I have a 1988 dodge w150 with the 5.2 318 3 speed auto. I want to put a 360 in the truck. Does it matter what year truck the 360 comes from or does it have to a first gen ram?

 

Does it mater what year? Yes and no depending on what you are willing to do.

Any year 360 will fit in your truck. That being said newer 360s will require more work and more parts. Wiring harness, a computer, and such.

 

So what year motor would have to start having computers. Also how much work and how hard is it if you do have to set all that up.

 

1989 is the first year for the TBI 360 in the trucks and RC's. If you want to keep the fuel injection you can use a 360 from 1989 to 91\92 (which ever year they switch to magnums) and you will need the 360 computer from a 1989 - after that the connectors changed.

I swapped in a 360 from a 1991 van and used a processor from a 1989...nothing else

The swap from a 318 to 360 is very straight forward...you will need the engine mounting brackets for a 360 or "shim" your 318 ones to fit the 360. You will also need to address the difference in balance since the 318 is internally balanced and the 360 is externally balanced. There are a couple ways to address this - either get the torque converter with the 360 (if it is the same trans 360 non lock up) or get the B&M flex plate.

If you go carburated you will need to address the voltage regulator (since the computer controls that) and if you have AC you will need to modify the switching of that as well.

In addition, if you go with a carb you need to do something with the fuel system since it currently has a pump in the tank...the easiest is a fuel pressure regulator to bring the pressure down to 5-7psi and wiring the pump to turn on\off correctly.

 

So if I can find one before 89 I should be able to just hook it right up? As long as I have torque converter.