Engine swap or rebuild?
 

I have to make a decision pretty soon work my Dakota. Rebuild my 4.7, replace it or do an engine swap. There's no piston or block damage so the rebuild would be fairly inexpensive, for a 4.7l anyway, and a new (Remanufactured) long block 4.7l is about $2800. I'm thinking also for the engine swap going to a 5.9l which I'm pretty sure isn't fuel injected so there wouldn't probably Jane to be ECU change and a transmission change. Any ideas are welcome. I've rebuilt the top end once before, that was about $1600 with labor and machine work.

What is your goal? What is your budget? Once you have determined these two things, your path will become clear.

What is the problem with the engine?

5.9 is indeed fuel injected, but, that is not a trivial swap. Doing a hemi swap would actually be easier.......

No real problem exists, just has 310k miles on it and the truck needs to be repainted. Wanting to restore her to her former glory!

I never really considered the 5.7l option since it didn't come in the Dakota. Would I need to change the transmission?

I *think* it will bolt right up.......

Pssshhhh.... I got 299K and it feels like the engine is just getting broken in. These things can go for eternity if you keep oil and coolant in it.