ok, I just wanted to be sure and clear that it's using one or the other...

As for the check engine light, I wouldnt put one into the 85 and I would just use the OBDII plug to scan for any codes when needed.

What are the advantaged/disadvantages to each, the original computer and a aftermarker fuel management system?

Also, if I were to consider a fuel management system, which ones would I consider for this aplication? I checked my summit catalog, but didnt see any listed for a dodge, only ones for ford/chevy/gm.

Which would be less expensive? computer or fuel system?

Also, will doing this swap from the 360 LA to a 360 magnum, help my MPg since the magnum is EFI, I would guess that it would thus get much better MPG over a carb engine.

 

Also, on another note: I have read that in doing this swap, that its difficult to get the original power steer pump pully changed over to the correct belt????? So whats a source for a pully for the correct belt? or whats the solution? As the swap would force me to use the alternator and such from the 96

Also the 96 alternator is external regulated, so will with original voltage regulator for the 85 alternator properly regulate the 96 alternator or what? as I thought the 96 alternator was regulated thru the computer?? so if I went with a fuel mamagement syste, would I just use the 85 regulator to control the 96 alternator or whats the fix for this matter?

.....I'm trying to get all this figured out before I jump into purchasing parts. Currently the truck is in my shop with the engine/trans out and I wanna get this all figured out soon to get started on the swap and get the truck back on the road asap, just wanna gather all the info here first, then jump into actually doing it

 

a fuel management system would be more customizable but i think it would cost at least $1000.

using a stock computer would cost you whatever it would cost to get the wiring harness\computer and fuel pump.

it might help your mpg. it is hard to say. it would eliminate the need to tune the carb once in a blue moon. the only thing you may want to do to the engine before you install i t is repair the plenum gasket since it will fail if it has not already.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html

 

anyone got any idea of if doing this swap would result in any MPG gain due to canging from carb to EFI? ...I know it's still a 360 engine size, but I'm wanting to get an idea of what MPG gain (if any) would be.

 

you might gain some. it would be hard to tell. the only thing i know for sure is you would be getting at least the same gas mileage with more Horse power.

 

ok, thanks. I didnt figure that I would be loosing any MPG if I did the swap.

The truck has a pretty heavy bed on the back end cause I use it for work and all that heavy steel burns my fual fast hauling the extra weight of the truck around.

The current 360 LA that was in it has a cracked block, so I figured now was a good time to do the swap, if I were ever gonna actually do it.

I also have a 96 ram with a 360 magnum in it and I get about 16 city and 18 highway in it, so I know that it wont be that high since of the extra weight of the bed, but I just figured that it would be higher than the current 8mpn city, 10 highway that I was getting with the 360 LA with the Quadrajet carb.

I also got the transmission out of the truck for a rebuild on it. The trans thats in the truck is a NP435, which is a really heavy duty trans that works great for what I do with the truck (heavy pulling) except that the truck is geared a lil low, so the top speed is about 55mph.

All in all, I'm just trying to get a good picture of what all I would have to do if I go ahead with this swap. The current engine & trans is out. I could put another 360 LA back into the truck, but I really wanna get a lil better MPG if I can with a magnum engine.

Also, let me ask this: What about the pully/belt system for the swap? I have read that the magnum engine turns the water pump CCW.... So, if I dropped the magnum engine into the truck, would I use all of the magnum engine parts (such as the alternator/power steering pump) or should (can) I switch back to the V-belt setup? Reason I ask is because I have heard that the original power steering pump cant have the pully changed to the serpentine belt????? Or can it be changes? or would I just use the new power steering pump to power the original steering gear box? (acking because I am unsure about the flow pressure and rate of the original pump and the needs of the original gear box, as I dont wanna over pressure/pump the box)...So, if you could help to clearif the pully and belt system setup for me...

 

Does anyone have any solution about how to run the alternator/water pump/Power steer pump......The magnum uses a different belt setup than the old V-belt system, plus the magnum water pump spins CCW....So does anyone have a solution to fix this?!

 

Ok...to start - Do not expect big\much mileage improvement...You can't use the numbers of the vehicle you are getting the engine out of...you are still trying to move a 4,500lb "brick" down the road no matter what engine you put in...the newer trucks got improved mileage in part due to better aero-dynamics, 4&5 speed auto transmissions, more efficient engines, etc. The only thing you could do with your 85 W350 to get significant increase in fuel economy is swap in a 6bt diesel

On to some of your questions

For you fuel injection system
1. If you have the engine, wiring harness, sensors, ect, and computer from the truck you got the magnum and are comfortable with electrical work that would be the cheapest. Remember you will need an electric fuel pump and regulator that will put out 45psi as you mentioned.

2. There are a number of universal aftermarket FI systems available from the very simple (a little pricey) to fully adjustable ready-to-go systems (very pricey) to do-it-yourself systems (very reasonable):

FAST EZ-XFI is a very good self tuning system, easy to install, but costs $1,700-$2,100
MSD Atomic EFI system has just come out, self tuning, easy to install same price as Fast
MegaSquirt - is a do-it-yourself system that you can get in various stages assembly...inexpensive but you need to know what your doing!
There are others

AS for a check engine light; it would be good to have one to know if you have an issue but as long as you have the ODBII port and a scanner (of an Android Phone App) you could check them on regular basis.

Your Charging system...Yes the ECM has the voltage regulator built in on the fuel injected trucks but it is a simple task to wire in a voltage regulator.

On your accessory drive belts...
If you decide to keep the LA V belt setup, you will run into an issue on the right side head where the accessories bolt up. The Magnum heads have the accessory mounting boss that sticks out farther than the LA heads, which required some shimming/cutting/welding to get the alternator and A/C to line up with the crankshaft

The last swap we did I just kept the serpentine belt since it is a much better set up and you don't have to mess with brackets...just get the PS pump from the donor.

With regards to the alternator if you stick with the serp.belt use that alternator since it will probably have a higher amperage output than your current one.

I think that was all the questions I saw.