Is there really that much of a difference between the two? I know the output numbers on the 5.9 is a little more, but I've been looking at the towing numbers and there the exactly the same. So i was wondering maybe the 5.9 tows a little easier... but the both seem like great engines.

 

Most ppl seem to have the 5.9 I know my truck has the tow package and one friend has the 5.9 with the tow package.

 

i know if you try tuning both engines with the same aftermarket parts, that the 360 is going to have considerably more horsepower and torque numbers than the 318

 

I completely disagree. In fact, there are some mods that produce more gains on a 318 then the exact same mod on a 360.

 

I have had both engines 2000 ram 5.9 and now my 98 with 5.2 stock there is not a big differance but my 98 has been a lot more reliable

 

The 5.2 with a manual transmission seems to be more reliable, partially because the nv3500 is a much better transmission off the lot than the 46re, or at least there seem to be less people with problems with it. And for the most part as I can tell the 5.2 just seems to have less issues. Its the same block, so actually because the 5.2 has more to gain to equal up to the 5.9 you can actually get larger gains from it, but the 5.9 was pretty detuned from the factory. But I love my 5.2, it has been a dream, its enough to push my 285's easily and I still can get up and move when I want to.

 

Ive owned all 3 genII gas motors

318 and 360 block are not the same
3.31x3.91 stroke/bore vs 3.58x4.00 stroke/bore.
318 internally balanced, 360 externally balanced.
Max stroke for a 318 is 390ci vs 360 with 426ci. (wont recommend it/408 better choice)
Both motors do share the same tb, intake manifold and heads.

Tow ratings are identical when using an auto with both motors. IMHO, Im skeptical about the 318s rating. Wouldnt be the first time they lied about tow ratings. (99/00 Dak RT tow rating reduced from 6200 to 2000lbs 2yrs after purchase. Wouldnt warranty damage if towed above that amount. Dodge lost class action and had to either take the RT back for full cost (lots tried to blow mtr before returning) or give free mopar upgrade parts.

Tow ratings with the 98 318 5spd manual are poor at best!
4x2 318
3500lb w/3.21grs
5200lb w/3.55grs
5700lb w/3.90grs
4x4 318
4800lb w/3.55grs
5200lb w/3.90grs

Only one modification that would give more hp/trq on the 318 vs the 360. That was back in 96 with the MP PCM. Havent been available in years but at the time the 318 saw 25hp/27trq vs 20hp/26trq for the 360.

Very difficult to get a 318 Ram to run faster than a 15 sec et on the 1/4m with bolt ons. Dont know of one to do it. 360 not that hard to get 14sec with bolt ons only. Mine ran 13.99 best et with stock tb, kegger, cam heads and all other internals(had wt reduction also). Friends from the track bought identical truck to my Indy but with 318 and were shocked how much slower it was then mine. When both new, 17.6 et compared to my 360 running 16.3

I owned a new 98 318 R/C L/B 4x4 w/3.55 gears rated to tow 7800lb trailer. With 5600lbs on the hitch it did poorly on level ground. On grades it sucked. Traded it in after 13months with only 9600miles on odometer. Hated that truck cause it was slow (no DF) and when towing got pushed around by the trailer as well as took forever to stop (electric trailer brakes)

Both motors will last a long time if cared for. Both motors are prone to plenum leaks and cracked heads. You see less issues with a 318 cause not as many of them made. Same thing with the 5spd manul trans, they are rare when compared to the auto 46re.

Please dont take offense to the above. Just trying to state facts. Tech info from 98 Mopar literature, allpar.com & personal experiences

 

huh, my 318 don't have any trouble pulling a 6000 some lbs bean wagon
and thats with the 46re and 3.55 gears

 

I dont know why you think the blocks are different blocks... they are the same blocks just bored out differently with different compression rates, and actually, the 5.2 has a better compression rate haha. The 360 is potentially a more powerful stock engine, but the compression rates are sh** so the 318 is a pretty comparible stocker engine. the base of the engine is the same for both magnum blocks, thats why everything that bolts onto each engine, still bolts on to both engines. some of the more internal stuff needs to be specified whether its a 5.2 or a 5.9 just to fit since they are set different. But if you tear both engines out, take everything off of the block and set them side by side they are exactly them same except the bore sizes.

 

And I dont know if I would tow any more than 4500 or 5000 with my 5.2... even with my nv3500 in it.


and I forgot to add that he is right about the internal and external balancing...I didnt read that that was rm-indy... haha, he knows what hes talking about. I thought it was some other fool, but yeah, all I was talking about was the base of the block completely taken apart before they change them in the factory, each one starts as the same thing at first. And I never thought that I could get my 5.2 to get into 14's easily, thats why I want my stroker and even so it wont just because its still lifted and big tires

And the 5.2's do get pushed around by trailers it kinda sucks...lol