Hi guys,

My name is TJ and I have been lurking these forums for the past year or so and have finally decided to introduce myself and post for the first time.

My truck is a 1988 Ram, reg cab, short box, 318 TBI 2wd. It wasnt given to my wife and I 3 years ago by her grandfather who bought it new in 88 and after almost 20 years of owning it, put on a measely 67,000 KMs. He had done a few things to it (RV cam, headers, open exhaust) but babied it like his own child.

Now, I have decided to rebuild the old girl from the ground up the way my wifes grandfather had wanted, but could never afford.

I am putting my plans for the engine build up here in hopes for suggestions, pointers, and pointing out obvious screw ups on my behalf.

The build will start with a 390 stroker kit (Hughes Engines kit, most likely), and obvious machine work - luckily my uncle has volunteered his services for this portion. Followed by finding a suitable 90 or 91 360 donor that I will steal heads, intake manifold, throttlebody and computer, to add to the computer I plan on purchasing a JET PCM.

Now the part that my research has strayed... and hopefully someone has done a comprable build, as the finishing details are where I am lacking. I know that the set up will require upgraded exhaust and intake, which I already have, but as for cam selection I am at a loss, should I choose an agressive 318 cam (like I have already) or should I go for a 340/360 setup due to the configuration of the top end? I dont believe anythinge would be required, but I am hoping for some input..

The body is getting ready for an overhaul this summer, fresh paint and an agressive tire combination are in the works as well! I will try to get some progress pics up soon...

Thanks in advance,
TJ

 

Unfortunately, unless you are really good with engine design you will not get the power you appear to be seeking by picking and choosing individual parts. Everything is interconnected and you must have balance. With the money you are talking about spending I would suggest you go with a proven system. There are many out there but here are 2 examples.

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...ine/index.html

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tec...ine/index.html

 

Why would you want a 90 or 91 360 setup? The non-Magnum fuel injected motors really do suck for power. I'd go with a Magnum top end... Hughes Iron Ram heads and a Mopar M5 intake with a larger throttle body would do you well.

Also keep in mind that you have to mill 360 heads a bit to boost compression on the 318's. Not sure what pistons you're using however so you'll have to account for the compression change there too.

 

First off, if you want to build this thing piece by piece, you are required to measure and document the parts you have for future calculations and what your limits are when building an engine precisely. CC the heads, check your deck height, bore etc etc etc

What is the purpose for the vehicle?

What is the maximum rpm level you will be seeing?

Will anything be ported? If so you will need to locate a reputable porter.

 

i don't think a your engine will run right even with a JET PCM. it might be a good idea to swap to carb or upgrade to OBD2 system if you want to be able to adjust how it runs.

 

So, you have roughly 42,000 miles on the engine, and you want to replace it??? To each his own!!! I also inherited an 88 Dodge Ram D100 w/ a 318 - more like 135,000 miles on it, though. Anywho, I HIGHLY recommend ordering and installing a power steering brace:

http://www.dodgeconnection.com/catal...66/4541374.htm

My driver's side frame rail was cracked where it joins the front cross member - there were also cracks in the passenger side frame rail. I have installed the brace, and also plan to have some welding done - apparently the best solution is to weld the cracks in the rail and then "box" the rail (weld a plate on the open end). The brace referred to in the link above bolts in with zero mods or drilling. You can reuse the gear box bolts - all you need is a couple (2) of 1 1/4" bolts w/ lock washers and nuts to complete the installation. Personally, I thought the 100 ft lbs of torque recommended on the instructions contained in the link above were a bit excessive, but I'll let you make that call.

Good luck!! Mike