I currently ownan '89 D-150 short boxwith a 3.9 V-6. Like everyone else, I'd like to drop it down and go the V-8 route. My idea is to install a 5.7 Hemi from a Ram/ Durango/ 300 due to the respectable amount of powerit wouldgenerate as well as the reliability factor. I may be able to secure the engine at abargain price. I also have a relative that owns a machine shop, so fabrication for mounts and suchis not out of the question.

My question is this... has anyone done this yet? If so, what am I up against? What aftermarketcomputer options do I have? What transmissons will work? Am I on crack for thinking about such a project?

 

Pass me the pipe wudja? I've had the same thoughts. I'm no expert on the subject, but I do read alot of articles on such stuff. Mopar perfomance offers a retrofit computer setup for F.I. or carbed setups. I think around $2000 for the F.I. by the time you buy the fuel pump,lines etc.Not cheap. F.A.S.T also offers a computer, but it's no cheaper. The 3rd gen's lack of a distributor requires a computer even carbed which sux, though I did see abit of newson a replacemant timing chain cover and gear setup that will have provisions for a dist. Should be on the market soon. How cool is that? As far as the trans, M.P. has a flex plate tobolt upa smallblock 727, or an early non computer 518 O.D. Not sure if their computer set up will work with a late trans. Keisler Engineering has a manual if your pockets are deep enough. Chk out the March '08 HOT ROD mag, they're dropping one in a Challenger, might give some ideas. I've seen one in a 150 someplace but damned if I remember where. Nothing's in my price rangethough, and adapting the factory harness has been done but it's said to be a nightmare.

 

It is a good direction,maybe not an easy one.
it would be best if you can get motor /tranny/computer and harness.
If you can get all them,it will be alot easier.

 

hey if that is too much trouble I have a rebuilt 318 you can get cheep and wont cost that much to swap things over

 

Thanks for the info. I thought it over for a couple of weeksand decided to go with either a 318 or 360 power plant. I'm planning on a NASCAR Craftsman Truck as if it were invented in the '70s theme (I know mine's an '89, but it's the only short box truck I own right now,plus it's much more interesting than V-8ing an S-10). I may even go Petty Blue. I'll post pics and relative info as the project progresses.

 

Would it be much easier to use an Older mopar block then a new Hemi block? It would probably sound more fit to the vehicle as well.

 

so dreamers that lost motivation! Well I will be the one to 3rd gen hemi swap my 81 stepside and i will be pulling asphalt off the streets👍

 

How is the swap going? I just brought home a 84 and I intend on the hemi swap asap. I have the engine 8 speed trans and the computer. I don't have the harness though.

 

That was his last post here... and hasn't been here since.