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Thread: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

  1. #1
    Mitsu booster
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    Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    I've been toying with the idea of shoehorning in a big block Mopar into a Dodge Omni for about 20 years now. Resources, money, and time finally allow me to start the project. I know I'll catch some grief from some, but rest assured.....the car I'm cutting up is a naturally aspirated car, not a GLH, GLHT, or GLHS. Yes it is a lot of work to do something like this when factory turbo options are available. I just want to do something different.

    I bought a 1988 Dodge Omni back in September. My plan is to use a 413 industrial engine with a 727 pulled from a 1971 Dodge motorhome. If I can find a running 383 or 440, I'll use that instead. If not, I'll replace the industrial heads and intake for 906s and a factory dual-plane 4-bbl intake and exhaust manifolds just to get the car running.

    Rear suspension will be a 4-link installed on a 8 3/4 Mopar axle, front suspension will be from a Ford Mustang II. It will have a full frame and minimum 10-pt rollcage. My brother, friends, and co-workers are looking forward to the final result.
    Last edited by 88omnipotent; 12-31-2014 at 04:54 AM.

  2. #2
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Welcome to the site! Post some pics when you get a chance.

  3. #3
    Mitsu booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    [IMG][/IMG]


    [IMG][/IMG]


    [IMG][/IMG]

  4. #4
    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor 2.216VTurbo's Avatar
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    No grief here, looks like you have planned accordilngly and waited until you had the resources to make it come together as opposed to a half effort that ends up in good money spent and a 1/2 finished project. Just make sure it ends up going faster than that Reeves guy and what can the pundits possibly say to that

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  5. #5
    Hybrid booster Turbo Mopar Contributor
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Subscribed. Gotta see this.

  6. #6
    See me ride out of the sunset... Turbo Mopar Staff BadAssPerformance's Avatar
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Welcome! Interesting project! Reminds me of the old BB Chevettes guys made, but much better being a Mopar!

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  7. #7
    Hybrid booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Hell yea. I was going to suggest that your engine bay fitment issues would be more front to back than left and right, but it looks like you solved that problem already. lol Rock on!
    '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.

  8. #8
    turbo addict
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    I hope you set aside enough time as well as resources and cash to make this happen. Looking forward to seeing this project progress.

  9. #9
    Super Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff contraption22's Avatar
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Sweet! Good luck with it!
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  10. #10
    turbo addict
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    sounds like an awesome project!

    whats the reason for going mustang II suspension instead of something else (I have no problems with it just wondering the choice). they make a lot of other kits now to run other front suspensions. my friend just installed c4 corvette front suspension on his 53 chevy truck, the kit comes with brackets to mount the a-arms and brackets to mount coilovers, but you have to source the arms, brakes and spindles (it helps he works at a corvette shop).

  11. #11
    Mitsu booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    It seems that the Mustang II front suspension is a pretty popular swap for street rodders. It must be true because I can only find 1 salvage yard within 200 miles that has any Mustang IIs and their front suspensions are already gone lol! I'm just going for the most lightweight items I can use for the car.

  12. #12
    Mitsu booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Pic of the 4-link rear suspension



    - - - Updated - - -

    Preliminary Cut of the firewall




  13. #13
    turbo addict
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    upper an lower c4 control arms and spindle (i think) are all aluminum and still available, plus the geometry is better i think (handles well and good amount of "travel") il ask my friend where he got his mounting kit, unless you already have a kit for mustang II or if you really want to run that...

    i didnt realize the l-body "trans tunnel" was so offset...

  14. #14
    Mitsu booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Quote Originally Posted by OmniLuvr View Post
    upper an lower c4 control arms and spindle (i think) are all aluminum and still available, plus the geometry is better i think (handles well and good amount of "travel") il ask my friend where he got his mounting kit, unless you already have a kit for mustang II or if you really want to run that...

    i didnt realize the l-body "trans tunnel" was so offset...
    Yeah, if you could get that info from your friend, I would appreciate it. Right at the moment, I don't have a front suspension at all, but I'm keeping an open mind about the whole project. I've never undertaken a project of this magnitude, so if anybody has advice or ideas, lets hear em.

  15. #15
    Mitsu booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Narrowed 8 3/4 Mopar housing, overall length 35 1/2"



    Rear dropped crossmember made out of 2x3 rectangular steel tubing.



    Rear crossmember tacked into place.


  16. #16
    turbo addict
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    what size wheels do you plan on running? il make sure theyll clear 15" wheels first just in case...

  17. #17
    Mitsu booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Quote Originally Posted by 2.216VTurbo View Post
    No grief here, looks like you have planned accordilngly and waited until you had the resources to make it come together as opposed to a half effort that ends up in good money spent and a 1/2 finished project. Just make sure it ends up going faster than that Reeves guy and what can the pundits possibly say to that
    I've done some playing around with Engine Analyzer Pro 3.5 and Drag Racing Analyzer Pro 2.0 and with a factory stock 440 Magnum with a vehicle weight of 2600 lbs, 3.55 gears, and 12 inch slicks, I should pull a 11.9-12.1 quarter mile time.....and thats with a lot of wheelspin in 1st gear. I'm personally hoping for a mid to high 12 second ride.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by OmniLuvr View Post
    what size wheels do you plan on running? il make sure theyll clear 15" wheels first just in case...
    I'd like to run 15" wheels if I can get away with it.

  18. #18
    boostaholic
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Might as well send it to the junkyard now, thats where it will wind up.....why would you go to all of that work for a 12 second car?

  19. #19
    Garrett booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    why? why not! to pop wheelies thats why! is what id say! to make people scratch their head! i say good luck

  20. #20
    Mitsu booster
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    Re: Big Block V8 Dodge Omni Build

    Quote Originally Posted by MILKCARTON View Post
    Might as well send it to the junkyard now, thats where it will wind up.....why would you go to all of that work for a 12 second car?
    You're f'in kidding me, right??? My goal is just a bit quicker than 12s. My project isn't hurting your pocketbook.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by mopar4ever View Post
    why? why not! to pop wheelies thats why! is what id say! to make people scratch their head! i say good luck
    Why not is exactly what I would say, thank you! I've never seen a BB Mopar engine in a Dodge Omni before.

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