Different K members for hemi and sixpak cars • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **BRADGROTT** » 07 May 2005 22:32

I am being told by a self proclaimed MOPAR expert that my challenger that is coded for a 440 4bbl is unique because the K member and rear torque boxes are for a hemi / 6 pak car...He claims that the skid plate on the K member was only included on these cars and the torque boxes are reinforced also. I could see the K member being swapped over time as it is not the number matching 440 block but the torque boxes are factory. He claims that this was supposed to be built as a hemi / 6pak. Can anyone confirm that there was a difference. My personal opinion is all 70's RT's RB were built this way.

by **dave-r** » 08 May 2005 12:47

All (never say all!) 440, 440+6, and Hemi Challengers got the torque box re-enforcement and the skid plate on the K-frame. Mine is the same.

by **JackT** » 08 May 2005 21:02

The Hemi suspension that came with Track Pack and Super Track Pack cars included the torque boxes and heavier rear springs. One opinion is the the 1970 K-frame with the skid plate bcame with the Super Cooling Package to protect the larger (7 qt.) capacity oil pan, hence it is found on the majority of the 440 Challengers (notice the lack of the definitive word "all") and I agree with that opinion.

by **regnellahC** » 08 May 2005 23:11

Does this mean that a previous 383 1970 car that a 440 six pack was dropped in doesn't have the proper k-frame skid plates and reinforced torque boxes?
Do you need to add these if your putting a 440-6 in a previous 383 car?
What happens to the car if you don't have these?
How do you recognize these?

by **dave-r** » 09 May 2005 9:21

Don't panic!

The 440 and 426 cars also had stronger suspension. Did your 383 car get that too?

If the sump on your engine sticks slightly below the k-frame it might be a good idea to weld a plate onto the frame to protect the leading edge of the sump. But you don't need it as such.

Same with the re-enforcement of the torque boxes at the four corners of the floor secton. You don't need them but if you race the car at all (remember a lot of 440 and 426 cars were intened to be street/strip) you should add these to your car. They are a good idea anyway because they stiffen the chassis slightly.

If you want an even stiffer chassis (a good thing) or if you race a lot OR if you use slicks AT ALL you will also need frame connectors welded in.