Project '69 Engine & Keisler Auto/OD Trans Install: MORE PICS ADDED!

[bill440rt]

Whew!
Spent all day yesterday getting everything ready to install the engine/trans in the car. Everything went in sometime around mid-afternoon. We took our time, no major headaches.
A few minor snafus with the Keisler trans install:
1) The shifter selector sensor now does not come pre-installed. This prevented me from installing a few other items, as the sensor must be installed a certain way. The instruction sheet had also been superceded since I bought my setup, I had the incorrect one. One quick call to Keisler...  
2) The trans mount had interference with the tail shaft bolts and a speedo sensor connector, there was basically no room. Another quick call to Keisler...   ...    Had to remove two tabs off the mount, a quick lop with the hacksaw took care of it.
3) Got the engine in & the trans under the car, turns out I did not dimple the floor enough.   Removed the trans, a few whacks with the sledge, back in it went.

Otherwise, it was a real nice installation.

I took off from work this entire week just to work on the car. If anyone wants to lend a hand, I have a fridge full of beer to make it a little more worthwhile.  

I do not have pics during installation, there just wasn't enough hands to go around. I WILL post pics later of the post-installation.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Veeery cool Bill!  look forward to the pics & further progress!

[b5blue]

  It won't be long now!!!

[bill440rt]

Man, it's been a busy week. Finally, here are some pictures.

Here it is first installed, and a few of the trans installed.

[bill440rt]

A few more of the trans.
The hard trans cooler lines need to be routed yet. Keisler supplies some generic looking pre-bent hard lines. They need to be tweaked, especially to clear the headers. The get routed to the radiator, then out to the Keisler trans cooler, then back to the trans.

A few wires still need to be tucked up & routed away from the headers. Still have to connect & adjust the shifter cable, too.

[bill440rt]

Here are some more after today.
I have the rad in place, mocked up to check for fan clearance. It's good!! 

There's still a lot of wiring to do. I also need to install the throttle position sensor for the trans. LOTS of little things.
I also started installing the rest of the exhaust. The TTI headers fit awesome. And Ron, you were right, installing the plugs is a breeze with those angled Eddy heads!! 

I'm hoping by early next week to have the trans lines sorted out and the rest of the exhaust installed. Then I can finish up the wiring, hoses, radiator, fan, etc etc etc etc etc.....     

[tan top]

good stuff going on ,   been thinking of their auto box my self ,  
    good lot of pictures  , be intrested  hearing about on the road performance  !!
what rear gears you running ??

[bill440rt]

Hi tan top,
It's got 3:91's out back. You have to give Keisler info like your gears, tire size, etc.

I also sent in the measurement for the driveshaft, I should have it by next week.

[b5blue]

FANTASTIC BILL!!

[oldschool]

FANTASTIC BILL!!

thats some nice looking work you have there.....

[tan top]

Hi tan top,
It's got 3:91's out back. You have to give Keisler info like your gears, tire size, etc.

I also sent in the measurement for the driveshaft, I should have it by next week.

  thanks for the info 
 

[BrianShaughnessy]

Beautiful! 

[Charger-Bodie]

Looking really nice Bill!!

[Blown70]

 

[firefighter3931]

Bill, your work is up to it's usual standards....what more is there to say but AWESOME ! 

I told ya those TTI's were worth it ! 

Lots of work in just a short period of time....keep at it man ! Looking forward to seeing this car someday ! 


Ron

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I expect to see it by the MANats

[bill440rt]

I expect to see it by the MANats

Haven't had soda come out my nose in a while, thanks Chris!


Finished up the TTI exhaust today. Some trimming was needed off the "X" pipe just before the mufflers. About 4-5" per side was needed. Same out back right before their tips to get them to line up properly. Exhaust is tucked up real nice. I went with the Dynomax Ultra Flows. It was a small cost upgrade with the TTI system. The "X" pipe clears the trans beautifully, which I guess is one benefit over the GV overdrive box. I think I'm missing one small harness for the shifter selector, it's nowhere to be found. Gotta call Keisler again.... 
I hope to do some more on the rest of the wiring tomorrow. My machinist is coming over this week with his tube bender to help me finish off the tranny lines, then I can finish final-installing the rad, fan shroud etc.
I'll post more progress pics during the week.

[bull]

Wow. Cleaner than the plates I eat off. Excellent work.

[bill440rt]

Got some more stuff buttoned up on the engine. STILL lots more to do. So many little things that add up to a lot.
I've got some hoses routed, most of the wiring is done (still need to do more & neaten things up), battery tray, MSD is wired, alternator, etc. Trans lines are now fitted, too.
Got the driveshaft from Keisler the other day, gotta install that too.
Here are some more pics. These show the serpentine kit completed, trans lines bent to fit, and fuel line routing. Disregard the hoses & loose wiring, some of them need to be finished.

[bill440rt]

I installed a Painless fuse block on the firewall for the 100-amp alternator.
Also started is the A/C stuff. Yeah, I polished up the aluminum lines, too. I couldn't leave them alone.
I also installed the dipstick tube, finally. That was a project in itself. It came from 440 Source, chrome plated tube, made in China billet dipstick. Tube was waaay too big for the opening in the block. Filing... fitting... filing... fitting... filing... fitting. 2 hours later, dipstick was in. 

I'll try to get some more pics up soon.

[b5blue]

WOW! BEE-YOU-TEA-FULL BILL!  What aircleaner are you using?

[bill440rt]

Hey, Neal! 

I using a regular repro 6-pack air cleaner. I smoothed out the base, most of these have terrible stamping waves. I sprayed it with PPG black base/clear.
Lid is a chrome repro, no decals. Just chrome. I also have these cool little billet thingies for the air cleaner, you'll just have to wait & see!   

[b5blue]

Looks nice Bill but the black MSD box on the firewall looks close! I was just working on my car and there's not much room by the voltage regulator.

[bill440rt]

Yeah, Neal. I know what you mean. I was sweating bullets it wouldn't clear.
The air cleaner actually sits a little higher than the MSD. Omitting the rubber mounting "feet" from the MSD helped. MSD said it was OK, that the feet weren't necessary.
I had to tweak the drain tube on the air cleaner base a little also. A little tight, but it fits.

[b5blue]

Sweet deal and you don't need a regulator for your 100 amp alt. ether!  I can't wait to see how this all looks when your done....The green is Mean! 

[BBKNARF]

WOW great work  show us more pics when your done. 

[bill440rt]

Made some more progress on the car. Things are starting to come together now. Almost finished, but STILL a few little things left.
Much of the hoses & wiring is finished. I FINALLY got the electric fan thing worked out, here are some shots of it installed in the car.
I went with this Flex-a-Lite fan setup:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLX-410/

Fits like a glove, and works both thermostatically (temps are adjustable), and with the A/C switch. I also installed a small fuse box right behind the rad support to help wire some of the accessories. (Thanks for the tip, Ron!!  )

Still have to finish the A/C lines, the "standard" ones that came with the Classic Auto Air kit did not fit due to the slight difference in the compressor mounting. So, I needed different hose ends at different angles to get it to work. Hoses will be custom fit & crimped for a neat appearance.
A few other things:
Tranny cooler & lines (grille, bumper, & valance need to be installed also due to cooler flex hose routing)
Wiring the tach
Finish wiring the trans under the dash (dual-mode switch & a 12v power source)
Wire the headlights (HID kit from Autodynamics, thanks Pete!)
Top off the fluids
etc etc etc

Another small hurdle was hooking up the throttle position sensor for the Keisler trans. No one, including Holley, makes a throttle bracket for what needed to be done. I simply needed a bottom hole directly opposite the throttle cable to attach the sensor cable to. As the throttle cable moves back (top), the TPS sensor cable had to move forward (bottom). Had to fabricate a small bracket for the carb linkage to get it to work. Works like a charm now. I'll get some detail shots of how that was accomplished soon.
Here are some more progress shots, the car is a little more together now than in these pics.

[bill440rt]

One more...

[b5blue]

Very nice set up Bill! I can't wait to see how you get the A/C set up and adjusted with the six pack. I want to do the same "someday". 

[tan top]

looks   great    doing some real good work there Bill 

keep the pictures coming 

[Long Island RT]

Holy Immaculateness   

That is one clean looking compartment.  Really nice.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

All Bill's cars are like that....we're not worthy

[firefighter3931]

Man that looks killer under the hood ! 

Glad to hear the fan & wiring situation is resolved....fits nice and has good clearance as well ! 


Ron

[bill440rt]

A couple more progress pics of the final components installation. STILL some more hookups to do, so many little things. I just want to make sure everything is right & working before turning the key. I'm sure there will be more troubleshooting then, too.

The throttle position sensor gets mounted on the driver's inner fender. See my previous post regarding the carb linkage. Holley makes no provision for an adapter bracket, and I was the first to call Keisler regarding installation with a 6-pack. Not sure how true that is, but their staff was more than helpful over the phone.

I used part of a kickdown linkage bellcrank for the initial mock-up, turns out the arm worked but just had to be 1/2" longer for a longer throw. Made one out of a piece of flat aluminum, then polished it. As the throttle cable pulls back, the arm swings forward moving the TPS.

[bill440rt]

Here's where I installed the module for the fans. I also installed a 6-space small fuse block on the opposite side that was wired to the battery. (Thanks, Ron!!  )     This will power the fans, HID lights, etc.

Tranny cooler is mounted, needs to be plumbed. The hoses go under the rad support, so I need to install the bumper & valance before running the lines.

[bill440rt]

OH yeah, grille is installed & the HID lights are working. Got the HID kit from Pete (Autodynamics). Nice kit, & easy to install.
BTW, the hood is not latched in the photo. I still have to install the hood latches.

I'll probably start a thread under the "General" section for the rest of the reassembly. Too much more stuff to do!

[Hemidog]

Just taking it all in..... 

[tan top]

   thats looking real good    nice work     ...

[b5blue]

WOW phenomenal job Bill, very neat solution for tranny. 

[RIDELIKEHELL]

Words can describe how nice that is Bill Envious! I'll be following this thread.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Kind of an odd place for the TPS no?  Couldn't mount it on the carb somewhere?

[69 OUR/TEA]

WOW!!!!!  Quite amazing Bill!!!Alot of custom stuff happening under that hood!!!Looks like you had everything well thought out!!!!!

[bill440rt]

Kind of an odd place for the TPS no?  Couldn't mount it on the carb somewhere?

Well, that's where Keisler suggests putting it. There was really no room to put it on the intake/carb where it would sit correctly. Plus, getting the TPS movement "curve" right would have been difficult. This way, I was able to dial it in a lot easier using the cable.

WOW!!!!!  :2thumbs:Quite amazing Bill!!!Alot of custom stuff happening under that hood!!!Looks like you had everything well thought out!!!!!

Yeah, Paul, LOTS of planning & research making sure everything works & fits. Still a lot of wiring clean up to do, the stuff on the firewall & inner fender needs to be neatened up & secured. I've almost got the A/C hoses finished up, too. 

[69 OUR/TEA]

It's gotta be exciting coming to this stage of the build and getting to see everything wrapping up and getting ready to run.Keep up the good work!!!

[Musicman]

Keep it up, your doing great

[Belgium R/T -68]

Looking great under the hood Bill Gotta love that colour.

Per

[bill440rt]

Thanks guys! 
The anticipation of finally starting this car is driving me crazy. It's been a l-o-n-g time since I started this car, about 5 years ago.

[Aussie R/T]

Justy been looking over the work you've done on the charger.Wondering a couple of things what is your work back ground you do very nice work and are you planning a holliday to australia any time soon I have a few jobs for you. look up to your left.lol

[bill440rt]

Justy been looking over the work you've done on the charger.Wondering a couple of things what is your work back ground you do very nice work and are you planning a holliday to australia any time soon I have a few jobs for you. look up to your left.lol

Hey Aussie, thanks for the compliment!
Can't say I'm planning a trip to Australia any day soon in my lifetime. Looks like a beautiful place, though. Maybe you could bring your car here to the 'states, instead! 
I do have an extensive auto body repair background, but currently I consider myself strictly a hobbyist. I got out of it professionally years ago. I won't mention names, but I currently work for a very large insurance company. I don't want to incriminate myself on here, as I know there are many members who despise insurance companies. Let's just say there are a few good apples amongst the bunch. 
Best of luck with your Charger project, welcome to the 'site, and post some pics in the General Discussion area! 

[Kern Dog]

Holy crap....THis car is cleaner than I had imagined. I recall seeing it in one of the Mopar mags but they have so few pictures and the lighting wasn't great. VERY nice, sir!

[darbgnik]

Since this thread is alive again, how do you like the Keisler transmission. I know Silversport makes the kit now, but it should be similar.

[bill440rt]

Holy crap....THis car is cleaner than I had imagined. I recall seeing it in one of the Mopar mags but they have so few pictures and the lighting wasn't great. VERY nice, sir!

The kind words are very much appreciated, Kern Dog! 
Quite a few changes to the car as well since those pics were taken for Mopar Action several years ago (seats, billet hood/trunk hinges, additional Hotchkis suspension items, etc).

Since this thread is alive again, how do you like the Keisler transmission. I know Silversport makes the kit now, but it should be similar.

The car has close to 3000 miles on it now. I really like the transmission A LOT. I own a few Chargers, this one is by far my favorite to drive in terms of handling, comfort, etc. The OD really helps on the highway, you would never know the car has 3:91 rear end gears in it. Zero vibrations, crisp shifts, etc. One little dimple in the floor & rolling the weld flange from the firewall to the floor pan is all it took.
The trans I have is the older style, in which you can program it with a laptop & stuff. It's kind of cumbersome & hard to use & setup. Since then Silversport has developed a better computer module that makes dialing it in easier (so I'm told). I may look into swapping that in, they told me it just entails the computer module itself, and a new harness that is supplied in the kit.

[darbgnik]

Holy crap....THis car is cleaner than I had imagined. I recall seeing it in one of the Mopar mags but they have so few pictures and the lighting wasn't great. VERY nice, sir!

The kind words are very much appreciated, Kern Dog!  
Quite a few changes to the car as well since those pics were taken for Mopar Action several years ago (seats, billet hood/trunk hinges, additional Hotchkis suspension items, etc).

Since this thread is alive again, how do you like the Keisler transmission. I know Silversport makes the kit now, but it should be similar.

The car has close to 3000 miles on it now. I really like the transmission A LOT. I own a few Chargers, this one is by far my favorite to drive in terms of handling, comfort, etc. The OD really helps on the highway, you would never know the car has 3:91 rear end gears in it. Zero vibrations, crisp shifts, etc. One little dimple in the floor & rolling the weld flange from the firewall to the floor pan is all it took.
The trans I have is the older style, in which you can program it with a laptop & stuff. It's kind of cumbersome & hard to use & setup. Since then Silversport has developed a better computer module that makes dialing it in easier (so I'm told). I may look into swapping that in, they told me it just entails the computer module itself, and a new harness that is supplied in the kit.

Thanks for the reply! And nice color!

I'm going EFI in the spring, and right now I'm considering the Holley Terminator, over the Sniper, only because it will control a 4L60E or 4L80E. SO it could control the Silversport A41...... 2 separate systems would work too, but I do like the idea of one system. And yeah, Silversport uses EZ EFI's TCU which is self learning and has a hand held, or an option of a different controller that uses dials and switches.