I'm looking at engines to put into my '85 Ram. I was going to sell the truck, but since it doesn't have a motor currently I wouldn't get any money back by the time I get it drive-able. So I might as well keep it. I was going to use my 383 but I decided to save that for my barracuda. Truck is going to be used as a daily driver and for towing. Improving MPG is one goal I am trying to achieve. When my grandfather had the truck with a 440 and 727 it got about 12mpg towing or not. My current DD gets around 18mpg driving back and forth to work, so I'm going to try and get at least 20mpg. I think I can achieve my mpg goal with all the engines below.

All engines will be fuel injected.


Engine Options:

Option 1: 440 (already have)
Option 2: 5.7 Hemi (if I can find one for decent price)
Option 3: 318 (usually dirt cheap)


Transmission Options:

Option 1: 727 (have)
Option 2: 518
Option 3: 833 (have)
Option 4: 833 OD (have)
Option 5: 545RFE (goes with Hemi)


What do you guys think what combination would be best for towing and DD and help with resale value if I decide to sell the truck in the future?

 

318 with that standard transmission with overdrive will probably get you the best gas mileage. now the 440 with a standard transmission would also get better mileage than it would have with the 727 and would be lots of fun.

 

I know standards are fun. But would that hurt the resale value, not many people know how to drive standards anymore.

Which trans? The 833 OD has a lower 1st gear than the regular 833. Plus it has an OD. But the regular 833 has a nicer spread between the gear ratios. The rear gears in the truck are 2.94. Would have to change it out with the OD trans.


Doing a little gear ratio math and I found there isn't much of a difference between the 833 and the 833OD. The minimum speed I want to be at in 4th gear is 45 mph and with the engine turning at least 1500rpm. So with the stock rear gears of 2.94 the regular 833 will do this and at 60mph be turning at 2050rpm. The 833 OD would need 3.92 rear gears to do this and then would be turning at 1950rpm at 60mph.

Granted the lower 1st gear of the 833OD and 3.92 rear end would be nice for towing. But for a 100rpm difference at 60mph between the 833 and 833OD I don't think its worth the money changing rear gears. It would depend on the engine, the 318 would probably be better matched with the 833OD and the regular 833 would go better with the torquey 440.

 

I don't think a standard would hurt your resale value. I know that it thins out the market, but I think those people would pay a premium for them.

I really regret not getting an older truck with a 440 when I bought mine. My truck is fine, don't get me wrong, but if I'm going to get 12mpg either way, I'd rather be doing it with a big block.

I'm curious to see what your results are. I know a finely tuned motor with excess power can be surprisingly efficient, but I'm ever the skeptic. I get just north of 20mpg in my wee little ranger. If you do manage 20mpg, it might just push me off the edge to do a 440/833 swap in a few years once my truck becomes effectively emissions exempt.

 

I'm not that much of a dodge guy so the trans u listed are all just numbers to me.

I would go with either the 440 or the new hemi {probably the 440 cuz u have one and big blocks are cool} and a standard trans. money wise I think with a 5 speed guys who like standards would be willing to pay a premium for a truck with either of those motors.

My truck is an 85 as well and I have been debating dropping a hemi/5 or 6 speed manual combo in it someday in the future so if you go the hemi route be sure to post up pics and details.
Just curious how come you listed a 318 as a choice but not a 360 (mine has a 360)
and what kind of fuel injection setup would bolt onto the 440?

Good luck and have fun!

 

I have to say that a manual trans wouldn't hurt your resale value. Some of us won't buy anything with an auto. Since there are less and less manuals available, that market is getting smaller. Also, why are you already planning to sell it if you are going to all this work for a motor/trans swap?

 

I was going to build it on a budget using stuff I already have. 318 can usually picked up for dirt cheap. 360 are a little more. Unless I can find one in a junkyard.

There are probably some kits out there that would bolt on for fuel injection for the 440. Holley has a kit that will bolt on place of a carb, but that is a TBI kit. Mega Squirt-II will be controlling the fuel and spark. Its not a bolt on kit a lot of programming and wiring.


It doesn't have any drivetrain right now. This was supposed to be my first vehicle, my father and I took it apart down to the frame and were in the process of putting it back together. Dad lost his job had to move, truck couldn't go with. So it sat for a couple of years now that I am back I'm going to finish it. I'm just planning ahead for the future if I ever need to sell it.

 

I will agree with everyone above and go with a standard tranny not hurting retail value. I just recently bought a 1st gen and i would have definatly been willing to pay more for a standard, the problem was i couldn't find one because it seems 98% of them are auto. The market will be thinner, but im sure that people that want one will be willing to pay more. and go with the 440 imho.

 

So the setup currently is 440/727 and is it running or not? Lots of guys are dying to swap a big block in and you have one. You mentioned that you wanted to sell it originally so put it back together and get it running. The mystique of the 440 will sell itself and command a decent price. Keep it simple and see a return on your money. Even with a 318, I don't feel you will realistically see 20mpg.

 

I got 12 in my 86 with a mild 360 and 727 - both when it was stock, and with the mild massage and 35" tires, 8-10 mpg while towing. A 2wd 318 overdrive truck might knock on 20mpg, but I wouldn't hold my breath.