There’s an undeniable allure to classic trucks. Perhaps it’s the weathered patina telling tales of years of hard work, or the simple, robust design that stands in stark contrast to today’s complex machines. Many appreciate the comfortable, bench seats and the nostalgic aesthetic that harkens back to simpler times. However, one thing often lacking in these vintage workhorses is raw, modern power. But for those with vision and skill, this is an issue easily remedied.
Enter Johann Rauch, a German automotive aficionado from Kleinwallstadt. He’s not just any enthusiast; Johann is the mastermind behind a fearsome Corvette dragster boasting a massive 14-liter engine and a four-stage nitrous oxide system. While that project alone is impressive, it’s another creation from his workshop that truly captivates: a classic Dodge D100 pickup with the heart of a Dodge Ram Srt 10.
At first glance, this appears to be a humble Dodge D100, a relic cruising on European roads. Yet, closer inspection reveals telltale signs. The wheels are far too substantial for a stock D100, and the rumble emanating from beneath is far too aggressive, hinting at the potent V10 secret it conceals.
Side profile of the Dodge D100 showing its patina and large aftermarket wheels, with Johann Rauch credited.
The humble beginnings of the Dodge D100 SRT 10 project. Credit: Johann Rauch
“This engine swap was performed in my shop back in 2018 in Germany,” Johann explained. “Many have claimed to undertake such a project, but I am the only one who can provide documented proof of the build process within my workshop.” The inspiration was straightforward. “A friend questioned if this was legally feasible in Germany… he was a big fan of his Ram SRT10, but always favored the charm of older vehicles,” Johann recounted. Thus, the concept was born: to infuse a vintage D100 with the formidable power of the Dodge Viper’s V10 engine, as found in the Dodge Ram SRT 10.
“Finding the D100 was pure luck. My friend stumbled upon it in a local newspaper advertisement,” Johann shared. “It was undeniably rough around the edges, but he appreciated its genuine, unrestored appearance.” The authentic patina is not artificially created, he confirmed. “While many trucks are artificially aged for aesthetic purposes, this was a true work truck, bearing the scars of its past life,” he clarified.
Over time, various workshops have been incorrectly credited with this build. However, the true origin story lies with Johann and his team. “This project was featured in several German automotive publications, and numerous companies falsely claimed responsibility for the swap, without any mention of my involvement,” he stated. “Naturally, they lack any photographic evidence of the build stages, which I am now sharing online.” As always, the proof is in the documented process.
Image showing the Dodge D100 cab being separated from its original chassis. Credit: Johann Rauch
Dodge D100 cab lifted off its original chassis to prepare for the swap. Credit: Johann Rauch
Image depicting the bare chassis of the Dodge D100 ready to receive the SRT10 components. Credit: Johann RauchThe original D100 chassis stripped bare in preparation for the Dodge Ram SRT 10 transformation. Credit: Johann Rauch
The donor vehicle was a 2006 Dodge Ram SRT10, factory-equipped with the formidable 8.3-liter V10 engine borrowed from the Dodge Viper. This powerplant delivers a substantial 505 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a robust six-speed manual transmission. Initially, a straightforward engine swap might have seemed logical. However, vintage Dodge trucks from the 1960s were simply not engineered to handle that level of raw power. “Merely transplanting the SRT10 powertrain into the classic pickup would have been simpler, but the original axles and frame were not designed to cope with 500 horsepower,” Johann explained.
Following consultations with German vehicle inspection authorities (renowned for their stringent regulations), a revised strategy emerged. Instead of fitting the SRT10 engine into the D100, they decided to mount the D100 body onto the complete chassis of the SRT10. This ingenious approach would retain all the modern conveniences of the SRT10, including heating and air conditioning, and crucially, maintain essential features like airbags and the OBD II port. These were mandatory for road registration and compliance with Germany’s rigorous vehicle standards.
Image showing markings on the Dodge D100 body indicating cut lines for chassis swap. Credit: Johann RauchCareful planning and marking of the Dodge D100 body for precise cuts during the chassis swap. Credit: Johann Rauch
Image of the stripped Dodge Ram SRT10 chassis, ready to receive the D100 body. Credit: Johann Rauch
The Dodge Ram SRT10 chassis meticulously stripped down to its floorpan, prepared for the body transplant. Credit: Johann Rauch
Image highlighting the powerful V10 engine of the Dodge Ram SRT10, the heart of the project. Credit: Johann RauchThe magnificent V10 engine from the Dodge Ram SRT10, the driving force behind this unique build. Credit: Johann Rauch
“Before initiating the swap, I had extensive discussions with the chief engineer at the state technical inspection authority (TÜV),” Johann emphasized. This proactive approach was vital to ensure the project remained road legal. “They stipulated that the modified vehicle would still be registered as a 2006 Dodge SRT10, and for full legal compliance, all original safety systems and OBDII functionality had to be fully operational,” he explained. “This meant retaining all emission control components, including catalytic converters and mufflers, in their factory condition, with all sensors functioning correctly.” Even the interior faced strict regulations. “The original seat and seatbelt mounting points had to be utilized,” he noted. “This dictated that we transfer the entire SRT10 interior into the D100 cab.”
This was undoubtedly a significant undertaking, but Johann possessed the necessary expertise to execute it flawlessly. “I previously owned and operated an automotive repair shop specializing in American cars and trucks, and I have been deeply involved in drag racing across various classes for over 40 years,” he stated. “Now at 60 years old, I am a certified master technician and welder, and currently serve as the crew chief for a prominent German Pro Mod Team.” His extensive resume perfectly positions him for a project of this complexity and scale.
Image showing the Dodge D100 body being lowered onto the Dodge Ram SRT10 chassis. Credit: Johann RauchCarefully aligning the vintage Dodge D100 body as it is lowered onto the modern Dodge Ram SRT10 chassis. Credit: Johann Rauch
Image showing test fitting the Dodge D100 cab onto the SRT10 chassis multiple times during the build. Credit: Johann RauchMultiple test fittings of the D100 cab on the SRT10 chassis to ensure perfect alignment and fitment. Credit: Johann Rauch
Image showcasing the SRT10 interior now fitted inside the classic Dodge D100 cab. Credit: Johann RauchThe modern and comfortable Dodge Ram SRT10 interior seamlessly integrated into the vintage D100 cab. Credit: Johann Rauch
“Given my unwavering work ethic and exacting standards, a significant challenge was to make the swap appear as factory-produced as possible,” Johann explained. “The interface between the new and old body was meticulously refined, requiring countless trials of positioning the D100 cab onto the SRT chassis.”
This was far from a quick, straightforward task. Extensive fabrication was necessary to successfully unite the two disparate vehicles. “The internal structure of the door pillars required reinforcement because they no longer provided structural support for the doors,” he detailed. “We engineered a series of robust 11-gauge steel plates to bear the weight of the doors, carefully shaping them to integrate with the A-pillar support.”
Image detailing the fabrication work on the windscreen cowl for proper integration.
Intricate fabrication work on the windscreen cowl to ensure compatibility with the SRT10’s HVAC and wiper systems.
Even seemingly minor components received considerable attention. “To retain the SRT10’s HVAC system and windshield wiper motor, we completely redesigned the cowl panel,” Johann stated. “A new water box with an integrated evacuation system was fabricated and spot-welded into the section between the windshield and engine compartment.”
The overarching philosophy was to prioritize quality and precision over speed. “There are absolutely no shoddy or makeshift welds anywhere in this build,” he proudly declared. “Spot welding, TIG, and MIG welding techniques were employed as appropriate throughout the project—no shortcuts were taken.”
Image showing the Dodge D100 and SRT10 components coming together during the build process.
The meticulous process of bringing together the classic Dodge D100 body and the modern Dodge Ram SRT10 chassis.
Regular visits from TÜV officials throughout the build process helped preemptively address any bureaucratic obstacles. “As the project progressed, I consistently invited TÜV inspectors to assess the workmanship. They meticulously documented everything photographically to ensure legal compliance,” Johann recalled. “If my memory serves me right, they conducted on-site inspections approximately five times.”
After five months of dedicated work, the transformed truck was ready for its final, comprehensive evaluations. “The vehicle underwent inspection at the TÜV Headquarters as a standard road-going car,” he explained. “This included emissions testing, brake performance assessment on a chassis dynamometer, overall roadworthiness evaluations, and precise weighing and scaling to verify its new dimensions.” The truck successfully passed all tests, although the extensive approval process incurred a substantial cost. Johann estimates the total expenses for TÜV certification ranged from €4,500 to €5,000 (approximately $4,700 to $5,200 USD).
Image of the completed Dodge D100 SRT 10 undergoing TÜV testing.
The newly empowered Dodge D100 SRT 10 undergoing rigorous TÜV testing to ensure road legality.
Image showcasing the detailed preparation work before the final TÜV inspection.
Meticulous preparation was crucial for the Dodge D100 SRT 10 to pass the stringent roadworthiness tests.
Image of the finished Dodge D100 SRT 10 highlighting its aggressive stance and wheel and tire package.The completed Dodge D100 SRT 10, with its performance wheels and tires subtly hinting at the power within.
A swap of this magnitude is undeniably complex. Even rushed, less meticulous YouTube-style swaps demand considerable effort. However, executing such a project in Germany, with its infamously strict regulations, elevates it to an entirely different level. German authorities do not tolerate dubious engine swaps or hastily assembled builds, and are quick to remove non-compliant vehicles from the road.
Johann’s true mastery lies not only in completing this ambitious swap but in achieving it while adhering to every legal requirement. For enthusiasts residing in similarly regulated regions, his accomplishment serves as a valuable lesson. Thorough consultation with authorities and meticulous, high-quality fabrication are essential for navigating such complex projects successfully. Ultimately, this approach often results in a superior build, exceeding initial expectations.
This Dodge D100, now propelled by the heart of a Dodge Ram SRT 10, delivers exhilarating V10 performance while retaining its classic aesthetic—all while fully compliant with Germany’s stringent road traffic laws. This remarkable fusion of vintage style and modern muscle is a resounding triumph in any automotive enthusiast’s book.
Image credits: Johann Rauch
