I have a 1989 dodge D 250 that I like and will keep. It has a 360 TBI engine that is now a little on the tired side. I have an opportunity to buy a 1999 fuel injected 360 that I can take my time to rebuild and install in the 1989. The price is right ( cheap ) but I have always worked on older vehicles and have some questions about the swap. It would be nice if the blocks were close to the same and I can use the mounting brackets for alternator, air, power steering, etc. from the 1989. I have a feeling that it is not. Also, is this going to involve a new computer or will the 1989 computer work ? I would think the 1989 computer would work with the normal inputs. All help and suggestions are welcome.

 

Welcome to the site. Is the D250 a Ram van or is it closer to the Ramcharger?
FF

 

Welcome to the site!!

 

Welcome to Dodge Forum!! Enjoy the site!!

Dusty

 

The d250 is the 3/4 ton truck. A mod should move this thread to first gen ram.

Also, I think this topic has been covered. There are several routes I think you can go with the computer. You can go carb, or use a 92-93 computer. I suppose you could use the TBI if you used an adapter plate and a carb intake, but I don't think it would be a good choice in any regard.

 

Presto......moved to the first generation Ram section,
FF

 

Thank all of you for the info. Is there a reason to go with a 92-93 computer instead of a 99 computer that is the same year as the engine ? Does it have something to do with being compatible with the system of the 89 truck ? The 89 truck does not have much of a computer system if it has one at all, all it has is a message center screen in the middle of the dash that to me is only taking up space, I haven't used it or payed attention to it for 13 years. Does the 92-93 computer have what is necessary to run the 99 engine without being to complicated for the 89's system ?

 

if you use the computer from the 99 you will have to completely rewire all the stuff in the cab to work with the 99 wiring harness and computer.

 

The 99 is a magnum engine and the engine in your 89 is an LA. You are in luck as the magnum block has all the neccary engine accesory holes (it actually has more). Dodge engineers were wise and left the LA motor mounts on the block and the tranny will bolt right up. There are a couple of problems though. The Magnum motors are Multi Port Fuel Injected. Your truck is simply not setup to handle this in either wiring or fuel supply. Your cheapest and simplest option is to get a carbed intake for the Magnum motor (LA and Magnums use different intakes) and have an adapter plate made for the TBI. You will also have to use your LA distrubuter (I am not 100% sure on wether it will work) and LA front timing cover, water pump, and figure out a way to attach the V-belts to the balancer if you want to use the LA accesories. Next thing your should be aware of is that the external balance of the LA and Magnum motors is different. In your case the Torque Converter has the balance weight but the by 99 the balance weight was moved to the flexplate and is magnum specific. You will need to get a neutral balance torque converter (318 is neutral balance). Also to get the V-belts on the Magnum you cannot simply use the LA balancer and pulleys. By 99 I believe that the balancer and pulley was cast as one piece so a no go, but the early 92-95+? were 2 piece so you could use a magnum balancer and an LA V-belt pulley.

Also the magnum manifolds will fit in the truck but the passenger side one interferes with the tranny dipstick. Getting a dipstick from a 2nd gen dodge should solve the problem (going through this now on my '89). You could also use the LA manfolds (magnums flow much better) or headers ment for the LA (Summit Racing sells for $120).

The magnum motor preforms much better than an LA in factory form but the are more expensive to make power from. The heads on a magnum flow the best of any production Dodge small block but they are prone to crack and you will need to have them magnafluxed. Quality replacements are reletively cheap and easy to come by and EQ is a popular brand.

There is a lot here and some is probably missing but I tried to lay it out the best I could.

 

Thank you Crazywolfie, The truck is a manual 4 speed, the clutch has to be depressed to start the engine. Concerning the stuff that has to be rewired in the cab, is this because there has to be certain inputs to the computer or it won't play nice ? All I have is a radio and dashboard. I am going to disconnect the message center for more dash room to install a 6 disc satellite radio. Is it the computer that won't work or the stuff in the cab that won't work ? Thank you for your patience, this learning curve is the hardest part, the wrench part is easy.