Swap School

Episode Overview In this casual and informative episode of Swap School, host Blake Andermann breaks down the often-intimidating subjects of wiring, electronics, and engine tuning for Gen 3 Hemi swaps. Blake strips away the complexity of modern engine management to show DIY builders that getting a Gen 3 Hemi up and running requires far less wiring than it appears.

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Key Topics & Takeaways

• Wiring Made Simple:
  • The Engine Control Module (ECM) primarily reads sensor data, fires injectors/coils via ground-side switching, and operates the drive-by-wire throttle body.

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  • Powering a basic swap requires only a few core connections: 12V constant, 12V switched (run/crank), ground, and a couple of relays (an Auto Shutdown [ASD] relay to supply power to injectors/coils, and a fuel pump relay).

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  • Standard swaps separate into two main wiring packages: the engine harness and the body harness (gas pedal, OBD-II port, power, ground, and CAN bus outputs).

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• Bypassing Security & Year Differences:
  • To run standalone, ECM security provisions—like Mopar's SKIM and CAN bus starter requirements—must be disabled.

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  • 2003–2014 ECMs: The ECM triggers the fuel pump relay by supplying a ground.

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  • 2015+ ECMs (GPEC 2A): The system flipped, requiring the ECM to send a positive trigger signal to power the fuel pump relay.

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  • 2011–2014 Models: Feature stricter CAN bus starter requirements that necessitate specialized tooling to unlock.

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• Factory ECU vs. Aftermarket Standalone Systems:
  • Factory ECUs: Preferred for daily drivability, factory refinement, and seamless integration with modern 8-speed automatic transmissions (8HP70/8HP90) using controllers like Sound German Automotive.

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  • Aftermarket Systems (Holley, Gold Box, MegaSquirt): Excellent for all-out race builds with radical power-adders, but often require treating 8HP transmissions in complex analog modes, sacrificing factory CAN bus data integration and daily smoothness.

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• Tuning Software Insights:
  • HP Tuners: Recommended as the industry standard due to regular updates, intuitive features, and widespread shop support.

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  • DiabloSport: Less preferred due to historical ECU corruption and long-term reliability issues seen in the field.

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  • SET (Psych ECU Tuning): A promising Mopar-focused tuning software from the past that ultimately vanished due to legal disputes.

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• Community & Accessibility:
  • Hemi parts are widely available in salvage yards and online marketplaces, making modern swaps an accessible, reliable alternative as vintage big/small block Mopar parts become scarce.

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  • Encourages the Mopar community to adopt an open, collaborative approach to sharing technical knowledge.

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Host Contact & Listener Questions: Have questions about your swap, harness builds, or ECU recalibrations? Reach out to Blake to be featured in an upcoming episode:

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• Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Class is back in session! After a hiatus in the shop, host Blake Anderman returns to walk you step-by-step through the fourth tier of Gen 3 Hemi Swap basics: your fuel system.

Plumbing an modern EFI fuel system doesn't have to be confusing. In this episode, Blake breaks the topic down into simple, actionable steps—covering both Naturally Aspirated (5.7L, 6.1L, 6.4L) and Forced Induction (6.2L Hellcat, Redeye, Elephant) builds. Learn how to properly size your lines, set fuel pressure, choose regulators, and avoid the most common setup mistakes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Naturally Aspirated Setup (5.7, 6.1, 6.4L): The 60 PSI requirement, 255 vs. 340 LPH fuel pump minimums, and simple routing using C5 Corvette fuel filter/regulators or mechanical regulators.
• Supercharged Setup (6.2L / Hellcat): The 80 PSI requirement, setting up a mechanical fuel regulator with a boost-reference tap, and why simple mechanical setups beat out fuel pump control modules.
• In-Tank vs. Sump-Drawn Pumps: Why in-tank pumps are non-negotiable for pump cooling, longevity, and avoiding fuel slosh/starvation during autocross or spirited driving.
• Top 5 Mistakes That Set Swappers Back: Undersized pumps, improper line routing near heat sources, bad pump amp draw / wiring choices, and cheap fittings/hoses.
• Safety & Hardware: Why you should always use PTFE (Teflon) lined hoses for modern ethanol-blended fuels and 12-gauge wiring for high-draw pumps.

Got questions about your swap? Reach out directly to Blake at [email protected].

Sponsored By: Sublime Technologies — The premier source for Gen 3 Hemi Swap components built by people who actually do the swaps. No gatekeeping, no guesswork, just real knowledge.

In this lesson of Swap School, Blake Anderman breaks down the third tier of the Gen 3 Hemi swap: the exhaust system. Whether you are building a budget-friendly cruiser, a show-quality masterpiece, or an all-out performance machine, your exhaust strategy starts from the engine and works its way back.

Blake clarifies the technical differences between cast manifolds and fabricated headers, helping you choose the right path based on your goals for performance, aesthetics, and cost.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The Gold Standard of Budget Swaps: Why the 2005–2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee manifolds are the "holy grail" for tight-fitting, economic builds.

• Headers vs. Manifolds: A deep dive into the performance gains of long-tube headers versus the durability and simplicity of cast iron.

• Managing Emissions and Sound: How to navigate state-specific catalytic converter laws and use resonators and mufflers to eliminate "rasp" and "drone".

• Real-World Case Studies: Blake walks through the exhaust setups for two 6.4L Hemi-swapped Dodge Dakotas—one built for daily drivability and one built to "party" on the street.

Sponsored by: Sublime Technologies—Gen 3 Hemi swap components built by people who actually do the swaps.

Connect with us: Have questions about your build? Email Blake at [email protected].

In this episode of Swap School, Blake Andermann breaks down Tier 1 of the Hemi swap process—choosing the right engine and transmission—and explains why this decision sets the foundation for your entire build.

We explore the two main swap categories: modern vehicles (2000+) and vintage platforms, and how each approach dramatically changes your strategy. From CAN bus communication, module integration, and ECM compatibility in modern swaps to the simpler, fitment-focused mindset of classic builds, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for making the right call.

Blake also dives into real-world examples, common pitfalls, and the importance of avoiding emotionally driven decisions—like jumping on a “good deal” or chasing big horsepower—without considering long-term cost, complexity, and compatibility.

Thinking about doing a Gen 3 Hemi swap but not sure where to start? In this episode of Swap School, Blake Andermann breaks down the process into a simple 6-tier system designed to eliminate confusion and help builders stay focused.

Instead of getting overwhelmed by endless decisions, Blake explains how every Hemi swap can be organized into six core systems: Engine & Transmission Selection, Mounting & Oiling, Exhaust, Fuel System, Electrical & Tuning, and Accessories & Driveline.

This high-level overview introduces the blueprint that professional builders use to plan successful swaps and avoid common pitfalls that stall projects.

If you’ve ever wondered “Where do I even start?”, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Class is in session.

Episode 1: Meet the Teacher

In the debut episode of Swap School, host Blake Anderman strips away the intimidation factor of Gen 3 Hemi swaps. This isn't just a technical manual in audio form; it’s a masterclass rooted in a lifelong obsession with Mopar and a mission to end "information gatekeeping" in the automotive community.

Blake shares his deeply personal journey, from finding solace in model car kits as a young patient at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital to grinding through eight years of mechanical engineering at LSU. Despite being told the automotive trade was for "grease monkeys" of lesser intelligence, Blake leaned into his grit—working everything from government labs to bartending—to earn his stripes.

The Hemi journey began in a one-bedroom apartment, where Blake spent his nights decoding Chrysler engineering diagrams. What started as a personal quest to build a modern-powered Plymouth Barracuda evolved into DIY Hemi, a grassroots movement to share swap knowledge.

When the U.S. Patent Office threw a wrench in the works (declining the "Hemi" name), Sublime Technologies was born—a brand synonymous with excellence, bold "Sublime Green" energy, and legitimate, trademarked engineering.

Blake outlines a curriculum designed for everyone from "grease monkeys" to absolute novices:

• Step-by-Step Lessons: Breaking down wiring, tuning, and accessories without the headaches.
• Industry Experts: Interviews with Mopar leaders and product innovators.
• The "Newbie" Seat: Bringing beginners onto the show to help them navigate their first swap from start to finish.
• No Gatekeeping: A commitment to transparency, sharing the secrets that others keep hidden.

"Class is in session. No fluff, just the truth, and an education you won't get anywhere else."

Lesson 2: HemiSwap 101 Get ready to break the project down into its bare-bones essentials. Blake will cover the individual "columns" of a swap, organizing the chaos into a concise, manageable roadmap.