440 engine swap

bradbates1998 · #1 07-13-2009, 05:18 PM

Does anyone out there know where to get a 440 conversion for a 98 dodge ram 1500 2wd std cab?

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Trey318 · #2 07-13-2009, 05:43 PM

That kind of conversion sounds expensive and complicated. Is that kind of engine swap even legal in your state? You would really be putting out some emissions with a 440.

If you haven't already, try searching Google. A quick search on my end yielded nothing useful. I don't think this is done as much as it is dreamed about due to the vast number of difficulties you would run into switching from so many electrical sensors and whatnots to all mechanical.

wjxavier · #3 07-13-2009, 06:45 PM

its pretty impractical to swap out the 360 with a 440. what you should do is invest that money in a 408 stroker kit. thats about the best thing you can do with these trucks. that and gears

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Miami_Son · #4 07-13-2009, 08:12 PM

It would be difficult and expensive, but not for the reasons posted above (my 488ci V10 is CA smog legal). That 440 engine was never offered in 2nd gen Rams, so none of their trannies will likely bolt up to it. You will have to fabricate motor mounts and if you use a matching tranny, mounts for it will need to be fabricated. You can throw a cat on the exhaust to lower emissions, but in most states you have to meet the regs related to the body, not the engine, so you might have trouble meeting them and you probably won't pass the visual. That engine was never fuel injected, so you'll be stuck running a carb and that will be harder to meet smog.

Not saying it is impossible, but it would be a lot of work and if you need to get smog inspected to register, it might not be worth it. Would definitely be a tire burner, for sure.

Rockyhigh360 · #5 07-13-2009, 10:35 PM

not to bad of a swap, the 440 can be found in numerous motorhomes (cast crank) and does bolt to the 518 generation trans. Since you will be ditchin the injection, no need for a computer. The 440 (forged crank) is a mean S.O.B. that with the correct combination of carb and intake, can rival the classic 426 Hemi in torque. Also, a 440 build will cost about half the price as a 426 or 6.1. I have seen 440's in Ram Chargers, so It's not to hard if you can fab some custom mounts. I have seen them around on the web, I think Hughes Engines customer pics. As far as impractical, that's what Ford said about the 69 Roadrunner 440 six pack. I say go for it! Keep in touch.

Rockyhigh360 · #6 07-13-2009, 10:52 PM

Just called my wheelin buddy on this. The 440(forged crank) can be found in many Power Wagons (late 70's) The frame mounts for the block can be cut and re-welded to your truck. Then you can use the stock 440 motor mounts. Also, if it's a 2 wheel drive, a 727 will fit nicely.

dodgeram07 · #7 07-13-2009, 10:57 PM

440 and 727 trans would sweet,,, hell yea... i saw one on ebay

make motor mounts, trans mouts and maybe and longer or shorter diver shaft and then make a wire harness for the guages... i belive the stock 1500 coil would hold the weight just fine. if not sum 2500 v10 spring would work

i would keep it carb with the fuel pump on the block..

if it would happen to me...that my motor and trans would blow at the same time and the body of the truck was good i would go for it to.... i know a guy with 440/727 in a motorhome

rollinlow · #8 07-13-2009, 11:09 PM

Mopar action did just a swap like this back in a series of articles in 97 or 98,
you could do a fuel injection aftermarket setup on it and as stated before a 518 tranny will bolt up

Miami_Son · #9 07-14-2009, 12:27 AM

You would have to get the 46RH version of the 518. The 46RE is electronic and requires a computer. You can also convert the 727 to a 518.

rollinlow · #10 07-14-2009, 01:34 AM

or you could use one of keislers kits hmmm can you say fuel injected big block, and a 6 speed?