My latest project is a 98 corvette engine (346 cu.in.) ls1/4l60e/np208 into my 88 dodge ram.

I previously have a 440 727 and np203. the gas mileage was poor, overall drivability wasn't great, so I decided to make the swap for newer and better driveline components.

Best 1/4 wit hthe 440 was 15.7 @ 84 and best mpg was 9.5

I'm sure the ls1 will get nearly 19 highway and 16 in mixed driving wit hthe OD.

1/4 times are your guess as good as mine, but I think it should pull mid to low 14's

Overall I think the truck will be about 500lbs lighter the nbefore, I will put it on the scales to find out for sure though

 

Old 440

 

 

 

 

I'm hoping to have it up and running within 2 months.

Will post updates.

 

Badass! Sell me that 440! haha

 

I don't like it lol I think if you wanted to upgrade to a modern engine you would have been much better off to do a 5.7 hemi swap

 

I understand why say this but really It would have been more of a PITA to make a modern hemi work.

Trying to make the 4wd work is much easier with the traditional chevy pass. drop t-case, and the fact the all this chevy stuff is so common helps with budget building.

The ls1's with factory computers are easier to tune and modify vs. any other motors out there.

Only other reason why I chose the ls1 was that it is an all aluminum block, the hemis are cast iron..about 100lbs difference.

 

I donnot know how easy it is to get ahold of a modern hemi/tranny/ and a t-case that would work, but the LS1 with computer and harness cost me $600, the tranny cost me $120( rebuild recently) and the t-case cost $150.

With all the other little things I have bought I'm in this project about $1200

I have alreadt sold most of the 440 stuff for $1800, so I still might break even on this with the ability to almost triple mileage and a have a little faster truck.