I have a 1997 Ram 1500. It was my first truck and it's getting pretty old but I refuse to let it go. I'm deployed to Afghanistan and upon my return will have a little bit of extra cash floating around and have decided to do an engine swap on my truck. I found a 408 for around $4000. Any suggestions on transmissions? I have a budget of around $10,000 but don't want to spend that much if it's not necessary. This will be my first swap so any suggestions on what to do would be greatly appreciated.

1997 Dodge Ram 1500
318 (5.2L V8)
4x2

 

can yo get the PCM for the 408? wiring might be an issue. i'm watching this thread closely!! i know where one is as well.

 

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/dodge.htm -- you probably want their level 3 Mega Viper.

 

I'm looking into the pcm now. I don't see much of a problem with it. If wiring is an issue then back in the states I have a few sources at my disposal to help with that problem. I looked at the 3 Mega Viper transmission but I'm pretty sure i want to keep the truck an automatic. Seem's like a lot of unnecessary work to switch to a manual. Plus my wife doesn't know how to drive one and I sure wont teach her on this truck haha. I've been thinking about a super charger as well. Thoughts? I have another 3 months on the deployment to collect thoughts and parts until the actual project starts

 

The mega viper is a automatic. Wiring won't be a problem it's all the same.

 

im doing one myself. wiring is not an issue, its a direct bolt-in with a 360 magnum block. youll need sean aka "hemifever" to tune it via an SCT.

id go go with the mega viper trans as well

im building mine, where are you buying yours from?

go with 30lb injectors, m1 intake, 53mm fastman TB, and a 14x3. thatll finish off the top end for ya, as it sounds like your opting for a long block.

what are the specs on the one your looking at?

 

Edelbrock heads, forged bottem end with a242/248 with .580 lift and a 200 shot. If only money grew on tree's.

http://www.youtube.com/user/indy408#p/u/3/QROIDtk6zNE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id593EBOcN0

 

haha if money grew on trees... FORGET the juice! PROCHARGER!

 

Going to need some miracle grow to sprout a procharger.......

 

Build the 318, and stroke it to 390. 390 is a cooler number than 408.