One question for all you HEMI fanatics out there. I've been thinking of doing a engine swap on my 1998 Dodge Ram Sport. I currently have the 5.2 litter V8 in my truck. I've always wondered if I could fit a crate HEMI (if they exist) in my truck. If not, I would have to find it at a junkyard or something. Has anyone done this? What kind of transmission would go well with this motor?

 

Anything will fit in any vehicle it just depends on your fabrication skills.

I imagine it wouldn't be to hard to fit in but your probably going to have to make some custon motor mounts, and like I said that depends on your fab skills.

 

you can get a crate hemi, and they make adapter plates for the stock tranny. even though it's a 'problem free' adapter plate, there have been known problems for some applications. i know it's vague, but i will try and find the article.....

 

Now, the HEMI engine is smaller (because of technology) than my current 5.2 Liter V8 isn't it? It should probably swap with no problem since there is a lot of space for the engine, in the way that this truck is designed. Correct me if i'm wrong. The only thing, as mentioned, would be the motor mounts, and what transmission to use, right?

 

All all the computer, and if you go auto trans you'll need the trans that the computer is made for. Its not as easy as swaping in a carb'd engine where theres about 5 wires to connect and your good to go.

 

that tranny adapter is for 3rd gen... but you could fab one up, if you have access to a water jet of some sort...

 

The odds of that are slim. I have access to one as well as some 3D Modeling experiance (UG NX3) and I wouldn't even attempt to make one.

Your best bet it to get a whole assembly from a junkyard (engine,trans,t-case) or a crate engine with a junkyard trans and t-case. The tran's in these are mostly electronically controlled. It will work w/out a computer telling it what to do but not to good. Meaning wierd shift points and such.

 

that's true, that's a lot of torque going thru a 'home made' plate. lol

 

So I guess that an engine swap on an older model doesn't sound so easy. I was thinking of swapping my engine for a crate HEMI, and add a powerful, custom transmission that would go with the motor. But I had not thought about the computer. I guess I'm having second thoughts now on doing that. It's just that it would be awesome to have a 2nd generation dodge with a HEMI. I haven't heard of anyone here that has done it.

 

I definitely think it's a cool idea. I've only had my truck for a couple of months and I don't think it's anywhere near time for a new engine with 93000 miles on it. But when the time comes I'll probably try and getnew engine if the body and everything holds up good because the 2nd Gens are just the best looking ones. The new ones are great too, but the 2nd Gen Sports are the best. Good luck with what you decide to do.