Just hypothetical
#2
05-15-2013, 07:58 PM
Record Breaker
#3
05-15-2013, 09:00 PM
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
duh ... 
6 vs 8 --- I was thinking maybe you could wire the other tow in but it is probably easier just to use the 8
so is that the only change out, adding the v8 wiring harness. It looks like it would be a straigh up swap...and the speedo / gauges would still work too, correct?
If this is the case, I may get a 318, rebuild it in my shed during my free time, and then pop it in.
Also are the springs up front different? They should be the same - I would think
Also I still could use the 32RH ???
6 vs 8 --- I was thinking maybe you could wire the other tow in but it is probably easier just to use the 8
so is that the only change out, adding the v8 wiring harness. It looks like it would be a straigh up swap...and the speedo / gauges would still work too, correct?
If this is the case, I may get a 318, rebuild it in my shed during my free time, and then pop it in.
Also are the springs up front different? They should be the same - I would think
Also I still could use the 32RH ???
#4
05-15-2013, 09:06 PM
Record Breaker
You most likely could do that but you would need a wiring diagram for both PCM's to be sure all the wires are in the correct place for the PCM otherwise you would have major issues trying to start the engine up for the first time.
I would not think it would be very hard to change the harness out between the two, IMO it would make the job easier and faster for the swap.
I would not think it would be very hard to change the harness out between the two, IMO it would make the job easier and faster for the swap.
#5
05-16-2013, 09:16 PM
Doing a swap is not just the engine, but the tranny and PCM as well for your year of Ram Van.
The PCM conrols the shift-by-wire of the 46RE tranny to the V8 5.2L/318cid. And swapping that to the little V6 removes the OVERDRIVE causing the van to BURN MORE GAS.
The V8 5.2L with the 46RE (OD) in the B1500 configuration using the 3.55:1 rear is the best setup for fuel economy. Your van should be getting an impressive 19+mpg Hwy. If not, then find my forum thread called MPG IMPROVEMENTS.
That thread should give you plenty of insight to restore the lost MPG and then increase the MPG with some simple and yet not so pricey mods. Like anything else, our vans are pigs, but the guzzling can be tamed. Reduce the friction like a good BSA scout learns at a pine wood derby can boost the benefits greatly.
The PCM conrols the shift-by-wire of the 46RE tranny to the V8 5.2L/318cid. And swapping that to the little V6 removes the OVERDRIVE causing the van to BURN MORE GAS.
The V8 5.2L with the 46RE (OD) in the B1500 configuration using the 3.55:1 rear is the best setup for fuel economy. Your van should be getting an impressive 19+mpg Hwy. If not, then find my forum thread called MPG IMPROVEMENTS. That thread should give you plenty of insight to restore the lost MPG and then increase the MPG with some simple and yet not so pricey mods. Like anything else, our vans are pigs, but the guzzling can be tamed. Reduce the friction like a good BSA scout learns at a pine wood derby can boost the benefits greatly.
