One new snag I just discovered is that my speedo does not work because I deleated my ABS controller. The donar Ram 1500 only had rear wheel ABS and the control box was pretty small, so I removed it along with some of the wiring. It seems that I will need this unit to convert my rear axle VSS before it goes to the PCM. Since it already has been 4 years since I started this project, I no longer have this controller. I found a few used ones on Ebay for about $150, but I don't want to use one if I can just convert the signal without it. Also since I won't actually be conecting any brake lines to the unit or a brake fluid level sensor, this ABS controller will be sending out all kinds of trouble codes. I really doubt any other Hemi/45rfe swappers are using the ABs either, so someone out there has come up with a fix. I sure would like to keep the dash I am running and it would be even better if it actually all worked.

I attended the Mopar's @ the Strip show in Las Vegas this weekend and finially got the needed info to make my speedo working. The guys with the Mr. Norm's Challengers and the new Hurst Challengers on display told me that the guys at Dakota Digital have the conversion box I need. I will not need to put the ABS controller back since thier box will provide the needed signal to the PCM and is programable for tire size variations and other factors. The part number is SGI-5 and it is a pretty much universal convertor with many programable speed adjustments. It is only about $80. I will be calling them on Monday before I order it to make sure it is what I need, but acording to the directions they have online, it is. You still need a VSS input signal, which I have in my 8.8 rear, but they even have a setup to provide you with that signal. You could even tap the rear trans output signal if needed. My rear axle sensor was for the ABS, but also controls the speedo and other engine management functions. Other than another repaint, this is my last hurdle to finish this car.

I am currently working on this swap in my 73 duster. I had to widen the tunnel 2-3 inches and do some clearancing in multiple places as well as fabricate a custom mount.
I haven't decided for sure how to connect the speedo. I found a tailhousing machined for gears here http://www.transmissionsone.com/45rfe_performance_parts_from_pat.htm
pretty pricy though, so I haven't decided what route to go there.
I will most likely use a lokar shifter but am also considering making a custom cable shifter connected to my factory column linkage.

It's great to see some upgrade parts are already out there for this trans. I have rebuilt 727's in the past and I really like the idea of using a modern overdrive in an older body. If you plan to use a mechanical speedo, you will need to use the modified tailhousing. If you plan to retain your stock dash and instruments, you are pretty much comited. I used the electronic Dodge truck dash so I needed a VSS signal and convertor. There are lots of aftermarket electronic gauges out there. One added feature of my setup is that I can use a plug in scanner and performance tuner in the OBD II jack.

I just read a several page long thread on www.forbbodiesonly.com in the 62-65 forum where a guy is doing this swap in a Coronet I think it was (got so wrapped up in the detailed GREAT post I forgot what car he is putting it in DOH!)
He has a lot of great details from begining to engine start up including hump modification.
Check it out, it will be worth your time if you are doing this swap!

Hi all, I'm a newbie here, but I joined the forum because I have a running '73 Challenger that I am building, and like most starting a new project, I am trying to absorb as much info as I can. I am pulling the '69 340/727 combo and dropping in a 5.7/545 that I got from a 2004 Ram pickup, so the info on this page is exactly what I need to help me get started. I was able to get the ECM/PCM, Dash, and harness with the pull, so I thought that I was at a pretty good starting point. Now, after reading this forum, I am beginning to wonder.

Anyway, my questions are #1 Is there a recommended source for general info on this topic? #2 Is there a guide on which harness connections I can simply terminate and which ones need a specific input or new module? #3 Hemijavelin mentioned sectioning the truck dash...can you post a picture of that...sounds interesting. #4 This was a legal engine purchase, but I din't think to get the VIN. Do I need it for any anti-theft coding? Also will I need an ECM reprogram.

Sorry about the long list of questions that my be pretty basic to some of you, but any advice on this topic would be helpful. Thanks

I have been looking for posts on this topic since 2007 when I joined this board and the referenced link in my above post is the most complete one I have found on ANY web site yet.
I know Gremlinsteve(Moparts screen name) plays with 3rd gen Hemi swaps. He may have some input.

Darius, Thanks for the lead. Lots of great info at the link you supplied. It looks like "5.7 Hemi" is doing an excellent job of documenting and communicating his progress on his hemi upgrade. He is using an in-tank fuel pump with a fuel tray to avoid starvation. Does anyone know if this requires any other mods to the tank? I recently replaced my fuel tank and hate to toss it and install a pressurized tank if I don't have to. Any ideas?

It's been awhile since I have checked on this topic myself and my car is stilll slowly progressing. To use the frequency adaptor you need an input signal. You can either use a signal from a VSS equiped rear axle or add a signal generator to the rear flange. You need to install the adaptor in place of the ABS controller which converted the original VSS signal for use in the PCM. I have not done this step yet on my car since I am in the process of finishing the repaint now. You really need a wiring diagram for the donar vehicle so you can hook all this stuff up properly. I purchased a 2004 Dodge Ram Service manual on a CD off Ebay for only $25. You will want to print out the pages you need as there are lots. The manual is about 1400 pages but also includes other enginge and tranny options. If you can find this manual in print form, it might be easier but the disc is pretty easy to store. In my case I completly removed the entire original wiring harness in my car and swapped in the entire Dodge truck harness. I only had to reconnect the plugs for most of the electronics. Using the factory manual, I carefull deleated unwanted wireing from the stock harness but I did retain most of it. I am an electrician and a Electronics tech but this can be done by most guys if they work slow and read all the schematics carefully before cutting. My Javelin pics can be seen on PhotoBucket.com. Do a search for Hemi Javelin and look in the folders from ProstreetAMX. I cut about 10" out of the passenger side of the dash and trimmed off the bottom. I did this also so I could use the steering column but it might be easier just to use the gauge pod and make it fit your curent dash. I never liked the stock dash in my car and it was trashed anyway. They now make aftermarket gauges that will work with this setup but the gauge cluster also controls many other functions such as exterior lighting, and you will loose the check engine and test features without the factory gauge pod. I used the stock fuel pump setup in an aftermarket fuel cell that was the same depth as the truck tank. My donar truck did not have the antitheft key but even if it did, useing the entire harness and dash would have made it still work. You do not need to reprogram the PCM unless you make changes. The only mods on my setup so far are the K&N filter setup and the dual cat back exhaust.

The donar VIN should be printed on some of the parts you have. The vehicle VIN appears on many parts on todays cars and trucks.

Hey guys how's it going with this swap?

What did you use for a shifter?
I hear Keisler had a shifter that should work and keep it looking stock, anyone see/use that? They sell it with their Auto OD kit, but I don't know if they'll sell it separately... does anyone know?

I am getting ready to start a 2004 5.7 with a 545rfe into a 71 challenger project. I've researched it a lot, I've heard the trany tunnel needs to be expanded, but can be massaged with a hammer where needed. I plan on cutting the tunnel out, then cutting it down the middle and adding what I need there. Also raise it up some as needed. The trany does NOT have a speed sensor in it, and I am still undecided as to what I am going to do for a speedo. Untill I figure it out, I am just going to use my GPS. From everything that I've heard, the 545 is a 3 speed auto with an electronic double overdrive. If I have it right, my 3 speed slap stick will work with a cable insted of linkage, but I will have to add an electric button to enable or disable the overdrive. I still have a lot to figure out, but I also already have a lot figured out. Please correct me if I am wrong on the shifter or anything else that I mentioned. PM me if you have any specific questions that you are not getting answers for here.

Any updates on this thread??

Hi guys

I’m new in here,

I’m working on restoring 1970 challenger using 5.7 Hemi but converted from fuel into dual edlebrock carporater with full MSD ignition sys . What I’m facing now and made my project delayed is the transmission!!!

I want use the same original 545RFE TRNS on my project and I have been searching for more than 2 month to get the right answer to make it work perfectly , is there any site sell some kit that can make it work . ???

Thanks a lot for your help

I have been doing a lot of research on this as well. I believe it is on cuda-challenger. com that I found this info: a guy made a speed sensor by adapting a plate on the driveshaft and placed the pickup there. I am trying to locate the post but at the moment, not having any luck. I will keep looking...

If your carbureted then you have no way of controlling the stock transmission.

Thanks a lot man ,,, hope that I can find solution for that … cuz I don’t wana go to the TKO its 4000$

Any suggestion man ?