesn't carry the same sex appeal the Hellcat does as for eye candy with a punch.

The 392 definitely has enough power, but I feel if I'm going to swap in a modern engine I need to go that extra step lol.

[anlauto]

The best part so far....it' starts every time, no issues...and you can NOT smell unburnt fuel at all, even driving a convertible, it runs unbelievably clean .....but the biggest improvement in my car over the 70's technology is the swap to rack and pinion steering...that is by far the best money spent (however, yes, I realize, it's not in your plans)

[72hemi]

The best part so far....it' starts every time, no issues...and you can NOT smell unburnt fuel at all, even driving a convertible, it runs unbelievably clean .....but the biggest improvement in my car over the 70's technology is the swap to rack and pinion steering...that is by far the best money spent (however, yes, I realize, it's not in your plans)

Yeah, I think all these pros override the cons. I wouldn't install rack n pinion steering though, I just overhauled my suspension and will soon be installing the Borgeson steering box.

[JpRngr]

As for the brakes, I definitely wouldn't leave them stock. I would convert them to hydraboost, and install 4 wheel disk. I believe there is a setup out there which utilizes the gen 2 Viper front 4 piston calipers on a 12 inch rotor. The question is will that be enough or do I need to go to a 13 or 14 inch rotor with a 4 or 6 piston caliper.

I have that set-up along with rear disc brakes from a Mustang on my 6.1 Hemi build. Stops great on the street, never track tested it other than drag strip. With the hydraboost, it works. Can't say if it fits with 15" wheels, I have 18's, but it should.

Corey