Tech Q and A
I purchased a Mopar® Cat-Back™ exhaust for my 2009 Dodge Charger R/T (5.7L) and love the throaty sound. I did note a definite drone sound between 35 and 45 mph. I just want to confirm that this is a normal condition. Thanks.
MM: Vehicles with MDS technology will have a change in exhaust note more noticeable in four-cylinder mode vs. running on all eight cylinders. Depending on which exhaust system you purchased—P4510855 (shown) or P5155716—will determine how noticeable the tone change is.
I have a 528 HEMI® with casting number 2488333-M. Do you know what year the engine was produced?
MM: This number is a Cummins casting number. Unfortunately we can’t ID the early Cummins engines. In the 4th quarter of 2007 we changed our crate engine supplier and we also switched to the current-style race blocks carrying a casting number of P5153843.
A few years ago Mopar Performance had cylinder heads, cams, pistons, etc. for the mid-‘80s 2.2L engines used in the Chrysler Laser and Dodge Daytona. Do these parts still exist somewhere? How can I find them today?
MM: The last time the Mopar Performance Catalog listed 2.2L heads and pistons was in 2002. We currently have one cam left—240/248 duration and .460/.460 lift— P4452767 (shown). There is a performance shop that still deals with the 2.2L Chrysler engines. For more info, visit forwardmotioninc.com.
I heard Mopar is building a Midget motor with double overhead cam design. When will it be available? What can you tell me about it?
MM: Yes, it’s a single overhead cam design. For more info, stay tuned to MM.
I have a 1999 Ram 1500 318 V-8 2WD with 198,000 miles that I can’t part ways with. I would like to upgrade my old truck with a 5.7L HEMI. Is this possible?
MM: The good news is, yes, you can install a 5.7L HEMI in place of your 318 Magnum® engine. The down side is you have to fabricate your own engine mounts. And, with the electronics swap, your gauges will not function properly. The 5.7L operates on a NGC controller and your truck uses a J-tec style controller so the technologies are incompatible.
I just want to say I think the 1320 Challenger valve/coil covers are really cool! Will they be available from Mopar?
MM: Unfortunately, Mopar will not be offering the valve covers as a performance part.
I’m having a problem with excessive wear on the back side of the thrust bearing in a cast crank motor, but not with a forged crank motor—with the same trans and torque converter. There is about 1/8 to 3/16" gap between converter and flex plate—unbolted, spins free and moves forward and backward freely. Why the excessive wear?
MM: There should be around a 3/8" gap between the flex plate and the converter. It sounds like the converter isn’t fully engaged into the transmission. There should not be any difference between the cast vs. forged crankshaft thrust bearings.
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Reply #1 on : Wed May 11, 2011, 22:43:54