1970 Dodge Challenger with a LSx

Karl Dunn asked his good friend and owner of JCG Restorations & Customs Chris Gonzalez to turn his 1970 Challenger into a road course warrior. Karl traded his 2007 Saleen Mustang for the Challenger after removing the Mast Motorsports LS3 416 which had been powering the Mustang and replacing it with the factory engine.

The Challenger’s original 400 six pack, four-speed transmission and Dana 60 rear end was replaced by the Mast Motorsports LS3 416, RPM Road Race transmission and a GMR Ford 9″ rear. The LS3 416 produces 605 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Recently a Holley EFI Hi-Ram intake was installed to help move the torque curve into the higher RPM level. JGC used one of their 1967-1969 Camaro sub-frames to help with the installation of the engine and C6 based suspension. Recently the engine had some oil starvation issues and spun a bearing. So the Challenger has been running a 525 horsepower crate LS3 for the time being.

Some are going to be upset with the direction of this project. The previous owner disclosed certain parts of the drivetrain and body had been replaced along with suspension parts not being factory. So this car wasn’t mint by any means. Using a new Dynacorn body would have cost a lot in panel fitting and purchasing all the extra pieces (glass, trim, latches, etc) and a cheap roller might have a horror story waiting in body issues once the paint is removed. Karl and Chris felt using a decent Challenger from a trustworthy owner for a foundation was the best direction for a project like this.

Source: Lateral-G (build thread), JCG Facebook album (build gallery) and HOT ROD