Who doesn’t love the 1972-1993 (3rd & 4th generation) square-body Dodge D-series 2WD pickups? The trucks were the workhorses of America for two decades. They were motivated by slant sixes up to 440 mills (225, 3.9L, 360, 400, & 440). For those looking for diesel power, there was the 243 (Mitsubishi-6) and the 12-valve Cummins. In the late-70s, Chrysler offered these trucks in performance models, which included the exhaust stack sporting Li’l Red Express and the Warlock.

So impressive were these performance trucks, Car and Driver (November 1977) reported the Li’l Red Express as the fastest production vehicle for 1978, outperforming the Mustang, Corvette, and Trans Am. Hooker BlackHeart (a Holley company) wants you to experience that performance (and much more) by mating a late-model Gen3 Hemi to one of these hardy pickups.

Hooker has engineered a complete system to swap a Hemi into the cavernous engine bay of a D-series. First, they developed engine mounts that move the engine 1 ½-inches forward to allow full access to the firewall. All the sensors attached to the engine and the factory firewall fit without the requirement of modifications. The oil filter fits without adapters, and a production cast or stamped-steel truck pan fits around the k-member.

With the engine moved forward, a better driveline angle can be achieved, and with the Hooker designed cross member, there are many transmission options available. Lastly, to remove the spent hydrocarbons, mid-length headers have been developed, which allow for a driver- or passenger-side starter installation. Hooker offers a full exhaust (single muffler) with a single or dual exit at the rear of the truck.

If you are considering adding a Hemi to your D-series truck, look no further than Hooker BlackHeart for all the current and newly developed installation products necessary to complete the project.