Later model hemi in 03 ram

[boolinhemi]

I've been doing more research before dropping 5k or more on my truck and have found that the early 3rd gen Hemis have weak valve seats and weak rods which are the most common reasons they fail and blow. has anyone ever put a 08 or 09 hemi in there early 3rd Gen?

I hear and read that the later 3rd gen(07-08) and early 4th Gen(09-11) hemis have the week valve and rod problems fixed. If I'm going to be incurring the expense of a new motor already, shouldn't I buy a later model Hemi with those problems fixed?

What is the compatibility like between a late model 3rd gen or a 4th gen motor to a early 3rd gen? Do they bolt up? Or do they make some kind of conversion kits to make it possible?

any insight is much appreciated

 

[boolinhemi]

Anybody

 

[RonJon '06]

In order to plug and play with your '03 you'll need a 3rd gen non-MDS Hemi so one from a 2003-2005 1500/2500 or 2006-2008 2500. Variable valve timing was added in 2009 so those engines will not directly swap into our trucks. From what I remember the 2003 and early 2004 had weak valve springs.

 

[boolinhemi]

Thanks for the response. So a 06-08 ram 2500 hemi is plug and play for my 03? It drops right into the engine mounts? And no need for a different ecu or trans?

 

[RonJon '06]

Yes, the blocks are physically the same so it will drop in. You'll want to use your PCM and TCM along with your old valve covers and coil packs since those have changed over the years.