If you’re a fan of classic American muscle cars, then the ’69 Plymouth Road Runner might be one of your favorites. This iconic car has been featured in movies and TV shows, and is still sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. But what if you could take this classic car and give it a modern twist? That’s exactly what one car builder did with their ’69 Road Runner, by swapping in a Hellcat engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Let’s take a closer look at this modified Road Runner and see what makes it so special.
Introduction
In this article, we’ll be discussing a modified ’69 Plymouth Road Runner that has been given a modern twist. This car features a Hellcat engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, along with other modifications that make it a unique and desirable ride
The Look of the Car
At first glance, the car looks mostly stock. It has a sleeper look that doesn’t give away the fact that it’s been modified. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the car is missing a headlight. This is because the engine that’s been swapped in takes up a lot of space under the hood. We’ll get to that engine in a moment, but for now, let’s talk about the rest of the car’s appearance. It looks like a well-maintained ’69 Road Runner, with no custom bodywork or flashy modifications. It’s a sleeper that’s ready to surprise anyone who underestimates it.
The Engine
The engine that’s been swapped into this Road Runner is a Hellcat engine. For those who aren’t familiar, the Hellcat engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It’s a modern engine that was first introduced in 2015, but it’s found its way into a number of classic cars through the years. In this ’69 Road Runner, the engine has been left mostly stock, producing 707 horsepower. That’s a significant bump up from the 3-400 horsepower that the original Road Runners came with.
The Transmission
To make the most of the Hellcat engine’s power, the car has been fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. This gives the driver complete control over the car’s power and lets them really feel the engine’s rumble. The transmission is a Tremec unit that’s been adapted to fit the car. It feels right at home in the Road Runner, especially with the factory pistol grip shifter.
Suspension and Brakes
The car’s suspension has been upgraded with full tubular control arms, a K-member, sub-connectors, and Viking shocks. The rear end has been fitted with a Dana 60 differential and 3.54 gears. All four wheels are equipped with Wilwood disc brakes, which provide plenty of stopping power. The result is a car that can handle the Hellcat engine’s power and provide a smooth ride.
OEM Parts
One of the things that makes this car so impressive is that the builder used mostly OEM parts. The radiator, fan shroud, AC condenser, and tanks are all original components. This makes the car more reliable and ensures that it will be easier to maintain in the long run. The car still has its original frame, but with all the upgrades, it’s a much more capable machine.
Improved Suspension
Of course, with all of that power under the hood, the suspension has to be able to handle it. That’s why this Road Runner has been outfitted with a full tubular K-member, sub connectors, and Viking shocks. Plus, it has four-wheel disc brakes from Wheelwood, ensuring that the car can stop just as quickly as it can go.
The Verdict
Overall, this Hellcat swapped 6-speed manual ’69 Plymouth Road Runner is a thing of beauty. It’s got all of the power and performance of a modern-day muscle car, but with the classic, stock appearance of a ’69 Road Runner. And with all of the OEM components and improved suspension, you can trust that this car is built to last.
If you’re a fan of classic muscle cars and modern-day upgrades, then this Road Runner is definitely worth checking out. It’s a true testament to the fact that sometimes, the best upgrades are the ones that stay true to the car’s original design.
