Dear forum users,
What would be a good engine, to swap into an 87 Ram 150 4x4 manual? I want to keep my truck a manual, have alot of power, be modern, and be reliable. Any good ideas? Thank you!

 

What motor is in it now?

 

depends one what you mean by modern or reliable. i don't think there is any easy or cheap solution if you want to keep the standard transmission. you can stick fuel injection on a old engine and it should make more driveable if that is what you want. it is really hard to make something more reliable. a carb is just as reliable as fuel injections but fuel injection can sometimes be a pain to fix or trouble shoot if you start having issues with it. carbs are simple but not as driveable as fuel injection especially when it gets colder out.

 

I would say get a V10 from a roached out plow or dump truck and hold on!!🤠

 

It's probably a LA 318. Magnum swap? It probably would be the easiest.
http://www.magnumswap.com/first-steps/

 

'87 still had a carburetor, I'd keep it simple with a create motor and keep it carburetor controlled, modern efi is a real pita to work on in my book, unless you understand electronics and have expensive scanners.

 

I have a 87 dakota and plan to do the same thing. (put in a more powerful motor)
To me, its a no brainer. Go with a magnum over the LA. Makes more power and the bottom end holds up better.
You can use a edelbrock 7577 intake. (converts magnum to a carb motor) and a small 4bbl carb.
Use a HEI ignition .
In line electric fuel pump.
IMO this is the easiest way to do it.

Assuming you have a 318 now, and if you use a 5.2 magnum, you can reuse your existing flywheel and clutch.
If you have a 360 or want to use a 5.9 you will need a different flywheel