5-45 RFE swap to manual, computer issues?

Racer9 · Mar 22, 2024

Knowing the limitations of the 5-45, and rather than going to the 8 speed auto, with it's costs and issues, plus the fun of driving a stick, I'm debating going to a manual transmission.
The wrenching part of the swap is a non-issue for me, my biggest concern is making the computer happy. I've read that the dealer can re-flash the computer to a manual trans, true?
Can anyone with a tuner do that?
I've found a company that sells the parts needed, reasonably, but could probably source them from a scrapyard.
I'm thinking about using the trans from a Challenger (Tremec TR6060) so I can shift quickly but am concerned about whether it will hold up. I've read that a missed shift will destroy them.
Hemi truck manuals seem to be pretty rare. Diesel manuals aren't but bolt pattern is different, plus I don't need that big heavy clutch.

Wild one · Mar 22, 2024

Racer9 said:
Knowing the limitations of the 5-45, and rather than going to the 8 speed auto, with it's costs and issues, plus the fun of driving a stick, I'm debating going to a manual transmission.
The wrenching part of the swap is a non-issue for me, my biggest concern is making the computer happy. I've read that the dealer can re-flash the computer to a manual trans, true?
Can anyone with a tuner do that?
I've found a company that sells the parts needed, reasonably, but could probably source them from a scrapyard.
I'm thinking about using the trans from a Challenger (Tremec TR6060) so I can shift quickly but am concerned about whether it will hold up. I've read that a missed shift will destroy them.
Hemi truck manuals seem to be pretty rare. Diesel manuals aren't but bolt pattern is different, plus I don't need that big heavy clutch.

There's a few 900hp stick Challengers running around,behind a mild 5.7 or 6.4 they're pretty strong. You'll need your pcm flashed to a manual transmission truck,but i'm not sure if thats something a dealer can do or not,but there's aftermarket outfits that can do it,you might even be able to do it with AlphaOBD.

Racer9 · Mar 22, 2024

That's great news. Thank you.
I have found a couple Viper 6 speeds that should work. Apparently, the Hemi and V10 have the same bolt pattern.
I've got time to do research and gather parts, cruise season is almost upon us, and this will be a next winter project, along with a cam swap and 6.4 intake.

Wild one · Mar 22, 2024

Racer9 said:
That's great news. Thank you.
I have found a couple Viper 6 speeds that should work. Apparently, the Hemi and V10 have the same bolt pattern.
I've got time to do research and gather parts, cruise season is almost upon us, and this will be a next winter project, along with a cam swap and 6.4 intake.

What are you doing for a clutch pedal and hyd cylinder,are you planning on using the pedal assembly from a early 4th Gen 2500+

Racer9 · Mar 22, 2024

Yes, 4th gen 2500/3500, or from here. https://supersticktransmissions.com/shop/ols/products/g56swapkit

Racer9 · Mar 22, 2024

This trans compares to the 545, nearly same ratios, 600 lb/ft of torque. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rem-tcet17805#overview
I know it's a GM/Ford but all I would need is a Dodge bell housing, GM clutch disc and correct pilot bearing. Did that in my racer when I ran a 360 and a GM 3 speed.

Racer9 · Mar 23, 2024

Wow, if I go all new parts;
Tremec TKX 5 speed $2900
Tremec Magnum 6 speed $3500
Dodge bell housing $1000
Dodge Flywheel and clutch $1000
Probably have another $1000 in other parts.
Viper or Challenger 6 speeds are going for $2000 and up with bell, and I might be able to get the flywheel, maybe even the clutch would be usable.
I'm thinking Challenger just because it's closer in year to my 2011 which should make electronics easier to connect.
The NV3500 that was in Dodge trucks until '08 is only rated at 300 lb/ft so that's out.
The other option is a 5 or 6 speed from a 2500/3500 Hemi, or V10. That might be my best bet, especially if I can get all other needed parts.
It would be worth a grand or so to buy a rusty or wrecked one for the parts.

Racer9 · Mar 27, 2024

For those following or interested;
Used Challenger trans around $3000 and up, but that moves the starter to the right side, could have header clearance issues.
Used Viper trans about $2500 and up, keeps the starter on the left. V-10 and Hemi have same bolt pattern.
Both options should come with bell, saving $1000. Try to get as many related part as possible, Yoke, flywheel, shifter, etc.
Seeking flywheel info, not sure if V-10 and Hemi are the same.
Luk clutch kit from Rockauto $170.
B&G Performance says about $600 to reflash computer, using Challenger tune, also said only issue with not flashing would be CEL.
I have located a trans, but still won't attempt this until next winter.
Also located a complete E body install kit, checking to see if I can make it work in a truck.
Other concern is where the shifter will come through the floor. I want to keep my center console.

Racer9 · Mar 28, 2024

This is the question and response I got to my email to AlfaOBD about whether their system could configure a manual trans.

"I have a 2011 Ram truck with an automatic transmission. I am considering swapping a manual transmission from a Dodge Challenger. Will the AlfaOBD system allow the needed computer changes to make systems compatible with the manual transmission in the Ram?
IE; Telling the truck it now has a manual transmission."

Hello,

It must be possible to set the manual transmission in the car configuration using the app.

Regards,

Alexey Chernikov

AlfaOBD

Can someone translate?

Wild one · Mar 28, 2024

Racer9 said:
This is the question and response I got to my email to AlfaOBD about whether their system could configure a manual trans.

"I have a 2011 Ram truck with an automatic transmission. I am considering swapping a manual transmission from a Dodge Challenger. Will the AlfaOBD system allow the needed computer changes to make systems compatible with the manual transmission in the Ram?
IE; Telling the truck it now has a manual transmission."

Can someone translate?

Just a guess,but i wonder if auto correct struck,and the "must" should be a "might" .I don't think English is Alexey's first language either.

Racer9 · Mar 28, 2024

I think I'll have to call them, it's easier to understand and ask questions in real time.
Buying AlfaOBD is cheaper than re-flashing, plus it opens up other options.
It sounds like this is do-able without too much hassle, or expense.

Racer9 · Mar 28, 2024

I did a little looking around underneath my truck and there is an area in the insulation under the cab that appears to be where one would cut out for a shifter.
Also, on my truck with SW headers a starter will not fit on the passenger side. As we know the motor is shifted right a bit, so with the header tubes coming down where they do here's no way to get a starter in there.

Racer9 · May 1, 2024

Things are coming together, picked up my new to me Viper 6 speed, ($1800) clutch master cylinder, ($95), and pilot bearing ($14).
Ordering flywheel and clutch $(1200) tomorrow.

metalchewy · May 1, 2024

Racer9 said:
Things are coming together, picked up my new to me Viper 6 speed, ($1800) clutch master cylinder, ($95), and pilot bearing ($14).
Ordering flywheel and clutch $(1200) tomorrow.

View attachment 542212

Watching patiently to see if you can make this swap work. My 2010 would like a tremec as well.

I see you didn't get your clutch h set yet. Hopefully you didn't settle for that LUK Chinese crap. Went through 2 warrantied ones in my old dart within 10k miles before I threw the third set in the trash after just 550 miles or so and bought something american made that would last and actually seat to the flywheel evenly. First set the pressure plate came apart, second set the clutch plate came apart. Ended up putting a rhino pak in to make it work right.

Pics of the uneven contact on the plate from the third set.

Racer9 · May 2, 2024

Going with McLeod for the flywheel and double disc clutch.

Jeepwalker · May 2, 2024

That's going to be a neat truck to drive, once you get it all sorted out.

Thanks for the update
:cheers:

Racer9 · May 2, 2024

Parts so far;
Used Viper transmission from a '96 $1800.00
Wilwood master cylinder kit, 260-10374 from Summit $96.95
Timken pilot bearing, FC69907 from Summit $14.99
Mcleod flywheel 464400 direct from Mfr $395.00
Mcleod RST twin disc clutch 6913-07 $785.00
Flywheel bolts 1568 $51.00

Looking for a clutch pedal and switch.
Biggest concern at this point is what to do with the automatic wiring harness.

Wild one · May 2, 2024

Racer9 said:
Parts so far;
Used Viper transmission from a '96 $1800.00
Wilwood master cylinder kit, 260-10374 from Summit $96.95
Timken pilot bearing, FC69907 from Summit $14.99
Mcleod flywheel 464400 direct from Mfr $395.00
Mcleod RST twin disc clutch 6913-07 $785.00
Flywheel bolts 1568 $51.00

Looking for a clutch pedal and switch.
Biggest concern at this point is what to do with the automatic wiring harness.

Where's the Viper transmission put the shifter in regards to your factory console,and what are your plans for a shifter / handle.

Racer9 · May 3, 2024

There are 2 shifter mounting points on the Viper trans. I'm fairly sure the rear OEM one is where I want it to be. Hard to make exact measurements but now that I have the trans, I can get pretty close. It needs to be about 28" from the block, the Viper one is 26", I can work with that. I can also tweak the shifter extension if I need to.
I want to retain my console, which will extend the shifter about a foot above the floor. I'm hoping that since the Viper trans is a fairly close pattern that whatever amount it opens up to, due to length of shifter, will be manageable. I can always add one of the close ratio shifters, if needed.
The Viper trans is about 3" shorter so I will need to stretch my driveshaft.
I'm a retired trucker, I'm used to about 8" of shifter movement!
Heck, remember the old 4 speeds? They would move 5-6" it seems like. These new ones only move 3-4".
Haven't really thought about the handle yet, hmmm, a pistol grip would be cool!

Wild one · May 3, 2024

Racer9 said:
There are 2 shifter mounting points on the Viper trans. I'm fairly sure the rear OEM one is where I want it to be. Hard to make exact measurements but now that I have the trans, I can get pretty close. It needs to be about 28" from the block, the Viper one is 26", I can work with that. I can also tweak the shifter extension if I need to.
I want to retain my console, which will extend the shifter about a foot above the floor. I'm hoping that since the Viper trans is a fairly close pattern that whatever amount it opens up to, due to length of shifter, will be manageable. I can always add one of the close ratio shifters, if needed.
The Viper trans is about 3" shorter so I will need to stretch my driveshaft.
I'm a retired trucker, I'm used to about 8" of shifter movement!
Heck, remember the old 4 speeds? They would move 5-6" it seems like. These new ones only move 3-4".
Haven't really thought about the handle yet, hmmm, a pistol grip would be cool!

T handles or Ball shifters are easier to bang gears with,i hated the pistol grip for foot through the floor/never lift power shifting ,lol

5-45 RFE swap to manual, computer issues?

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