GrantPratt
New Member
Hey everyone, here is some info on my first b body build. This is just a broad overview as I am still ironing out details since I only started this project in may 2025.
74 dodge charger
1997 8.0L Viper V10 w/25k miles: Factory forged crank, rods, and pistons (96-99 all were) as well as the factory 708 cam which is great for boosted applications (and sounds mean). Setup in stock form typically reliable at 800 hp and capable of 1200
Borgwarner T56 6 speed manual transmission came out of the 97 viper with the engine. Typically known to be reliable at 800 hp but pushing the limits if any higher.
The complexity and engineering of this build requires it to be a plan as I go type of deal especially since this is my first build to this level.
Chassis: Custom 4130 chromoly or Docol R8 full tube chassis built by me. (not yet started)
Axel & Suspension: Rear axel will be a built moser chrysler 8 3/4 or ford 9 independent rear setup. Custom Chromoly center section built by me. Axel/hub/brake setup not yet decided. Custom titanium upper and lower control arms with hydraulic coilovers front and rear. (will come during/after the tube chassis)
Drivetrain: Of course the viper v10 and t56 will be used. I already have the engine set up with a factory ECU which is flashed to get rid of restrictive factory security. Engine has run on stand. I’ll see if I can include a video. In the final stages the engine will be twin turbocharged with custom turbo headers, thinking of building these out of inconel, if not they will be 321 stainless steel. The rest of the turbo system will feature dual air to water intercoolers, titanium intercooler piping, and 4” titanium downpipes. The exhaust will be 4” off of the downpipes meeting in the middle at an x pipe before splitting off to either rocker panel area and exiting before the rear tire to mimic the dodge viper side exhaust. The engine will feature air dry sump oil system either from dailey engineering or a custom one if I decide to save some money and build it myself. Not sure I will require any internal engine modifications to handle the power. I plan to start at a mild 800-900 hp to keep the engine and trans somewhat comfortable and slowly increase as I find the time and money to have the engine and transmission beefed up.
Body: All of the brackets for the body panels and bumper will be replaced by tube chassis structure which will significantly reduce the weight. Just finished assembling the car and holy crap are those bumper brackets beefy, probably 100 lbs on the front alone not including the bumper itself which is quite heavy. As for the front and rear bumper and power bulge hood, they will be molded in fiberglass and made from carbon fiber possibly with some cosmetic/aerodynamic modifications especially to the hood.
The quarter panels need replaced but once that is done I will fabricate a steel wide body front and rear increasing the body width to somewhere around 7 ft. The steel wide body is to showcase my fabrication skills but is Impractically heavy so once complete the front fenders will be molded and replicated with carbon fiber which will be interchangeable for racing events.
All or most original internal structure will be removed from the car and replaced with tube chassis. This means that the panel you are viewing on the outside of the car will be the panel you are viewing from the inside of the car. The roof, quarter panels, A pillars, and rocker panels will be welded to the tube chassis structure. The doors will be functional and hopefully power windows. The fenders as stated will be removable.
I am probably forgetting some things so if you have any questions let me know! If you are interested in following the build you can find the build series on youtube @MotoFabPerformance.
74 dodge charger
1997 8.0L Viper V10 w/25k miles: Factory forged crank, rods, and pistons (96-99 all were) as well as the factory 708 cam which is great for boosted applications (and sounds mean). Setup in stock form typically reliable at 800 hp and capable of 1200
Borgwarner T56 6 speed manual transmission came out of the 97 viper with the engine. Typically known to be reliable at 800 hp but pushing the limits if any higher.
The complexity and engineering of this build requires it to be a plan as I go type of deal especially since this is my first build to this level.
Chassis: Custom 4130 chromoly or Docol R8 full tube chassis built by me. (not yet started)
Axel & Suspension: Rear axel will be a built moser chrysler 8 3/4 or ford 9 independent rear setup. Custom Chromoly center section built by me. Axel/hub/brake setup not yet decided. Custom titanium upper and lower control arms with hydraulic coilovers front and rear. (will come during/after the tube chassis)
Drivetrain: Of course the viper v10 and t56 will be used. I already have the engine set up with a factory ECU which is flashed to get rid of restrictive factory security. Engine has run on stand. I’ll see if I can include a video. In the final stages the engine will be twin turbocharged with custom turbo headers, thinking of building these out of inconel, if not they will be 321 stainless steel. The rest of the turbo system will feature dual air to water intercoolers, titanium intercooler piping, and 4” titanium downpipes. The exhaust will be 4” off of the downpipes meeting in the middle at an x pipe before splitting off to either rocker panel area and exiting before the rear tire to mimic the dodge viper side exhaust. The engine will feature air dry sump oil system either from dailey engineering or a custom one if I decide to save some money and build it myself. Not sure I will require any internal engine modifications to handle the power. I plan to start at a mild 800-900 hp to keep the engine and trans somewhat comfortable and slowly increase as I find the time and money to have the engine and transmission beefed up.
Body: All of the brackets for the body panels and bumper will be replaced by tube chassis structure which will significantly reduce the weight. Just finished assembling the car and holy crap are those bumper brackets beefy, probably 100 lbs on the front alone not including the bumper itself which is quite heavy. As for the front and rear bumper and power bulge hood, they will be molded in fiberglass and made from carbon fiber possibly with some cosmetic/aerodynamic modifications especially to the hood.
The quarter panels need replaced but once that is done I will fabricate a steel wide body front and rear increasing the body width to somewhere around 7 ft. The steel wide body is to showcase my fabrication skills but is Impractically heavy so once complete the front fenders will be molded and replicated with carbon fiber which will be interchangeable for racing events.
All or most original internal structure will be removed from the car and replaced with tube chassis. This means that the panel you are viewing on the outside of the car will be the panel you are viewing from the inside of the car. The roof, quarter panels, A pillars, and rocker panels will be welded to the tube chassis structure. The doors will be functional and hopefully power windows. The fenders as stated will be removable.
I am probably forgetting some things so if you have any questions let me know! If you are interested in following the build you can find the build series on youtube @MotoFabPerformance.
Seriously, that's gonna be a sweet ride.
