MDS, VVT, and transmission options?

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b5cuda

b5cuda

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Hello,
I'm in the early planning stage for a Gen. III hemi car and have a basic question. Can MDS and VVT features be used with older transmissions (like A500 or A518), or do they need to be paired with a late model transmission? Thanks,
Bill
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Short answer Yes and No. MDS is not enables on six speed Mopar Challengers from the factory, so NO MDS cannot be used with any classic transmission. If you want to run MDS you'll need to do the floor surgery and install a late model transmission along with the appropriate speed sensors.

As for VVT, if you run a factory computer VVT is an option. Contact Hot-Wire about the various options for running a late model VVT equipped engine.

The aftermarket is on the verge of standalone computer that will enable VVT. Megasquirt is capable but I don't think anyone has gotten it to work, YET.

Hope this Helps,

Regards,

Joe Dokes
 
Thanks Joe! Sounds like I'll need new tranny too for MDS, but not for VVT (pending software development). Do you know whether there any other sensors required outside of the engine and trans, like on drive shaft, rearend, etc. to make MDS work?
 
Hey Joe, appreciate the pointers! My goal is a 3G hemi powered car with good performance and mid-20's mpg. I'm in the planning stage and my basic question is how to get there: MDS with the required transmission and accessories, and/or VVT, or just a regular auto overdrive transmission? The MDS set-up looks complicated and I wonder whether the juice is worth the squeeze. This is new territory for me - previous projects were small blocks - so I'm grateful for the insights. Thanks, Bill
 
I've heard MDS isn't really as big of a benefit as you'd think it might be. Typically only good for 2-3 mpg from what I've read, but different setups can always produce different results. That is roughly 10% improvement, so it's not small, but for shutting off half the fuel you'd think you'd get more.

My setup with just an overdrive transmission (T56 6 speed manual in my case) is creeping up on the 20 mpg mark. I know I have read about others on here getting into the 20s even without overdrive. A lot of it has to do with just tuning, though I don't know how much of that you can change with a factory computer. I have a wideband O2 sensor and aftermarket EFI setup, so I can tune however I like.
 
Good info, thanks! I'm grateful for perspectives of those who've done G3 hemi swaps - helps me to do the cost versus benefit analysis. I'm wondering whether MDS is the best way to get to mid-20 mpg?
 
There are a lot of guys getting 20 MPG or better, ON THE HIGHWAY. If you run fuel injection, keep the car fairly light (It's why we build A-Bodies, right?), and have a decent highway gear, low 20s is fairly easy.

I BELIEVE that Tincup, with a 5.7L and a late model transmission has reported mid 20s on the highway.

The key is to not drive it like you stole it. ;)

Regards,

Joe Dokes
 
Joe Dokes said:
There are a lot of guys getting 20 MPG or better, ON THE HIGHWAY. If you run fuel injection, keep the car fairly light (It's why we build A-Bodies, right?), and have a decent highway gear, low 20s is fairly easy.

I BELIEVE that Tincup, with a 5.7L and a late model transmission has reported mid 20s on the highway.

The key is to not drive it like you stole it. ;)

Regards,

Joe Dokes
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Who does that???
 
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