HEMI Wagon: Project Log Update!

Kinja'd!!! "JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
05/25/2014 at 23:59 • Filed to: HEMIWagon

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So this is what she looks like so far. The clear tubing will have to be replaced. It's hard to see from the picture, but the hoses are collapsing. Pretty tough hoses too, so there's more vacuum pressure than there should be.

So I pulled the PCV valve out to see what's going on. Sort of. The PCV valve basically broke in half as soon as I went to remove it. Think that might have been the problem? Me too.

I've been digging through info about the replacement ones, and most of the aftermarket ones make a rattling noise. Damn dealer parts. Oh well, I need a new roof rack latch and visor clip anyway. I'm going to check the catch can when I get the new PCV valve, it's been a couple hundred miles since I installed it (I really rack on the miles). Thinking I may also have to pull off the intake and check underneath and clean. Not sure how to even get some of the metal hoses to separate without a big problem. I'll have to consult a few friends with HEMI's and see what they did, or if I should even bother, and just mash the pedal harder for a while.

Anyway, thinking of using a much tougher fuel line for the catch can to prevent future collapses. I also need to get teflon tape for the fittings, and a tool box to stick all my newly accumulated crap in. I also need to start selling some of the stock parts, because they're not going back in. In other news, it also appears that the gas tank may start giving me some trouble. It's gone through a few full tanks, and at one specific station, the pump has clicked at about 1/8 below full. No issues running, but definitely indicative of something not being 100% kosher. I'm giving it time though.

It's starting to look all cleaned up. Just need to get the hose out and wash the engine.

I did find $0.31 under the seats and in the spare tire well though, starting to pay me!


DISCUSSION (26)


Kinja'd!!! PS9 > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 00:22

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yeah-yeah-yeah, nevermind the PCV stuff, when you gonna do this to it!?


Kinja'd!!! Firewrx234 > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 00:24

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Stupid question, but does your HEMI have a delay between pedal and actual acceleration?

Mine's been a little touchy recently and the delay is so bad that I will put a little pedal down about 15-20%, and it will not do anything then out of nowhere I've begun spinning the tires. Fun and all, but not in my neighborhood while people are trying to sleep.


Kinja'd!!! Squid > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 00:27

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Is this an example of a hose you want to remove? It looks like a compression fitting so you will need some new tools to disengage the spring holding the pipe in. They use these fittings on fuel lines, AC lines, and other stuff. This is an example of the tool you'll need if that is the case. Really easy to use.


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > PS9
05/26/2014 at 00:31

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Well, hate to say it, but I honestly don't trust turbos. Let me tell you the short story of a 2006 GTO. This kid did a $7000 twin turbo kit, running the pipes through the fenders and everything. He decided, I don't need a skid plate under here. Then a little rock nailed an oil line to a turbo (oil cooled setup).

Kissed his whole setup goodbye.

Also, as far as the Magnum goes, the amount of plumbing to fit a twin turbo system is a bit much.

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I had this in mind though. Mated to a TR6060 with a 9" rear for durability, and some mild highway and track friendly 3.93 gears or something around there. Once I have $18k for the parts, and the time to make it happen.


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > Firewrx234
05/26/2014 at 00:37

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Because it's a drive by wire system, you may need to do the throttle calibration.

Throttle calibration can substantially improve throttle responsiveness over "factory standard." Many people notice what appears to be sluggish throttle response or a "dead area" at initial accelerator depression. Throttle calibration can take care of these.
1) Insert ignition key and turn to "ON" (not start).
2) Wait for all idiot lights to go out. Check Engine Light may remain on.
3) Slowly depress the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor.
4) Slowly release the accelerator pedal until it's all the way back up.
5) Turn the ignition key to "OFF".
6) Start the engine.
Most drivers notice an immediate change in throttle response, but depending on your driving style, you may need to repeat this procedure periodically due to the computer's adaptive programming. You likely need to repeat this procedure any time the battery is disconnected.

As stated, because of the adaptive computer, it will become lazy over time. When I recently reset the computer, the thing was trigger happy like you wouldn't imagine. After a week of driving it, it's gotten back to it's lazy 20mpg self that I like. I can still nail it and make noise, but the throttle isn't some touchy anymore, and I like that, I'm used to it from driving a 4cyl Neon. That said, I've never noticed a super significant delay in throttle. It just lumbers ahead slowly, and if I mash it, it'll snap out, but it's not like I push the pedal and have any significant delay in forward movement.


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > Squid
05/26/2014 at 00:41

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Yeah, I would only be removing the plenum, but it's not quite so simple, as it involves removing the injectors, fuel rails, and a couple compression fittings. If I could just unbolt it and pull it off, I would really love that, but the world can't be that simple.


Kinja'd!!! mr2gud2u > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 00:47

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you got any pics of the maggy?


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > mr2gud2u
05/26/2014 at 00:53

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so far the only halfway decent one. I meant to take pictures at shows, but it didnt happen. This was after a lot of rain that did a good job of cleaning it up for me.


Kinja'd!!! Squid > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 01:05

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Those tools I linked will take care of the lines, you just find the right size, shove it in there and pull the line. Not too big of a deal, just depressurize your fuel system before hand. Simple things are never simple. . . Are you taking it off just to clean it real good?


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > Squid
05/26/2014 at 01:11

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I want to clean it, but I also want to check for sludge buildup, because the motor has 144k on it. I also want to get the crap off the of the top of the block (there's a decent layer of gunk that surrounds where the plenum meets the block, but nothing fresh that would indicate a leak).

Car doesn't leave any puddles or drip anything, runs really strong, I just want to be aware of how it looks inside. In theory I could also just seafoam the engine, but I've never quite trusted that method.


Kinja'd!!! Squid > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 01:18

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Understandable, if you don't have a FSM just make sure to take shit loads of pictures so you know how everything goes back together. That's pretty great that it is running strong and has no leaks. Get her all cleaned up and get all that oil build up out of there.


Kinja'd!!! Firewrx234 > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 01:59

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Thanks, I hadn't done any research on the matter yet as I'd noticed an immediate increase in responsiveness after I switched to premium fuel. So I kinda figured that the 87 octane was partially to blame.


Kinja'd!!! The Compromiser > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 08:05

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Fuel Tanks on the LX are shit to fill. Mine can click off within 30 seconds if I don't have everything just right at some Stations. I have had to run the station pump at 2/3rds or less sometimes to get it to fill.


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > The Compromiser
05/26/2014 at 09:18

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If you have an RT model, you should go to a dealership about a gas tank replacement. Only applies to the RTs though.


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > Firewrx234
05/26/2014 at 09:26

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These cars call for a minimum of 89 octane. I suggest pulling and checking your spark plugs to see if theyre fouled or not. Every car at my house has gotten 93 as long as we've owned them. Theres a very obvious difference in performance with 93. If nothing else, it burns cleaner in the cylinder. Even little econoboxes will have immediate changes that are noticeable. Going back down is the hard part. If I were to put a tank of 87 into it now, it would lose power, stall, or just run like shit.

Do the throttle adjustment and you should be fine for a while, until you have to do it again.


Kinja'd!!! The Compromiser > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 09:57

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Nope. I have the REALLY HIGH OUTPUT!!!!!!!!!!! 3.5. ;)


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > The Compromiser
05/26/2014 at 11:23

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haha, well, if you ever feel compelled to drop the tank, swap out the entire fuel pump basket (filter, pump, vent valve). Its all strapped together for the most part, and replacing it will fix your issue. The RTs got the lifetime warranty, but Im sure it affects most of the LX platform between 05 and 07.

I was told to avoid the 2.7 like the plague, and to shoot for the 5.7 over the 3.5 because the gas mileage isnt really different between the two.


Kinja'd!!! The Compromiser > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 12:37

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No it is not. I know the guys who made the tanks too. We are lucky they hold gas....


Kinja'd!!! mr2gud2u > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 12:50

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Good lookin maggy. What are you planning to do to her?


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > mr2gud2u
05/26/2014 at 14:07

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aside from the CAI, catch can, and plug wires, im thinking about an SRT front bumper, custom exhaust similar to the Hellcats, and just some steelies.

I want to put in BC coilovers at some point, some strut bars, and autocross it someday...because racewagon.


Kinja'd!!! mr2gud2u > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 17:13

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I autocrossed my maggy a few months ago for the first time. Was lots of fun. The CAM class is great for our LXs


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > mr2gud2u
05/26/2014 at 17:30

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Ill keep that in mind. I want to stiffen it, get a good set of competition wheels/tires, but keep it mostly stock.

Biggest thing is improving the exit handling from a turn. It wags its tail like a silly little dog, and that will get out of hand quick on an autocross course.

Eventually i want to drop in a 426 and TR6060, but thats quite some time away.


Kinja'd!!! mr2gud2u > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 17:49

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You are spot on. My SRT got sideways in a second if it wasn't absolutely straight exiting tue corners. It didn't that I'm running shit rubber.


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > mr2gud2u
05/26/2014 at 18:38

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The 5.7 has a lot of power going to a pretty light backend, it makes me a little scared of how much the 392 or a 426 will step out if not set up correctly.

Theres a set of BC Coilovers for the Magnum that isnt too ridiculous in price, do you know anything about them by chance?


Kinja'd!!! mr2gud2u > JGrabowMSt
05/26/2014 at 21:00

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I don't, but I bet there are some guys on LXforums.com that do. Oppositelock is cool, but your not going to find a ton of MOPAR guys on here. There are a few guy on LXforum that are autocrossing. I'm sure they are be happy to give you some tips. Look me up on there under the same name.


Kinja'd!!! JGrabowMSt > mr2gud2u
05/26/2014 at 21:19

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Im on there as well with the same username as well. Lots of great info, but not always open to "younger kids" like myself. Some good info on there though.

Ill be posting some more advanced questions on there soon about getting an exhaust setup with active valves. Need to sort out the PCV first though, I hope the dealer has it because I enjoy driving the magnum way more lately.