also just fyi (probably gonna get flammed for this but) i've looked around and the 360 has about twice the problems as the 318. just some food for thought

 

I have also heard about this too. But I also heard that there is a pretty big power difference but not a very big gas consumption difference. Seems like the 318's got the short end.

 

With more cubes, comes more power, and more potential power. The 360's don't have any more problems than the 318's. ALL dodge trucks have the SAME problems. Plenum, Trans, etc.....

 

but with the same upgrades the 318 gains more power for each upgrade. and its got a higher compression ratio than the 360. a shorter stroke means that it revs up faster and i do believe that the 318 does have less problems than the 360. sure the 360 has more potential to be more powerful but unless your going hardcore like boosted or stroked than i would personally want the 318. just think put 1.7 rr's and fix the plenum and get tuned (like all dodge motors should be) and wala you have more power than a stock 360 with a good plenum and stock tune (no deathflash)

 

what are 1.77 rr's

 

harland sharp roller rockers. give ya about 20 (ish) horsepower. don't need to modify anything just remove valve covers out with the old in with the new and BAM more POWER! there is a DIY in the FAQ section about it

 

make sure you get the flexplate and harmonic dampner for the 360 and you should be good to go.

 

My main concern right now is the transmission. We changed the fluid and filter today but its still acting up and making this noise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS12LTDwbRc most ppl think its the torque converter but its definetly coming from the transmission its self as it does it mainly in neutral and its the worst when the truck has reached NOT.

 

I get a very similar noise on my rebuilt trans, but that's due to the deleted trans check valve. My deleted check valve is a bit longer then the typical one so my hose rattles around and makes that sort of buzzing noise.

 

Thats your opinion, and highly debated. You also have to take into consideration that there were about twice as many 5.9L V8 engines produced compared to the 5.2L V8s, at least in our Ram 1500s anyway. So when comparing problems on the forum, you have to take that ratio into consideration.

Its easier to find more performance parts for the 5.9L V8 than the 5.2L V8. The 5.9L V8 is more detuned by the death flash than the 5.2L V8 as well.

I've owned both engines. I owned a Dakota with the 5.2L V8, and now this Ram with the 5.9L V8. The Dakota was about 1000 lbs lighter, and my Ram still had more pep to it before I put on a tuner. Not much more, granted, but more. The Dakota had 3.55 gears just like my Ram currently does, BTW.

Can you turn the 5.2L V8 into a BA of an engine? Sure you can. Is it a bad engine? No. However, the 5.9L V8 is superior in power, torque, and gas hogging.