Ok, I have read every thread I could get my paws on regarding the 360 swap, and just abut all of the 318 swap threads too. I wanted to run a my conclusions and questions by the folks who have done it and are way more knowledgeable than I.

I have a '92 3.9L 2wd Dakota. I am getting a 360 from a 2000 Ram. I should be able to grab anything I need off of the donor, so I am going to use:

the injectors, engine wiring harness, exhaust headers and throttle cable. If any of these are bad or gone, then I would have to get a replacement and just about any off a 318 or 360 Magnum series will do.

In addition I will need to get: Dakota V8 oil pan, V8 PCM '92-'95, 360 flexplate, a 360 torque converter, and fuel rails.

Those are my conclusions and assumptions after doing all the reading.

My questions are:

What models, and from what years can I grab a flexplate? Seems like I need one from a 360 up to '95 when they changed the bolt pattern, but how far back can i go to get on that would work?

What about fuel rails? Seems like i can't use them off the 2000 model, without adding a fuel return. What year's rails will work with my fuel pump, or is it not that big of a deal and I should modify the fuel system instead of jacking around with the fuel rails.

 

don't forget the trans from what i heard the v6 transmission won't last very long under the torque of a 360. a 318 it might but i doubt a 360. if anyone would care to elabarate i would also like to know more.

 

Use the flywheel that comes with the engine. It will have a weight on it. I assume you will update from a 42rh to a 46rh. You will need to use a 360 converter that does not have a weight on it (1996 and up). If you use a 360 converter from 93-95 it will have a balancing weight on it and it will not bolt up to the flywheel that came with the 360. If you get a flywheel from a 93-95 360 you will need to get a 93-95 converter (the one with a weight).

I’m not sure about the answer to your fuel rail question but someone else will know this.

Good luck.

 

The flex plate has to come from a magnum 360 (1993+). The older ones may not have the correct crankshaft position sensor hole layout along the outer edge.

Also, don't expect to be able to plug an OBDII engine harness into an OBDI computer!!

 

Good Stuff