easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body?

Posted By: demon

easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 02/28/10 03:37 PM

Anyone swapped a 5.2 or 5.9 Magnum into an E body?
Looking for the absolute cheapest and easiest way to do it.
Maybe even a V6 Magnum for something different.Wanting to use the EFI but not necessarily the overdrive

Posted By: Andrewh

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 02/28/10 06:00 PM

easy and cheap do not go together.

The cheapest way anyone has come up with so far requires you to pull the early magnum setup. Around 94 I think.
Most wires can be trimmed out and all you need are power and ground to get it working.
But I think that is tbi, not mpfi.

The later models will require more work, or more money.
Mega squirt is the cheapest, but you build it and program it yourself.

If you look in the new parts threads, there is a tbi and mpefi controler that needs no programming. Will probably run around 1200 not counting the motor for all the pieces you need along with the kit.
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...p;vc=1&nt=2

It just gets more expensive from there.

That doesn't count the new pan and pickup, motor mounts, flex plate to get the transmission to work, lines, etc..

EFI is not cheap.

Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 02/28/10 06:30 PM

It can be done fairly cheaply if you pull everything from the junkyard. Don't bother with the magnum v6, it gets no better mileage than the magnum 318. I would run the overdrive trans, it has been proven to be able to fit under a challenger without floor/frame mods, other than a custom trans crossmember, but that's just a bolt-on. You will want a factory service manual for the year/model of donor vehcile so you have a complete diagram of both the wiring harness and the bulkhead connector pinout. Then you move to start stripping out everying except the engine control parts of the wiring harness.

Really I would not recommend the magnum efi swap just because of the lack of aftermarket support for the magnum efi controller, it limits your ability to mod the motor because the stock efi computer just can't compensate for it. I would suggest an aftermarket efi controller for more tunability, but if you're sure stock magnum performance is what you want, go for it.

Posted By: denfireguy

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 02/28/10 06:48 PM

I am also looking into the same thing. As Andrew mentioned, Megasquirt is the cheapest and it will do the injection and also the timing. You eliminate the advance in the distributer and allow the Megasquirt to control everything.
I am going to do it in phases to break up the cost and to fully refine the results. Also allows you a fall back point if something does not work as expected.
Phase 1. I bought a 5.2L Magnum engine complete from oil pan to throttle body for a whopping $200. That raises my compression ratio to 9.1:1 right there. Putting EQ Magnum heads tapped to fit LA intake with Mr Gasket 5805 .038 head gasket. Carter BBD with stock electronic ignition. Add Carter electric fuel pump.
Phase 2. Replace ignition with Megasquirt handling all timing and blocking the advance plate in the distributor.
Phase 3. Retap the EQ heads for Magnum intake and put the Magnum throttle body and injectors back on. Have Megasquirt handle handle the injectors as well. Replace fuel pump with high pressure one and add return line to tank. Change throttle pressure linkage to a cable system to keep the transmission working properly.
Will keep the old numbers matching block just to say I have it.
Part of phase one is also adding a lockup A904 modified for higher speed lockup and a TF-2 shift kit. I am skipping the overdrive right now as it is not cost effective.
Craig

Posted By: wldtm

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 03/01/10 12:05 AM

I make Magnum EFI harnesses. Look under the modern mopar parts forsale.

PM me if you have questions.

Justin

Posted By: wldtm

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 03/01/10 03:36 AM

I would stay factory efi, if you just want a cruiser.

You need to be resourceful. A 95 an older AUTO magnum computer will work behind a stick. If you do a magnum swap, the 727 or 904 will at least need a notch in the bellhousing to pick up the crank signal off of the flexplate.

If you want to do some bigger modifications, I would recommend a 96 (obd II) and newer PCM. The newer ones can be flashed to accomodate some cam upgrades etc.

The other thing to think about is a high psi fuel pump. I would recommend for ease/cost the out of tank style. Mopar perf even has one in the catalog.

Just my opinion

Justin

Posted By: Jim_Lusk

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 03/01/10 03:46 PM

We did a similar swap, but to an 84 Ramcharger from a 96 Dakota. Due to some wiring issues with the 84 we swapped the entire 96 wiring with a couple of exceptions. There were some interesting issues with the gas tank and fuel lines, but nothing insurmountable.

Posted By: hotrod98

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 03/13/10 02:44 AM

We installed a 1995 5.9 with the A518 in my wife's cuda with the stock computer and cruise control. It will boil the tires off and gets 29 mpg with 3:55 gears. There's absolutely no reason to screw around with the computer.
Everyone that I've talked to that started trying to reprogram the computer, never did get the car running as well as it should have. I say leave everything stock.
We had to alter the torsion bar crossmember, bend the floor in a little near the accelerator pedal, alter the trans crossmember and shorten the driveshaft. You can use a mallory efi pump and add a regulator with a return. We added a sump to the tank but you don't absolutely have to.
Most reliable musclecar out of the twelve cars that we own and drive.

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/21/10 03:23 PM

found this topic on google,,,cant find it on the board,,,,, wanting to swap a super low mileage 5.2 into my street rod,,,engine is said to have the engine harness and J TECH computer,,,

engine is said to be a test mule from chrysler of 1997 daktoa vintage,,

ide perfer to use the stock computer no mods,,,but the mega squirt is an option,,,but a over wellming web site,, i have e mailed mega squirt and i hope to hear back ,,,soon before this motor gets sold to some one else

hot wires tells me that there is probably one plug for the computer missing if only then engine harness is there,.,, any one know can i re work the engine harness to do what i need,,using a non computer lock up 904

Posted By: denfireguy

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 04:10 AM

Quote:

found this topic on google,,,cant find it on the board,,,,, wanting to swap a super low mileage 5.2 into my street rod,,,engine is said to have the engine harness and J TECH computer,,,

engine is said to be a test mule from chrysler of 1997 daktoa vintage,,

ide perfer to use the stock computer no mods,,,but the mega squirt is an option,,,but a over wellming web site,, i have e mailed mega squirt and i hope to hear back ,,,soon before this motor gets sold to some one else

hot wires tells me that there is probably one plug for the computer missing if only then engine harness is there,.,, any one know can i re work the engine harness to do what i need,,using a non computer lock up 904

The easy part first, the lock up 904 is bolt on, no modifications at all except you need an LA flex plate instead of the slotted one on the Magnum. The lockup 904s had shudder issues so you might google that for modifications.
The first thing I would have the Megasquirt control is the spark timing eliminating the mechanical and vacuum advance. That appears to be pretty simple to do.
If and when I go with the Megasquirt to do fuel management, I will use the Mopar injector connectors but use my own wiring to keep it a little less confusing. There are too many extra wires in the factory harness for various sensors that I would not be using. I would use the stock LA engine harness to run the alternator, temp gauge, oil gauge, A/C compressor, etc. To keep as much of the stock look as possible, I would use the LA timing chain cover, water pump, V belts and a 340 air cleaner on the throttle body. There is no way to disguise the fuel rails and injectors but along with the fuel pump delete cover plate they will be the only tip off to more modern electronic fuel injection.
Then again, I may run out of money and just run the 2bbl Carter for now. I already have an electric fuel pump hooked up to make up for the now missing mechanical fuel pump.
This is all in a 73 Cuda with a 97 5.2L and a late non electronic lockup 904.
Craig

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 04:22 AM

Quote:

Quote:

found this topic on google,,,cant find it on the board,,,,, wanting to swap a super low mileage 5.2 into my street rod,,,engine is said to have the engine harness and J TECH computer,,,

engine is said to be a test mule from chrysler of 1997 daktoa vintage,,

ide perfer to use the stock computer no mods,,,but the mega squirt is an option,,,but a over wellming web site,, i have e mailed mega squirt and i hope to hear back ,,,soon before this motor gets sold to some one else

hot wires tells me that there is probably one plug for the computer missing if only then engine harness is there,.,, any one know can i re work the engine harness to do what i need,,using a non computer lock up 904

The easy part first, the lock up 904 is bolt on, no modifications at all except you need an LA flex plate instead of the slotted one on the Magnum. The lockup 904s had shudder issues so you might google that for modifications.
The first thing I would have the Megasquirt control is the spark timing eliminating the mechanical and vacuum advance. That appears to be pretty simple to do.
If and when I go with the Megasquirt to do fuel management, I will use the Mopar injector connectors but use my own wiring to keep it a little less confusing. There are too many extra wires in the factory harness for various sensors that I would not be using. I would use the stock LA engine harness to run the alternator, temp gauge, oil gauge, A/C compressor, etc. To keep as much of the stock look as possible, I would use the LA timing chain cover, water pump, V belts and a 340 air cleaner on the throttle body. There is no way to disguise the fuel rails and injectors but along with the fuel pump delete cover plate they will be the only tip off to more modern electronic fuel injection.
Then again, I may run out of money and just run the 2bbl Carter for now. I already have an electric fuel pump hooked up to make up for the now missing mechanical fuel pump.
This is all in a 73 Cuda with a 97 5.2L and a late non electronic lockup 904.
Craig

if you said if you have mega squirt control your fuel >??? what are you using now to run the factory injection ??

i want to use the magnum alt,a/c compressor,,serpintine belt,,,injection,,,ide assume if ur controlling the injection,,you would have to control spark and advance with the same system,, my 904 has hyd lock up and never any issues,,,

Posted By: Fury Fan

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 11:16 AM

Quote:

If and when I go with the Megasquirt to do fuel management, I will use the Mopar injector connectors but use my own wiring to keep it a little less confusing.

Find the '5.9 EFI a different way' thread, I put some info in there about a nearly-standalone injector harness that can be pulled from a Northstar. Easiest & cheapest route to wire injectors, IMHO.

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 01:40 PM

Quote:

Quote:

If and when I go with the Megasquirt to do fuel management, I will use the Mopar injector connectors but use my own wiring to keep it a little less confusing.

Find the '5.9 EFI a different way' thread, I put some info in there about a nearly-standalone injector harness that can be pulled from a Northstar. Easiest & cheapest route to wire injectors, IMHO.

ok thanks ill search for it,,,

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 02:22 PM

Quote:

Quote:

If and when I go with the Megasquirt to do fuel management, I will use the Mopar injector connectors but use my own wiring to keep it a little less confusing.

Find the '5.9 EFI a different way' thread, I put some info in there about a nearly-standalone injector harness that can be pulled from a Northstar. Easiest & cheapest route to wire injectors, IMHO.

searched it every way possible,,must be a really old topic no luck but thanks

Posted By: DJVCuda

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 02:33 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

If and when I go with the Megasquirt to do fuel management, I will use the Mopar injector connectors but use my own wiring to keep it a little less confusing.

Find the '5.9 EFI a different way' thread, I put some info in there about a nearly-standalone injector harness that can be pulled from a Northstar. Easiest & cheapest route to wire injectors, IMHO.

searched it every way possible,,must be a really old topic no luck but thanks

don - use the google bar at the top of the page here - it will search topics

5.9 EFI a different way

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 02:40 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

If and when I go with the Megasquirt to do fuel management, I will use the Mopar injector connectors but use my own wiring to keep it a little less confusing.

Find the '5.9 EFI a different way' thread, I put some info in there about a nearly-standalone injector harness that can be pulled from a Northstar. Easiest & cheapest route to wire injectors, IMHO.

searched it every way possible,,must be a really old topic no luck but thanks

don - use the google bar at the top of the page here - it will search topics

5.9 EFI a different way

dave, thanks ill give it a try,,never even realized it was there daaaa so im old lol

Posted By: DJVCuda

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:01 PM

Don - have you thought about EZ EFI?

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:15 PM

Quote:

Don - have you thought about EZ EFI?

DAVE,, i seen the system on your cuda,,was wondering about it,,,went to f.a.s.t web site,,,seen your posting about tunnel ram,,,then i seen the pricing,,,but didnt see the computer price,,was thinking may be kool on my blower motor

but currently im looking at a super low mileage 5.2 magnum with all the factory efi and engine harness,,to swap in to my street rod,,there has to be a way to power the stock efi with out a lot of hoopla,,,,seems the best way is using a mega squirt,,,talking with them now,, or a complete wiring harness from front to back from a donor dakota/jeep

Posted By: DJVCuda

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:16 PM

its not for boost... and the computer is included

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:19 PM

Quote:

its not for boost... and the computer is included

i seen the seperat pricing i guess 980 for the throttle body,,each....367 for the fuel pump,,,,

im sure is wasnt desogned for a drawl thru blower,,but might be able to be made to work,,,but ive got um,,,,,wayyyyyy to much money in my carbs,,at this point to spend that kind of bucks on it what kind of performance/mileage you getting ??

Posted By: DJVCuda

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:26 PM

better performance so far ( dyno test) i have yet to get to the track

better mileage too!

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:29 PM

Quote:

better performance so far ( dyno test) i have yet to get to the track

better mileage too!

might be worht it if i could sell my carbs for half of whats in them,,,,so your total ?? im guessing 2500??

Posted By: DJVCuda

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:30 PM

i though you would consider it for the street rod... it's a setup designed for them.... not he blower car.

got a tank from rockvalley, they put in an EFI pump in there.

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:46 PM

Quote:

i though you would consider it for the street rod... it's a setup designed for them.... not he blower car.

got a tank from rockvalley, they put in an EFI pump in there.

i may consider it for the rod,,if the pricing was afforable,,just got off the phone with mega squirt,,making the factory magnum efi work it too costly,,, so i may just rebuild a 318 i have here,,,been thinking if i find a set of 360 type heads, have pistons made to be at 9.5 compression with the bigger valve heads,,bigger chambers and a stock 340 cam,,may be the ticket to having and affordable dependable motor,,,

Posted By: Fury Fan

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 03:59 PM

Depending on the price of the Magnum engine you're looking at, throwing a carb and intake on that engine may be a simpler/cheaper/faster alternative to rebuilding an on-hand engine. You could sell some of the EFI stuff, too.

The Magnum engines have LOTS of benefits that may entice you - better heads for swirl and quench, roller cam, thinner piston rings for less friction, etc. More hp and better MPG do come hand-in-hand with a 5.2/5.9 Magnum (versus an LA).

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 04:05 PM

Quote:

Depending on the price of the Magnum engine you're looking at, throwing a carb and intake on that engine may be a simpler/cheaper/faster alternative to rebuilding an on-hand engine. You could sell some of the EFI stuff, too.

The Magnum engines have LOTS of benefits that may entice you - better heads for swirl and quench, roller cam, thinner piston rings for less friction, etc. More hp and better MPG do come hand-in-hand with a 5.2/5.9 Magnum (versus an LA).

yes im considering making an offer on the motor ,,and searching a carb intake,,dual plane ??? to have all the other bennys of the magnum,,,roller cam,,serpintine belt etc,,seems the easiet way to run the factory efi is a hot wire conversion ,,,searching the intake now

Posted By: Fury Fan

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/22/10 04:31 PM

Here are some links I saved a while ago. summit changed something on their website a while back so some of these might not work right.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch....+115+4294888794
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=dcc-5007790&dds=1
http://www.professional-products.com/manifoldsProductmopar.php
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PFS-55026/

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/23/10 05:14 AM

Quote:

Here are some links I saved a while ago. summit changed something on their website a while back so some of these might not work right.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch....+115+4294888794
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=dcc-5007790&dds=1
http://www.professional-products.com/manifoldsProductmopar.php
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PFS-55026/

ok thanks ill take a look

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/23/10 05:21 AM

Quote:

Here are some links I saved a while ago. summit changed something on their website a while back so some of these might not work right.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch....+115+4294888794
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=dcc-5007790&dds=1
http://www.professional-products.com/manifoldsProductmopar.php
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PFS-55026/

thanks for the links,, i had seen the edddy and mopar but the p p didnt come up in the jegs/summit search,,thanks a gain

Posted By: Carsavior

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/28/10 04:19 AM

Bump up for James

Posted By: 360view

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/28/10 11:26 AM

Has anyone ever seen a Magnum V8
controlled by a
MoTec
or
Haltech
aftermarket EFI computer?

Posted By: fstfish66

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/28/10 12:07 PM

Quote:

Has anyone ever seen a Magnum V8
controlled by a
MoTec
or
Haltech
aftermarket EFI computer?

only after market computer ive seen on a magnum is a mega squirt kit

Posted By: Alikazam

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/28/10 02:24 PM

If it has all the right hook ups and signals/sensors, don't see why you couldn't do it. My fall back plan for my van if I can't get a Megasquirt to work satisfactorilly is to put on a Hydra Nemesis EMS, as my brother is a dealer for those and very familiar with tuning them.

Posted By: Carsavior

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 07/30/10 09:15 PM

btt

Posted By: 2010Charlie

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 03/20/18 11:30 PM

I would like to get a hold of you about your harnesses tried to PM you but it said it was full.

Posted By: Evil Spirit

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 03/23/18 08:15 AM

Originally Posted By 2010Charlie

I would like to get a hold of you about your harnesses tried to PM you but it said it was full.

Not sure what his status is - that post is 8 years old, and looking at his profile, that member hasn't posted in here in 3 years.

BTW, welcome to Moparts . . .

Posted By: dogdays

Re: easiest way to swap an EFI Magnum into E body? - 03/23/18 06:32 PM

First of all any 318 or 360 TBI engine is not a Mag engine. Period. The 5.2 Magnum engines showed up in 1992, the 5.9 Mag engines a couple of years later.

Enginequest heads can be had with either LA or Mag intake faces.

The OP's question was to swap an "EFI Magnum". That seems to indicate the preference for fuel injection, so suggesting a carb is not answering the question.

I seem to remember that none of the Mag engines had advance built into the distributor. It's all done in the ECM.

The more complete package you swap into the older car, the better. The easiest way to do that is keep the computer and wiring harness with the engine, as I see it.

R.