440s can be simple. we used a '68 Chrysler Newyorker as a doner car. took the engine (we used the trans too) did a basic cleanup on it, new bearings and rings and a quick hone. completely stock rotating assembly. added a different cam, intake manifold, headers, carb. it makes an honest 450hp and somwhere over 500ft/lbs of torque. talk about low end torque, using stock heads and an 850cfm holley the thing makes most of its power between 2500 and 3500rpm. we put it in the yellow car in my sig.

 

i understand where your comming from with the FI and inspection stuff, but didnt you say that you were going to make this a dedicated trail truck?

 

this is a sort of easy swap considering it took my friend and i about 4 months to do the swap. in our spare time with no welder and a weak air compressor only hand tools a drill and a grinder not to mention the 5lb hammer (dang firewall). I probably invested $3,00 in here&there parts from mounts to fluids not including motor and trans. but it went in a 2wd and i live in NW Ga no emissions. i did keep the computer and factory gauges it does have an engine light and a gen light on, wonder why ? and it still needs adjustments and fab work done but it is drivable and functional and FUN! You can have overdrive there is an adapter plate for the small block trans but it cost. I say if you decide to change your motor to anything other than a rebuilt 318 do this swap just take your time it makes the ram a beast.

 

you could get yourself a 360 and make it into a 426 stroker. they sell them on summit and is like the 408 but cost some more money of course and thats why people dont normally do it they just settle for the 408

 

i know when i have enough money i plan on putting an ex cop car 440 in my truck. my dad had one in his car years ago and it use to go fast and have lots of extra torque. there use to be black marks in every direction leaving the driveway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9LT1omFAwc