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Thread: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

  1. #1
    Hybrid booster
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    Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    So I've had this car pretty much finished for a few years now, it's been thru some different phases to get where it is. It's time for another phase.

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    Many have suggested a 16 valve swap would great, and I agree, but what to choose? TIII? 2.4? 2.5 Hybrid? Nah, too easy. I'm gonna use this.

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    As some of yinz know, I won this at the Carlisle All Chrysler Nationals in 2010. So I figure I might as well use it for the swap, technically speaking it IS a 16v motor. It's a 408 inch LA based stroker built by Muscle Motors. 466hp@5300 and 511ft/lb@3900 on the dyno. Should be a good starting point.

    So here's the plan. Gonna back the motor up with an A-500 4spd. auto out of a Dakota, and a 3.23 geared 8 3/4. I'll be using one of Kenny Exline's frame kits for the install. Yes, I'm going to cut up a flawless, rust free 30K mile car.

    I'll update here as progress comes and time permits....should be interesting.
    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  2. #2
    Slugmobile & MeanMini Caretaker Turbo Mopar Contributor wheming's Avatar
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Wow. Sounds ambitious!
    Wayne H.

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    Buy my stuff!!!!!!!!!!! :O) Turbo Mopar Vendor turbovanmanČ's Avatar
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Gross but subscribed,
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  4. #4
    boostaholic
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    The work he has done so far looks awesome.Its pretty far along.

  5. #5
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

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    Here we go...
    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  6. #6
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    ...and about a dozen sawzall blades later...

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    - - - Updated - - -

    Much as I like Mopar orange, had to repaint to match.

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    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  7. #7
    turbo addict
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Wow, that's a sweet looking 'Baron. I almost thought it was "The Blue Baron", but then noticed some of the differences. I can't wait to see how this project progresses!

  8. #8
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

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    The cutting left some pretty serious holes that needed to be filled.
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    Welded some 1/8" plate.
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    Trimmed up.
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    Rear frame is in.
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    Making my frame ties out of this. It fits perfectly over the factory unibody rails.
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    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  9. #9
    boostaholic
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Looking good!

  10. #10
    Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff Turbo224's Avatar
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Wow, that's going to be pretty cool. Nice work!

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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Woah! Way beyond my skilset but awesome! Nice work Rick

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  12. #12
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Nice! Is it going to be carbureted or F.I.?

  13. #13
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Carb'd for now. Injection and probably a pair of turbo's is in the future.
    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  14. #14
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Some mock up shots.
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    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  15. #15
    Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff Turbo224's Avatar
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Fits like a glove.

    Are you building a lower compression motor to accommodate the future forced induction?

    ~Tyler Larsen~Salt Lake City~
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  16. #16
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Well, it's in and running. This has been the build of a thousand miracles so far but I'm getting close.

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    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  17. #17
    Slugmobile & MeanMini Caretaker Turbo Mopar Contributor wheming's Avatar
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Wow. Nice progress!
    Wayne H.

    '91 Dodge Spirit ES 2.5L turbo 5spd
    '05 PT GT 2.4T HO autostick (RIP)
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  18. #18
    Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff Vigo's Avatar
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Incredible build!!

    Making my frame ties out of this. It fits perfectly over the factory unibody rails.
    Could you elaborate on what exactly that is? I might be interested in trying to build something to strengthen my floppy 82 lebaron convertible.

    Dont push the red button.You hear me?

  19. #19
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Thanks. It's just 3" C channel steel, nothing fancy. It just so happens to fit nicely over the existing rails. I was able to weld mine to the rear subframe kit that I had to install, but it wouldn't be difficult to put in a fwd. I'd likely put some plates on the inside of the rear floor area and sandwich top to bottom.

    Long before I started this project, I filled the rockers and unibody rails with SEM structural foam. I was kinda pricey, but it was pretty easy and made a noticible improvement in rigidity.
    '88 Lebaron convertible. RWD 408/A500/8.75" 466hp/511tq. First pass coming soon.... '05 Magnum R/T. 13.79@102 Member SWPA-SDAC. The Steel city chapter.

  20. #20
    Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff Vigo's Avatar
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    Re: Lebaron convertible 16V Swap. Technically speaking.

    Ive been planning on doing that as well. I remember from the two or so times that ive cut up a k-car that there are several different 'compartments' in the rocker area but i never bothered to save a pic. It would have come in handy to make sure i could get the foam into all the available channels, per se.

    Very interesting project and surprisingly helpful to me even though im not attempting anything remotely as ambitious.

    Dont push the red button.You hear me?

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