Dodge Aspen tech info wanted

[Magnus]

Does anyone know of any documentation on the technical differences between the 225 s6 and the v8 models of the Aspen?

The reason I'm asking is because I want to do an engine swap in my '80 Aspen from 225 slant six to a 318 magnum. This means I have to apply to my public roads administration with all available tech info in hope of getting everything approved.

Is front suspension and brakes the same between straight six and v8 models? Difference in rear suspension (4-leaf vs 5-leaf)?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Oldiron440]

Front and rear brakes should be the same the rear springs seam to be random but I’m not sure. Basically you’re looking at engine and transmission and transmission is only because of bolt pattern. Engine motor mounts will need to be the conversion mounts offered and you will need a V8 radiator. The magnum engine should run cleaner than the /6 and should be a great swap.
Now if you’re going for more power you can swap the 7.25 axle for a 8.25 using the same brakes but not sure about the drive shaft.
Good luck with your project

 

[AMC Diplomat]

If your government wants all the information, just get a 1980 factory service manual and copy the relevant information verbatim

 

[Magnus]

Thanks for your input.

I'm aware that I need a smallblock 904 trans 'cause of the differing bellhousing pattern. From what I've seen elsewhere, the driveshaft length is the same with a 904 setup as long as the rear end remains the same. I'm unsure about driveshaft length on 7.25 vs 8.25.

Using the service manual is a great tip. From the manual it is stated that brake setup was the same for S6 and V8 (Police and taxi excluded). Rear suspension was standard 4-leaf for S6 and V8 unless you had heavy duty package 5-leaf.
Front suspension is not as clear as it seems to only list torsion bar thickness for J-E-T cars or maybe I'm misunderstanding?
Was the V8 cars also equipped with 7.25 rear end?
The service manual is a good source of information but does anyone have part number lists to check for correlating parts?

 

[Oldiron440]

The torsion bars will not be a problem, you might need or want to adjust them after the swap is completed.

 

[M_Body_Coupe]

Does anyone know of any documentation on the technical differences between the 225 s6 and the v8 models of the Aspen?

Your vehicle should have a build sheet located somewhere on the inside. Typically these woudl have been stuck under the seat or perhaps the carpet itself. That's basically a detailed listing of all the options that were attached to the VIN.

The other option is to find the fender-tag, that's usually attached to the driver side fender in the engine bay.

Both of these will tell you specifics about YOUR vehicle and not the overall combinations that could have been ordered at that time.

The matching Parts Book will be a good resource, and of course the FSM is very valuable. Find one if you can, I see them all the time on eBag!

FYI - I am hosting a pile of the Parts Book scans on my web server, look up the links as they are pinned in another thread on our forum. If you can't find them msg me and I'll re-post here. Oh, I do have a '88 FSM PDF as well, would help in many things, but of course it'll be different in some aspects.

Oh, one more thing: while I do not have the '80 Dealer Data Book, I have the '81 here, so tell me exactly what you need and I could scan the whole ASPEN section for you.