I hope to do an engine transplant in the next several years but I want to decide what to put in
A 360 or a 318[sm=confused06.gif]
I hear the 318 is a better engine but pound for pound, I could spend the same amount on a 318 with cams, heads and all that fun stuff.as I would to start with a 360

I belive in the whole bigger platform, bigger power, but I also don't want problems with driveability.
any engine i put in will stay mostly stock for a while.

What is your input on the whole situation?
I like knowing different agles before i decide on something big like this.


(I currently have a 4-cyl '97[:'(] I want power to burn[sm=gears.gif])
EDIT:
If you guys have any other suggestions feel free to let them out <as long as they involve a V8
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AntiCrisis_Girl

 

I would think that in a single cab dakota that any V8 would be a considerable performance gain over a 4 cylinder. Heres what I would do, right now there is or atleast was a 360 shortblock for sale in the classifieds section. I would buy that and rebuild it and take your time as money allows. I think the 360 would be better than the 318 simply because it is bigger. Most of the mods for the 318 and 360 are the same, so other than the price of the motor most of the prices should be the same. I don't think driveability will be a problem as long as you don't go too crazy with the mods, but you said it would be mostly stock. I think if you bought that 360 you should rebuild the shortblock, upgrade the heads to the R/T models, install an RT+10 cam and roller rocker, modify the intake, get a fastman 52mm throttle body, headers/exhaust and a good air intake system. That all said I know its alot of money but that should give you a well performing and still streetable motor.

 

i have done many V-8 swaps in V-6 cars and trucks ,the first thing right off the bat after getting the motor built and ready ,you may want to buy a donor truck that had a V-8 in it for rear and tranny and front suspension components from the added wieght and HP from the swap.
also make sure the drivesaft is up to it as well ,if your planning on running the fuel injection then you will need the computer and harness from the donor too

another thing to concider is does the frame have added mounting holes for the relocated motor mounts ?

just alot of things to look at and if it is your daily driver can you do with out it for the cpl weeks to a month it is going to take for the swap

there is alot of things to look at then just pulling a 4 banger out and droppin in a V-8

just my $.02

 

I know you are like most of us, you love the truck you have but if I were you I would look at moving up to a 03/04 with low miles that way you can get something with a V8 and low miles and put your money into mods....and you could even think about a club or quad cab.....I traded in my 03 SXT V6 Club Cab for a 04 SLT V8 Quad Cab mostly for the V8 and second I wanted a 4 door.......after all you will have a newer Gen2 Dakota and can bulid your truck from the ground up.....and there are still 03's and 04's out there with under 20k on them left and right and when it comes to fuel economy and power you can't beat the 4.7L look at what fastman's done this his

 

If your set on trying a motor swap, go for the 360.

I have owned the 4.7L, 5.2L, and the 5.9L. All good motors. If I had it my way I would have the 360 with light mods and a manual tranny.

 

agreed... 360. plus there is a rebuilt block for sale in the parts for sale section... cheep! $650 IIRC

 

thanks evrybody.
I'll have to see what I can do in the next few months, I want to get some basic matinance done first, nickle and dime stuff but theres a lot of it
I might end up waiting until this engines gives up the ghost, something tells me it will be the next year or two.
I think i'll end up buying a ready-to-run out of a donor to make a realativly quick swap, I won't be doing this work myself,
I just can't take the chance, but I trust my mechanic and he's pretty quick.
I'll be in there helping but he's a pro. and he put 3 engines in my sunfire, and only charged for the one that finally worked

I don't want to trade this truck, I've already started some work and It's got sentimental value as my first car.
plus cars aren't selling too well around my 'hood
besides, i like to say how far this truck's come since it's had a rough life in the past (9 owners! 'tween north Ohio and Texas)
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Milk4You Cam

 

I don't know why people say the 318 is a better motor, they're essentially the same with a few significant differences. The 360 has larger crank bearings and a larger base displacement. Can't be bad things.

As far as heads go, the HD Magnum heads are better than the RT heads out-of-the-box.

And I've never heard of an RT+10 cam, but it sounds like it's for a V-10 and not applicable for the LA/Magnum V-8s.