So I'm replacing the worn out 273,XXX mile 3.9 in my 99 Dakota with a 1994 360 out of a 2500 ram van. Was told it was a 1998 318 at the junkyard and trusted the guy, but worse things have happened to better people. I've been forum searching and there were so many small changes between the years such as camshaft, intake manifold designs, egr. Also I think the trans may be a 46rh instead of a 46re now that I found out the year. I'd like to get some newer model oem parts to get to the 250hp 1999 specs instead of the 230hp. 20hp is worth a few junkyard runs to me. Also what do I have to do with vehicle and engine computers?

 

The 94 is OBD1, your truck is OBD2. Going to need at least the PCM, wiring harness, transmission, probably the instrument cluster. Probably more. Not going to be easy, or cheap unless you can find all the parts you need at a junk yard.

 

The blocks stayed the same throughout the life of the 360 right? So couldn't I change a few parts to bring it up to spec with what the 360 was in obd2 years? I don't have any ECU other than for the v6 currently in my truck which I accept I'll have to change.

 

That was my other profile I uses on accident sorry

 

The block is essentially the same but earlier 360's do have some major differences and not all parts are interchangeable. You should be OK though as your '94 engine is technically a "5.9 Magnum" and not the LA series 360 engine.

You will need to find a PCM for the 5.9. I'd suggest you either use your current transmission and go easy on it or find a 46RE for compatibility.

You'll also need to use the sensors, injectors, etc., off of a '99.

If you decide to not use the '99 PCM then you'll lose all your gauges for starters.

 

I'm not building for HP, its a standard cab rwd Dakota it's so light it'll be good fun without cam and head work. But even then I don't know about putting it in front of a 42re with 273,XXX miles. Any 1999 ECU work or do I need to get one specific to the Dakota? Aka the r/t which ran 1998-2003

 

The Dakota is not "light."

You need a '99 PCM for a 5.9, they do exist. '01 and up will not work due to bus changes, CCD to PCI.

I'd still suggest you find a 46RE. It'll plug right in. You will need to use the flexplate from your "new" 5.9

 

I was comparing to a 2500, but yeah I know what you mean. Yeah I'll track down a 1999 5.9 PCM. And definitely getting the 46re, current 42re would never hold up. Anyone know someone looking for a 1994 46rh? Thanks for the help