Ok i am contemplating doing an engine swap in the next 2 or 3 years. (providing i keep my truck). I Currently have a 2000 dodge ram 1500 SWB 3.9l v6 5spd (NV3500 5spd transmission) and i absolutly hate the lack of power. So i want to upgrade to a 5.9. should be a simple engine swap, at least that's what my head tells me. I am going from dodge engine to dodge engine which helps, right? my question is to whoever has done a swap like this. maybe not exact but dodge engine to dodge engine. I just want to know if there are any special headaches to avoid, or whatever. Common problems to deal with etc. Oh and i am keeping my NV3500 5spd with the new engine. LIke i said before this is not in the near future, but i like to plan ahead and have all the details taken care of or noted of.

Thanks guys.

 

computer,, wiring harness, fan shroud,, not real sure about the motor mounts

thats just what i can think of right now,,,, i have never done a motor swap on a dodge truck going fourm 3.9 to 5.9...v8 s10 on the other face

 

pretty much all you should need is a correct pcm i believe

 

Yup, you're right, the NV3500 manual should bolt up. Its obviously used with the 5.2L V8, and the NV3500HD 5-speed was used in the 2500s for the 5.9L V8.

While the engine is out, before you complete the transfer, it would be a good time to add some upgrades. The FI intake manifold from Hughes, or at the very least the Hughes plenum plate, for example.

 

i can find out what the difference between the NV3500HD and NV3500 is/are, but im sure it's just ratios. and as far as upgrades that is a good time and i probably will do the upgrades at that point

 

I apologize, I was incorrect. I just double checked my initial search... the NV3500HD was not used in the Rams.

The 2500s used the NV4500 for the gas 5.9L V8, and the NV4500HD for the V10/diesels.

According to my Google searching, the NV3500 can take over 300 ft/lbs of torque, but 300 is the ideal number to get the most years out of it. A stock 5.9L V8 generates at least 330 ft-lbs of torque (peak). That means if you plan on racing it now and then (for fun at the strip or whatever) and/or towing, anything like that, I'd see about getting a NV4500 for later down the road. A NV4500 can take around 400 to 450 ft-lbs of torque for its optimal life span.

 

hmm thanks ya. i believe i will run this one into the ground before i change thought. lol but i know what to get.

 

i've decided agains changin the motor. im just gonna sell this truck end of 2011 and get a 2002 cummins. better mpg. i know diesel costs more, but not much.

 

Diesel may cost more, but Cummins usually get decent MPGs (relatively speaking) to at least partially make up for it. And all that power to boot.

As long as you don't mind eating the higher initial cost of buying one, as their resale holds better, go for it.

 

i had my cousin's f350, single wheels shortbed extended cab for about a month and i've been in love with diesels since.