Engine swap

Alright everyone, I have a 1990 Dodge D150 that is my project truck. It has the stock V6 and a 5 speed that I am not 100% sure came with it or was swapped into it before I got it. I just picked up a wrecked 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 that was only wrecked in the front (bumper mainly, little bent in the core support). Was parked after the wreck and abandoned for something better than 5 years, I paid only $400 for the truck. It has a fuel injected 318 which I would like to swap into my 90 D150. I know the engine is not seized up and this weekend I am going to bust the ignition to see if I can at least attempt to bump over the engine. If that works or fails I will go ahead and pull it because it should still be in good running order. Now to the questions. I know I will have to pull all of the wiring and ECU and such considering it is fuel injected which is cool with me. Will I have to take the steering column as well? Or is my better option to scrap the fuel injection and go carburetor? Will the 318 bolt up to the 5 speed tranny (knowing full well I still need to provide you all with what it is, just hoping you might know up front). What if anything will I need to expect to obtain in order to get it to sit in the D150? It looks like an exciting project overall and if you would like to know what else I plan on doing to it just ask.

you will need a motor mount extension plate to use a v8 and the only place you can get those is on 88-93 2wd trucks with a v8. also since parts truck you got is really too new computer wise. you will most likely have the computer complaining all the time for 1 thing or another unless you get some sort of aftermarket fuel injection controller.

Okay, so it has been a while and a lot has happened, none of which with the truck. So here is where I am at. As of Last night (14 Jan 2015) the beast is finally in the garage thanks to a good friend for helping. This weekend the plan is to snatch the 318 from the donor truck and get it into the garage as well. I have a little cleaning to do in my garage to make more room as this will be one hell of an undertaking. I was informed to wait to perform the tear down until I at least have some parts so as to not lose anything, however, bag and tag are going to be essential either way. The body and bed will be coming off and the frame will be laid completely on the ground. The plan is to perform a traditional body drop instead of a stock floor since the cab has so much room inside. looking to go straight forward and simple. 2600lb bags, hardline, Accuair VU4 block (not the entire setup because I am on a budget but want the clean look with the block), probably a simple Viair 444c dual pack, some sort of at least 5 gal tank, and a two link (just simple and cool look over four link for preference). As far as the engine goes, I will probably only be throwing an upgraded cam at it. Considering it is from a newer truck I imagine I will pull the ECU from the donor as well and swap all of that as well to hopefully avoid the headaches of lights and codes. Definitely will be more going on but for now I am sure this will bore everyone for a little. Provide feedback/comments/critique at your leisure.

One thing I forgot to mention. The stock V6 is backed by a 5 speed trans. Not entirely for sure but I have been told the 318 will bolt up directly and shouldn't have any problems. Considering this is not going to do anything more than just be a driver, anyone have any input?

CaseyKeenum here's the carbed Magnum in my truck using all the original serpentine
I've since added the factory Mopar A/C lines needed for the swap



BTW I'm into the low life too

Sounds like this is coming along. Having worked on my 3g PCM and trying different things including a stand alone computer I'm a little concern you are over looking how difficult a factory PCM can be to work with. I would recommend you go through the Service Manual for your proposed PCM and lay out in detail what all it will require to work. You might well be ahead of the game by not trying to use it. Be prepared, it's a up hill climb working with them.

DodgeAddict said:

CaseyKeenum here's the carbed Magnum in my truck using all the original serpentine
I've since added the factory Mopar A/C lines needed for the swap



BTW I'm into the low life too

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That is a great looking RC and 318. What carb and intake did you use? Did you put an aftermarket cam in? Are you affiliated with a club?

I almost forgot to put results pics from this weekend up. We pulled the 318 from the donor truck and I got it broke down the the bare essentials for now. Even mini me got his hands dirty for the first time and his first battle scars.

It's good to see the boy involved. Well done...

caseykeenum said:

That is a great looking RC and 318. What carb and intake did you use? Did you put an aftermarket cam in? Are you affiliated with a club?

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CaseyKeenum Thanks, the pic is of the 98 360 Magnum carbed in my 85 ShortBed
My RC is getting a GenIII Hemi
The intake used for the serpentine drive that fits closer than anything made is the Edelbrock AirGap for the Magnum that's what is used in the pic
The other intake that I've used a lot of in doing these swaps is this Professional Products Crosswinds

I'm on RCC as RCAddict or check me on FB in the RamCharger & Truck groups
I'm Bob Shaw

DodgeAddict said:

CaseyKeenum Thanks, the pic is of the 98 360 Magnum carbed in my 85 ShortBed
My RC is getting a GenIII Hemi
The intake used for the serpentine drive that fits closer than anything made is the Edelbrock AirGap for the Magnum that's what is used in the pic
The other intake that I've used a lot of in doing these swaps is this Professional Products Crosswinds

I'm on RCC as RCAddict or check me on FB in the RamCharger & Truck groups
I'm Bob Shaw

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Thanks for the info! I have been looking at the Edelbrock. Still a long road ahead for this project.

Cool project!

I have a question I forgot to ask before. When I got my D150 it came with a 5 speed manual trans backing the V6. I have been told it will bolt right up to the 318 with little or no issues. Can anyone confirm this? I haven't crawled under to find out what the actual trans is yet but I will see if I can find any identifying marks when I get home today.

caseykeenum said:

I have a question I forgot to ask before. When I got my D150 it came with a 5 speed manual trans backing the V6. I have been told it will bolt right up to the 318 with little or no issues. Can anyone confirm this? I haven't crawled under to find out what the actual trans is yet but I will see if I can find any identifying marks when I get home today.

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Yes it should. I know in a 94-01 it will bolt up to a 318 and a 360.....don't put it behind a 360 tho....

jbmobbs said:

Yes it should. I know in a 94-01 it will bolt up to a 318 and a 360.....don't put it behind a 360 tho....

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Thanks for the info. the trans is from the 90 D150 and the 318 is from the 2000 Ram.

caseykeenum said:

Thanks for the info. the trans is from the 90 D150 and the 318 is from the 2000 Ram.

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You should be good to go bud, I believe the five speeds didn't change till 02

Can anyone tell me where to look on the trans to be able to identify what trans it is?

That Magnum with a carb will identify your trans when it bites hard on that 2nd gear powershift

caseykeenum said:

Can anyone tell me where to look on the trans to be able to identify what trans it is?

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Nv4500 has a bolt on bellhousing
Nv3500 has bell housing made to the tranny

jbmobbs said:

Nv4500 has a bolt on bellhousing
Nv3500 has bell housing made to the tranny

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Thanks for the information, I will verify and report back as soon as get under the truck to look.

Any recommendations for headers over the stock. I know I want to have the ceramic silver coated style (for the look), but what brand options? Same for intake and carb since I am getting rid of the stock fuel injection.