2003 Ram 1500 5.7l Hemi w/ Blown Motor- Need Help with motor compatability

luv2joyride · Jul 31, 2013

The motor is my 2003 Ram 1500 5.7l Hemi is blown. It's the quad cab Laramie 4x4 with auto transmission. I'm need advice on the easiest plug and play motor for my truck.

What years and models of the 5.7l hemi will wire up and work with my ecu?

I've been looking at salvage yards and have found a couple motor options. A 2003 ram 2500 auto with a 5.7l hemi or a 2004 ram auto with 5.7l hemi 1500 with low miles but don't know if they are compatible. I'm looking for a motor that will bolt in and work with my existing wiring and ecu. I could swap sensors if needed. Any tips or advice on compatibility and non-compatibility would be helpful. Looking to just buy a motor , not wiring, ecu, rekey, ect.

Thanks in advance.

T-Muns · Jul 31, 2013

The one from the 2003 2500 will be fine. You should be able to just drop it in and plug the existing wiring to it.

They are mostly the same from 2003-2005, but the 04/05 is going to have an EGR valve on the one head. It's not a huge deal to plug it, but might as well get the easier fit. Also, I believe the throttle body connector is different in the 05s too.

PCA4208 · Jul 31, 2013

Yep. Get the 03 2500 engine. It'll just bolt in and plug in.

HemiLonestar · Aug 1, 2013

T-Muns said:
The one from the 2003 2500 will be fine. You should be able to just drop it in and plug the existing wiring to it.

They are mostly the same from 2003-2005, but the 04/05 is going to have an EGR valve on the one head. It's not a huge deal to plug it, but might as well get the easier fit. Also, I believe the throttle body connector is different in the 05s too.

PCA4208 said:
Yep. Get the 03 2500 engine. It'll just bolt in and plug in.

X3, might be a good idea to replace the valvesprings on the 03 engine before you drop it in. Hell, throw a 260 in for fun while you're at it. Good opportunity for a better converter too...

PCA4208 · Aug 1, 2013

Haha and a stroker for all that matters. But yeah, valve springs tend to be weak on the 03's. I'm surprised I haves broke one yet. I'm just dreading when it will happen.

Casper · Aug 1, 2013

If you live in a fiscally unconstrained world (means you're rich) you could do a lot while the engine is out.
I'm just guessing, but replacing a motor probably shoots the savings account and cuts back the beer money budget for quite awhile--I know it would have when I was in my 20's.

2003 Ram 1500 5.7l Hemi w/ Blown Motor- Need Help with motor compatability

luv2joyride

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T-Muns

Junior Member

PCA4208

Senior Member

HemiLonestar

Senior Member

PCA4208

Senior Member

Casper

U.S. Navy (Ret.)

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