i have a 96 dodge ram 1500 5.2 reg cab. there's a couple of local adds for a V10 with trans, and a 440 with trans (727 auto). what would be the better of the two and most cost efficient swap with my 318?

 

Efficient doesnt go anywhere in that category, if you're into high end power and an old school kinda sound i would go with a 440, if you're into towing and ripping a house off it's foundation then i'd go with the V10

 

I say the most cost efficient would be to go the 390 stroker route with your 318. Or buy a 360 and go the 408 stroker route.

 

the 440 with 727 trans is $500 and was working before removed. read a little on the 727 trans and their supposed to be bullet proof. What would be the costs associated with swapping out my 318 and trans for the 440 and trans? i'm no mechanic by any means but appreciate the comments

 

727 is whats in my first gen ram, they'er awesome trans but tend to go through filters

 

Are you planning on doing the work? It can be done.
If so you will have wiring nightmare if you want to stick either combo in your truck.
Especially ignition system, ignition is completely different on V10.
You will need PCM for V10 if you use the V10.
You will need to wire basic electronic ignition system for the 440.
You will have to fabricate mounts for the 440 combo both engine and transmission.
You should be able to get V10 mounts thru, dealer transmission mounts may work.
Different drive shaft for 440 combo, V10 may be same length.
Fuel system will be another fabrication project.
Fuel system in your truck best matches the V10 setup, about 49psi.
440 systems would work with much less fuel pressure.
Radiator upgrade for either combo is necessary.
That’s what I can thank of right off the top of my head.

Dave

 

do you reallly want to put the V10 in a 1500, you will have to change your front suspension, the springs and the shocks, as the oil pan will be scrapping the pavement from the second you put it in. yes it has 2 more cylinders but it almost weighs as much as the diesel. Understand also that should you choose the V10, consider that your gas mileage is GONE, the only mod on mine is the headers and i am still getting around 6-8 around town and 10 with the wind behind me on the highway. i love my V10 but your going to spend alot of money on just the suspension and everything else that your going to have to do to put it in. you'd be better off with another V8 alot less of a headache. Just accured to me that and i could be mistaken but the frame for a 1500 is not the same as a 2500 or a 3500, point here is that the frame may look like a pretzel after the V10 has torqued it. i also forgot to ask what state are these V10's w/ tranny's located?

 

And is your truck four wheel drive? If it is, the trannys need to be out of 4x4's as well, or, come with the transfer case. If they are 2x4 tranny's, you will be paying out the nose to have them changed over to work with your 4x4.

If your truck is 2 wheel drive..... and the tranny's are as well, then, it will just be a matter of getting the correct driveshaft length. Of course, either way, you still have to make either engine run. The V-10 will require some serious effort to make it go, the 440, on the other hand, not so much so.

Bear in mind, the 440 will NOT break into double digit fuel economy. The V-10 might.... but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

2500 is an inch or so longer

 

i'm trying to remember but i believe that somebody on here wanted to put a diesel in a 1500 and the frame was the topic of discussion and someone had mentioned that the frame was not rigid enough to handle the diesel. or maybe that was one of my mind altering induced chocolate ice cream cakes doing the thinking for me again?