1970 Dodge Challenger Gets A HEMI® And 6-Speed Swap In Style

Transforming a classic muscle car into a modern powerhouse is no easy task, but the No Bolts Left Behind YouTube channel made it look effortless. His latest video documented the entire process of swapping a 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 and a 6-speed TR-6060 manual transmission into a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. The final video may only be 15 minutes long, but don’t let that fool you—this was a year-long build packed with hard work and attention to detail.

From Rusty Shell To Road Warrior – 

The journey began when the owner rescued the Challenger from the Arizona desert, where it had sat for years in rough condition. The car was stripped down to bare metal for a full restoration, including body repairs and a fresh coat of paint. Once the chassis was prepped, the real transformation began with the heart of the build—a modern HEMI swap.

5.7L HEMI® Swap And 6-Speed Manual Conversion – 

The new powertrain came straight from a 2015 Challenger R/T, bringing modern performance to this classic Mopar. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 received upgraded cylinder heads, a performance camshaft, and a Holley Terminator X EFI system for precise tuning. Mated to a TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission, the car was converted from automatic to manual, requiring a custom driveshaft and transmission tunnel modifications.

More Than Just A Straight-Line Machine – 

Unlike many classic muscle car restorations that focus solely on straight-line speed, this build was designed for all-around performance. The suspension was upgraded with a front sway bar, a rebuilt rear axle with a TrueTrac differential, and a new gear set for optimal balance between acceleration and highway cruising.

Dyno-Tested, Road-Trip Approved – 

The car was dyno-tuned before hitting the road to ensure reliability and peak performance. The owner then put it to the ultimate test with a 2,500-mile journey up the West Coast, proving that this Challenger wasn’t just built to sit in a garage—it was made to be driven.

The build is a perfect example of blending classic Mopar muscle with modern reliability and performance. While the video makes it seem like a quick project, the effort behind the build speaks volumes. This isn’t just another restomod—it’s a reborn legend.