The Engine
The Hemiceptor engine is a new, Gen III Chrysler 6.1 Hemi crate motor, originally rated at 425 hp. The engine was purchased from Don K Chrysler in Whitefish, MT.
Due to piston failure while initially tuning the engine (see the accompanying published summary of this event, as submitted to Chrysler Corp.) the engine has been completely rebuilt by Bradford Balance and Machine of Kalispell, MT. The engine block was Sunnen fixture honed .005 over stock and Wiseco Forged 11:1 pistons and matching piston rings have been installed. Bradford also blueprinted the heads, valves, guides and valve seals, polished the crankshaft, and replaced the standard rod and main bearings, rod bolts and head bolts. The Wiseco pistons are designed as replacement for stock pistons, hence no rebalance of the rotating assembly was necessary.
Motormounts
Motormounts are TTI, designed to mount the Chrysler Gen. III Hemi In early Chrysler bodies. These mounts employ Chrysler insulators which are slightly modified to fit.
Engine Management and Ignition Systems
The Engine Management System (ECU) is a FAST 2.0 XFI system. This ECU system allows for complete control of all engine tuning variables.
The XFI installation includes a FAST Big Mouth #54095 92 mm. which replaces the stock Chrysler “fly by wire” electronically controlled throttle body. The Big Mouth is instead controlled by a Lokar EFI throttle cable kit. This unit includes a TPS (Throttle Position Sensor.)
This FAST XFI 2.0 system in the Hemiceptor has been initially tuned using a chassis dynamometer by D&D Customs of Polson, MT.
The FAST XFI 2.0 C-Com tuning software is installed on the furnished laptop.
The history of the current tuning is retained in the FAST software on the laptop. No effort was made to extract maximum horsepower during the initial tuning, so the current “tune” should be considered a baseline. A subsequent tune for increased performance should yield at least 475 hp.
The FAST XFI system includes a “Self Tuning” feature. This feature has not yet been enabled, but can be “turned on” by checking a menu item in the C-Com software. Discussion of tuning the Fast XFI reveals that perhaps the best strategy is to do a manual tune prior to turning on the “Self Tuning” feather, and that is the strategy we have employed. Note that the FAST XFI can be remotely tuned. The tuner does not have to be geographically local.
The FAST XFI 2.0 system includes channels for control of power adders such as turbochargers, superchargers, and NOS. Additional engine modifications, with associated tuning of the FAST XFI system, can produce horsepower limited only by thickness of wallet.
Coil-on-Plug ignition is provided by the FAST XIM ignition control module with Chrysler-specific 6.1 EFI wiring harness. The coils are MSD Blaster coils.
Engine Management System Connection
The FAST XFI and XIM components are configured by communication with the furnished laptop computer which has the FAST 2.0 C-Com software installed. This laptop is connected by opening the glovebox door of the Hemiceptor and connecting the multipin cable to the laptop.
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Data logger
The FAST XFI 2.0 Engine Control Unit includes a data logger which stores all engine and transmission data. Data is transmitted via a CAN interface and digital and analog inputs. The laptop furnished with the car contains the current tune and history of the most recent dyno tuning run. This feature can also be used to record and analyze engine performance by lap or dragstrip pass.
Traction Control
The upgraded FAST XFI 2.0 Black Box included in the Hemiceptor FAST XFI 2.0 Engine Management system includes the capability to provide traction control. However, this feature is not enabled on the Hemiceptor at this time. In order to render this feature active, installation of VSS speed sensors and associated wiring will be required. Indexed outputs for these sensors are included in the Ford Performance rear differential axle flanges.
MAP Sensor and 02 sensor
The MAP sensor, located on the rear of the intake plenum, and the 02 Sensor located in the exhaust headers, are General Motors units. A spare 02 Sensor is included in the Tool Kit.
Engine Management Wiring
The engine management system wiring included in 6.1 Chrysler FAST kit, and has been adapted and installed by Jeff Lawler of Larco Auto Electric Specialty, Kalispell, MT. A diagram of this wiring is included with this information packet.
Need link to FAST wiring diagram. Call fast to fix.
Oil pan and pickup
Because the Chrysler Gen III Hemi motor was delivered with a front-mounted sump, it was necessary to install a Milodon 31005 rear-sump oil pan, 32010 windage tray, and Milodon 18332 oil pump pickup to provide clearance for the front crossmember. Oil pan capacity is six quarts plus oil filter and remote lines. Total 7 1/2 quarts.
Remote oil filter mount
The location of the Art Morrison Engineering front crossmember necessitated relocation of the stock oil filter, which was accomplished with an aftermarket accessory filter mount. The required oil filter is a Carquest ##
Oil lines
Oil lines from the engine to and from the remote oil filter are custom fabricated braided stainless steel using AN fittings. Do NOT attempt to use common wrenches on these fittings, the fittings require special AN wrenches.
Oil level sender
There is no traditional dipstick. Rather, the engine is equpped with an oil level sensor installed in a bung welded into the oil pan. If oil level should fall below the appropriate level (approximately seven quarts with filter) a yellow light appears on the dashboard. The oil level sender is a Corvette part.
ADD PHOTO of OIL LEVEL Warning light
Engine Lubricant
The engine is currently lubricated with Joe Gibbs “Driven”10-40 break-in oil. It is recommended that this oil (and filter) be replaced at 500 miles (or less) and again replaced at 1000 miles. At that time, the oil of the new owner’s choice (probably synthetic) can be installed.
Serpentine Belt Drive system
The serpentine engine accessory belt drive is a Style Track unit from March Performance. The kit includes a Sanden air conditioning compressor, a power steering pump and GM-style alternator. This system also incorporates a reverse-rotation water pump. The serpentine belt part number is CarQuest K7706.
Adjusting or replacing the serpentine drive belt
The serpentine belt tension is adjusted with a tool furnished in the March Performance kit. This tool is included with the vehicle and is stored in a bag in the hatchback, along with Allen wrenches as necessary to loosen the components for adjustment.
Exhaust headers and exhaust system
Because of the unique nature of the Hemiceptor engine installation, custom exhaust headers were necessary. Since the Chrysler 6.1 crate motor came equipped with stainless steel exhaust headers, we were able to band saw the furnished original flange free from the stock header system and utilize that flange as the basis for building the new headers, which were formed using mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing. The headers include a bung for the O2 Sensor, which is located properly according to mathematical formula.
Need photo of O2 sensor bung
Header coating and wrapping
Following construction, the exhaust headers were ceramic coated inside and out, wrapped with Design Engineering Titanium thermal insulation and finally sprayed with DEI Hi-Temp Silicone Spray.
Header access
Access to the headers is provided by removable panels in the inner fender wells. Should R&R of the engine be required, removal of these panels and the headers is the first step in the process.
Exhaust system
The dual exhaust system is custom made and includes stainless steel Thrush mufflers
Air Intake System
Intake air is provided by a custom built dual-inlet system that feeds the engine cold air from ahead of the radiator. There are two oiled K&N RU-1480 filters, with foam pre-filters, mounted in shielded housings. It is necessary to remove the front bumper and grille to access these filters for maintenance. Maintenance should include cleaning and re-oiling the filters, interval based on mileage, using available K&N kits.
The Intake Air Temperature Sensor is located in the aluminum intake union forward of the FAST Big Mouth throttle body.