2000 360 and auto trans swap into 67 Charger

[chrisd]

I've got a 1967 Charger and found a 360 w/auto trans from a 2000 Ram 2500 locally. Price wise, it's acceptable (I think) and the Charger sadly is still a shell so I have room for modifications if needed. Best I can find, it would be a 46RE. I've found good and bad feedback on the forums here. Has anyone done the swap with an electronic and what did you run into? I'm very interested in improved gas mileage over a stock 318/904 car that it used to be, so the overdrive is appealing.

 

[440SportSatellite]

I can't comment on fitting a magnum 360 in your '67, however I did own a 2001 Dodge Dakota R/T which is the drivetrain you're talking about (360/46RE in a RWD). I seriously doubt you'll get any kind of better mileage with that combo than you did with a 318. I averaged about 12mpg in my Dakota. If I kept my foot out of it and mostly cruised around 55 I might have gotten 17 or 18. Of course it had 3.94(I think, something around there) gears in the back. I also wasn't very happy with the 46RE transmission, every once in a while it would slip out of gear and run up to the rev limiter instead of making the 2/3 shift when I floored it. Even after replacing it with a performance built version it did that once, I never could figure out why.
With all that said, don't let me talk you out of it. If the price is right and you're just looking for a reliable cruiser it could work for you. Just don't expect the gas mileage to be much better than your old 318, even with the O/D gear on the 46re.

 

[ckessel]

Have the trans worked over by one of the diesel specialists in your area. A lot of what gets done on the 47/48re's would cover your 46. Get a better converter than the stock slipper and have some programming done on the PCM as they run way fat and the mileage sucks. On my 99 Durango w 5.9/2x/3.92's, we were lucky to get 13 on the flat at 55. My 94 1500 2x sb would get 19-21 on the flats with a 1st gen F&B TB, Crower 1.7 rockers, MP/Mike Leach headers, K&N FIPK, MP PCM, shift kit, 24lb Ford Motorsports injectors, 3.55 gears. Also address the heads while you are at it as they are well known for cracking.

 

[YY1]

There will be cutting of the trans tunnel and cross member to get that trans in that car.

My 2000 Dakota R/T gets 13 MPG average, but it also had the record of 14.2 about 10 years ago of all the R/Ts on Dakota/Durango.com

Keep in mind the O/D effectively turns the R/Ts 3.92 rear gear into a 2.7x gear, so if you keep a 2.76 chunk in the 8 3/4, and use a 727/904 it should do the same, but won't have the low end in first/second.

Many 66/67 Chargers were built with a 318 and a 2.94 rear gear, and I'd be willing to bet that's what's in yours now. It shouldn't be too much worse on MPG than a 2.76, and the low end will be a smidge better.

 

[chrisd]

Thanks guys. Sounds like there are better routes available or the same without any cutting.

 

[ckessel]

The trans main case is the same size as the 727, so that area is fine in the tunnel. Where it gets portly is the extension housing. That is, of course, where it passes through the t-bar/trans crossmember and you have to work on that area.

 

[moper]

The engine is the good piece. The transmission I wouldn't bother with. Go with the oldschool 3sp, add a GV overdrive, or find the 80s vintage 999. If you're flexible the 200r4 can also be a good option and I don't believe needs any floor work. Stay clear of the electronic transmission.

 

[chrisd]

I may call him back up and see if he'll lower the price or sell the motor separately. As far as a 999, is it a good transmission? The only time I've ever had one wasn't a good experience. But my problem was a leak that couldn't be fixed no matter what I did.

 

[ckessel]

Even with the GV, you may still have to do some thumping on the tunnel to give it room. Had to do it on my 65 Coronet.

 

[chrisd]

I'll look into it further then.

 

[moper]

The GV may require a small bump in the floor. Some don't even need that. But they are pricey.
The 999 is a 727 with the 4th gear. Very strong. Leaks are not the transmission's fault...