You send them a factory ecu and they build a custom harness. If you use a 545 it’s around $1750 but if you use a nag or 8 speed you need a transmission and that about a $1000 more.
For what it's worth, last time I talked to Hotwire and asked about controlling the 8HP70/90, they were selling the Sound German Engineering stand alone which is the same setup you would need if the Terminator X stuff was used. So for an 8HP, the Hotwire setup doesn't necessarily add anything.
As I understand it, the best option for a 545 is the factory PCM setup from Hotwire.
I think if you use a 8 speed in a duster you pretty much have to cut the torsion bar cross member into.
Probably. I only know that the B-Body at SEMA was able to use one without cutting the floor by shaving some bosses off the case. No idea on an A-Body, but I agree it would most likely need the crossmember cut. Thing is, short of a 727/904 or A833, there really isn't an option that doesn't.
I've got to say though, it sure seems like the 8HP is the trans to use unless you are a hardcore stick only guy. Just seems like there isn't much that hold a candle to it, really can't see a reason to run a 545 or NAG1 unless you just had to run what you had. I know the new Challengers with 8A are almost always faster than the 6M and the 5A, and they get better mileage. The guys in the video I linked said the parasitic loss on an 8HP isn't any worse than a manual. Add that with the right setup you could have a sport/drag mode and change the shifts, or even go crazy and run a virtual clutch have a sequential trans. And the stand alone out of Aus even gives the option for a trans brake.
With a 6.4, it would be like a Challenger 1320 minus 1000#. Add AC and CC and (to me) it would be the absolute best Drag Week entry. Stellar mpg on the highway, comfortable and quiet at 1600@65mph, and when you get to the track switch to drag mode and run the trans brake and full hard shifts for a 10.*** run. Flip the switch back and cruise it to the next stop.
Anyone want to buy an SST T56 Magnum swap kit for a G3 for $5200?