The life of a Magnum (and 46RE question)

If you swap out the OD housing and output shaft from 4x4 to 2wd they work great. The 46RE does require some "more than beginner" level of tunnel modification. I might put it under the bench and run the 904 to get her up and running quickly as I am a firm believer in Get em on the road quickly theory for beginners. You could do a bolt on Magnum FI swap in a few weekends in the driveway if you have a V8 904. You can always trade 46 for 42 later on which is much less work to install and plenty strong enough for street engine.

Plan on cracked heads and be happy if they are not.

Our typical shop build on one of these Magnums is EQ heads, our Stage II or III roller cam, Pro Gear timing set, freeze plugs and gaskets. Remember head, intake bolts are one use torque to yield and front cover bolts are usually corroded and should be replaced. Fortunately, head bolts are only $36 and intake is just 5/16 NC x2"