Cost of dropping a viper v10 into a 2nd gen

[6spd68]

Question for the experts 

Theoretically; let's say I had the complete driveline from a Dodge Viper, plus computer, minus the rear-end(BUT I'VE GOT A DANA REGARDLESS).

Aside from cutting the floor for the tranny, what other work would be involved in transplanting the V10 into a 318 car?  Rough cost estimates?  Extra parts needed?  ECT...

Looking at the potential option of going this route, as opposed to building a stout 5.7 (will likely cost the same to build).

Any suggestions, or ideas will be greatly appreciated 

[Dino]

You'll have to remove the stock firewall and build a new one to fit the longer block.  There's a few members here who are doing this so do a search.  There's a lot of details in those threads.   

[Ghoste]

I think there may even be some cost information in one or two of those other threads.  For sure a pm to the members doing it would get it.

[hollywood1336]

Hey 6spd68,
Check out the thread "Almost There". I am just finishing putting a Gen 2 Viper motor in my 68 318 car. It has been a 4 year journey with many ups and downs. First questions are, what is your budget and how much of the work are you going to do yourself. What generation is your Viper motor and is the computer from the original car or is it a crate motor computer. Are you planning to keep the stock suspension or do something aftermarket. The installation isn't rocket science but there are some unavoidable expenses you will incur to make the installation work correctly. This is an early picture when I first test fitteed the motor.

[6spd68]

The Driveline and computer I would be getting, are stock from a 2008 Viper.  I figure I'll offer the guy 10K.  (The 5.7 Stroker I'd build would cost me 8-9 on it's own).

As for budget, I'm basically trying to stick to under 15K for the complete install.  I still plan on purchasing the hotchkiss TVS, and disc brake kit all around (Obviously another cost not associated).  Most of the work will be done by myself, and a friend of mine.

Really just weighing options going into the winter.

Thanks for the input thus far guys!  Looking forward to more

[Challenger340]

THIS could be a GREAT Thread 

I can't speak to the actual costs associated with this swap as I have never done it myself, so my apologies for the hijack.
However,
relative to these projects, I DO build engines for a living and wanted to comment, that so far THIS YEAR in 2014, I have built TWO oldschool "RB" BB Mopar Engines for customers who were both swapping their Cars BACK to "legacy" Engines after varying degree's of frustrations with so-called "Today's Technology".
BOTH related horror stories.
One was a Gen 3 HEMI swap, and the other a V-10, nonetheless, the concensus back from both was that due to unforeseen circumstances their final budgets exceeded 2-3 times original cost estimates, and that even after staying the course financially, BOTH were disappointed with the final product, making the initial decision to proceed in hindsight one of "if I had known at the start" ?

They eventually did run well, but performance was dis-appointing for the money spent ?

BOTH are now running again with legacy RB engines, and FAR happier with the final product, other than learning to "drive" with a carburetor again.

NOT trying to diisuade anybody from moving forward with their plans.... just say'in... this thread will be invaluable to many if it can move forward with information
towards the COMPLETE..... and accurate assessment of the costs involved, and final results to be expected in these swaps.
IMO,
it is NOT so simple as many believe ? and the final results may not be what many expect ?

[hollywood1336]

So for 2008 I believe that was Gen 4 for the Viper motor. Each of the Viper motor generations are very similar in size, length and width. Here is some leg work you can do before making your decision on the installation of a Viper motor. If you know the guy who owns the motor ask if you can take lots of measurements.
From experience.
The motor will not fit with the stock K member without modification to the oil pan and K member. The oil pick up on the viper motors is at the front of the engine. I have seen installations where people have tried to avoid the oil pan issues but putting the motor way back into the firewall, looks aweful. I saw a General Lee with this type of installation, motor was set into the firewall 13 inches. The oil pan is cast and will have to be modified at the front, not an easy task to weld cast material so a full custom pan is usually required, about $1200. The K member will have to be cut and modified to get the motor to sit correctly. If you don't want to mod the K member Bill Reilly makes a great front suspension for the 68's, but it will cost you, the quality of his work is top notch.

The steering box will have to go and you will have to run rack and pinion.

Reprogramming the Viper computer to run in a non Viper application is not an easy task. There are security features programmed into the computer which prevent this. Mopar performance make crate engine computers to run Viper motors in non Viper applications. They run about $1100. You'll have to see if they have one for the Gen 4's. There are people out there who say they can reprogram a Viper computer but they can't, I wasted $400 on the guy from "wait for me performance" just to find out he had his head where the son doesn't shine. There are some other companies out there who make computers but they are $3000+. Also, Mopar performance make crate engine wiring harnesses for non Viper applications, about $350, again, you will have to see if they do one for the Gen 4. Dan Lesser at Viper Specialty Performance is a good guy to talk to about Viper computers.

Getting the motor to run in your application is the hardest thing to do, installation is just nuts and bolts and a little thought and layout. There is plenty more and I don't want to frighten you off but it may be cheaper going with the 5.7 in the end. However, a Viper under the hood is an awesome sight.

[hollywood1336]

Hey Challenger 340, you are dead right, my budget just for getting the motor installed and running was far exceeded. There have been lots of trips to the store for flowers and chocolates during this build. And plenty of wrenches flying across the garage. My car does run well and performance is breath taking but it has taken a lot of money to get there. On hind sight, this installation is not for someone with a tight budget. 

[surmanajaja]

you wont have anything stock under the hood, including firewall. and you will end up with an engine that has lousy sound, not that much power and expensive fixes for design flaws. unless you are a masochist or just have to be "different", go with a legacy engine. even a built 340 with some w-5 goodies eats v10 for breakfast. wont even mention hemis or built 440s--- if you go v10 make a thread and document everything for us

[Dino]

So I'm not the only one not caring for the V10 sound huh?  I don't know what power the V10 makes but I wouldn't care for anything else but a V8 rumble in my car. 

I also doubt you can stay under $15K or even close to that, but I wish you all the best.   

[six-tee-nine]

Call me crazy but the next best sounding engine besides an old school V8 is a in-line 5 cylinder engine. And a V10 are 2 in-line 5's glued together so I say a Viper engine sounds awesome.

About a conversion. In 99.9% of the times these custom things exceed the budget by several times

[hollywood1336]

Although I respect what you guys are saying about the sound out of the V10, and in my opiniun there is no better sound than a V8, even with 2 less cylinders, I have been told my car sounds like a P51 firing up and idling. Stock Viper tublar exhaust manifold into a 3" collector, 3" stailess tube intot a 3" in and 3" out Flowmaster. I will eventually post a video, but it does sound awesome.

Cost of my Gen2 motor with tranny, 7400 miles on motor, stock computer and stock wire harness was $7000 delivered. New computer $1100, new wire harness $350, money wasted on screw-ups $1200, new Bill Reilly front suspension $6200, Air filters, new sensors and bits and pieces $500, New cooling system $600, Exhaust system $350. To make the Viper work in my application this is what I have spent.

[Ghoste]

I love the V8 sound too.  Not hating on any other but the tried and true V8 is still my fave. 

[TexasStroker]

Good luck on the build, which ever direction you go...I'd love to see the Viper swap happen.

While I agree that the V8 has a great tone and is also my preference, I seriously have to question if anyone has spent much time around, let alone in, modified Vipers.  The factory exhaust note is similar to the late model Challengers...quiet, but progressively louder as you step into the throttle.  Modify the intake and exhaust, let alone slightly tweak the tune, and you have a really great sounding car...totally unique, and nothing like it.  Associating the Viper exhaust tone with european tuners is inaccurate (I often see people do that for some reason).

Exhaust tones are always subjective and a lot of factors play into (and yes, this means far more is at work in that exhaust note than simply the muffler and crossover pipe).  I can almost assure you that anyone that loves the "traditional" rumble of a V8 would have no issues with the way a modified Viper sounds on the street.

I have shot videos the last 4-5 years...They are under Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Ride of a Lifetime on the AAM YouTube Channel...lots of different Vipers over the years.

As Challenger340 said you can make the same power for less money (especially on the install/custom fab side), but there is something about shoehorning a V10 that has a certain mystique to it...Definitely keep us posted whatever route you go!

[Mike DC]

Another vote that this is probably more interesting than cost-effective.  At least with a Ram truck drivetrain the motor comes cheap and there is some degree of aftermarket support for the swap. 

In your shoes I might be investigating the idea of swapping a lot more of the Viper's chassis into the Charger than just the motor. 

[Baldwinvette77]