Getting Ready for the Magnum Swap. (help?)

replicaracer43 said

Your transmission is probably not a 518, more likely it's a 46RE and is electronically shifted by the PCM. Might want to check into that

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Yep, 96 was the change year.
It could be either a 46RH (A518 hydraulic) or a 46RE (A518 Electronic)
The RE versions MUST have a computer, either aftermarket or OEM.
I almost missed that completely, thanks.

BigWhi said

Yes, I really want to keep it basic. I figure the distributor and msd would be the way to go.

Also, I was thinking about just trying to find a 904 to use instead of the 518 because I really didn't want to cut any more than I have to. We are already replacing the roof skin and patching a floorboard, so I really don't want to get into any more body work than I need to lol.

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The 904 would bolt right up to the Magnum, or you could go with a 95 and down A500 (42RH) and that would take minimal mods and give you OD and lockup. (which is really nice to have for a driver car)

A holley or Edelbrock 700-750 would be a nice match, as would an MSD distributor and ignition if the budget allows.
There are also, as I mentioned some pretty nice DIY HEI conversions out there as well that work great with the OE small block distributor (which fit the Magnum perfectly)

One other thing to pay attention to is that the Magnum is a truck motor and has a mount boss on the drivers side of the block that can interfere with some brands of headers when installed in a car.
It's a lot easier to trim it off before the headers are in the way.

I think it was this one, and the small red line would be the cut.
A cutoff wheel on a 4" grinder gets it done pretty quick.