What size engine do I have?

[Andrew Alvarez]

How do I determine what size engine I have? Can it be determined from the VIN? Just picked up my first 1st Gen at an auction so I know zero about the truck other than that the engine seals are leaking. Plan is to have the engine rebuilt right away to avoid future problems.

This is a work truck, but as long as the engine is out what does the group suggest for additional horsepower, ease of use and dependability?

Thank you in advance.

 

[MADDOG]

Look for a sticker with emissions information on or near the radiator core support. If it is there it will tell you what size engine you have, either in liters or cubic inches.

 

[NJMOPAR]

V8 small block LA motor (318, 340 or 360) or a slant 6.
I doubt it has a big block (distributor in front)

 

[BadHemi2014]

I'm no help but I had to say that looks like a pretty sweet find, good luck with the project!

 

[Rlaf75]

Look on the underside of the hood or on top of the radiator support for the sticker. That should tell you the engine size in litres. Something like 5.2 for a 318 or 5.9 for a 360

 

[Runaround]

You can tryWindow StickerLookup Tool website. Nice looking truck.

 

[Runaround]

I’m sorry that website is Window Sticker Lookup.com. It will tell you numerous things about your truck.

 

[Andrew Alvarez]

Thanks for the info. Here are some engine pics for more clues:

I will check the locations mentioned tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[NJMOPAR]

Looks like a 360 to me

 

[Rlaf75]

I just noticed you said you were planning on getting the engine rebuilt. Dont know who is going to rebuild it but the engine block should be stamped to identify which motor it is too in case the engine sticker is not under the hood

 

[GTyankee]

Usually the cu. in. of the engine on those trucks was either painted or glued on the valve covers or air cleaner

Hopefully the engine has not been rebuilt before & is either a 340 or 360

 

[Wahrsuul]

The stickers aren't always reliable. The one on my brother's 98 said it was a 318 (5.2L), so that's what we bought. Wasn't till we got it out and the replacement in that we found out it was a 360 (5.9L). We trusted the decal, but apparently someone swapped out the rad support at some time.

 

[jawzs2]

You can put the vin in here, it will tell you what the truck originally came with

RAM VIN Decoder | Decode Any Dodge RAM VIN Number for Free

Find free detailed information by Decode RAM VIN Number. VIN Decoder provides you vehicle's information and its specifications for free instantly.

www.faxvin.com

 

[Daw14]

Crawl under and look at the block it is cast into it , on the side .I do not recall which.

 

[u2slow]

How do I determine what size engine I have? Can it be determined from the VIN? Just picked up my first 1st Gen at an auction so I know zero about the truck other than that the engine seals are leaking. Plan is to have the engine rebuilt right away to avoid future problems.

This is a work truck, but as long as the engine is out what does the group suggest for additional horsepower, ease of use and dependability?

Thank you in advance.View attachment 490269

8th digit of the vin indicates the engine. Use www.car-part.com to lookup an engine for your year, and it will give you the list.

Fyi, '1stgen' as far as these trucks go is a reference to the cummins diesel engine... so they're all 89-93 with the 5.9L diesel.

 

[Andrew Alvarez]

You can put the vin in here, it will tell you what the truck originally came with

RAM VIN Decoder | Decode Any Dodge RAM VIN Number for Free

Find free detailed information by Decode RAM VIN Number. VIN Decoder provides you vehicle's information and its specifications for free instantly.

www.faxvin.com

Badass!!!!

Thank you, looks like we have a 5.2L V8 OHV 16V : )

 

[reek]

if its gas, it'll be a 318 or 360. no 340s were put in the trucks that I know of. Casting numbers will be on the driver side of the block. Visually 318 and 360 are nearly identical. best bet as stated, get under the truck and take a look

 

[NJMOPAR]

Badass!!!!

Thank you, looks like we have a 5.2L V8 OHV 16V : )

That's the always-reliable 318.

 

[Churl Quinn]

If you plan to drive it regularly and if the front suspension components have not been replaced, you should probably go ahead and replace them. Ball joints, shocks, bushings, and maybe even coil springs. It will make a huge improvement in the way it drives and handles.

 

[Wulf]

You can put the vin in here, it will tell you what the truck originally came with

RAM VIN Decoder | Decode Any Dodge RAM VIN Number for Free

Find free detailed information by Decode RAM VIN Number. VIN Decoder provides you vehicle's information and its specifications for free instantly.

www.faxvin.com

That will say what engine the factory put in it, but not if someone since then has done an engine swap. The same for that radiator support sticker. Best place if you are unsure would be the castings mentioned before. Still not 100% reliable in the case of a remanned/bored out motor, but it is more likely.