Hey guys was wondering if you would have any suggestions. I'm fairly new to the forum, used it in the past to help figure out problems with my Dodge. I was currently trying to figure out an engine replacement.

Honestly the main reason for the replacement is peace of mind. I'm not the most technical when it comes to automotive, computers and such were always my thing growing up. in the past I've had freeze plugs replaced and I still seem to be leaking coolant all the time. Being younger and "not smart" about trucks I tended to only ever use water in the radiator, I never knew it had an anti-corrosive agent in it as well. I was not the most reliable when it came down to getting the oil and filter changed at regular intervals.

When it comes to the engine I wasn't looking for a huge increase in horsepower, I'm more concerned about being able to afford to put gas in the tank these days than anything else. Now if fuel-efficientcie and performance came in one package that is always great

I know, or think I know, some of the basics when choosing a new engine, short block vs. long block vs. turn-key. From what I've read up on before the short block comes with the least, long block comes with more (headers and such?) and turn-key is an engine thats ready to drop in (so to speak).

So my truck is a 2001 RAM 1500 V8 5.9L 4x4 from the spec sheet:

A07P 5.9L Engine(EML)/4Sp Auto Trans(DGT)
DGBS All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGT 4-Spd. Automatic 46RE Transmission
DHAP Lock-Up Torque Converter
DHKS Shift-on-the-Fly,231HD Transfer Case
DJCS 195MM Front Axle
DMDP 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRBP Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
EAAC All Engines
EAGC All Gas Engine
EML 5.9L V8 MPI Engine

Thats about all I can see that has any reference to what I'm asking about.
Any suggestions and places to look would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Steve

 

Unless you want to go big like a stroker, replacing with a 5.9 long block may be your best bet.

What part of Texas...

 

At one point, I found a place that had long blocks for about 1200. (not including shipping......) Been a while though.....

Don't expect much of a mileage increase replacing the motor....... these trucks just get BAD gas mileage..... Also, the more performance oriented the engine is, the worse the fuel economy is going to be.

You want at the very least a long block. Its basically a complete motor, minus the tin, and manifolds. That stuff you would have to transfer over from your engine. The turn-key fellers come with EVERYTHING... intake, sensors, the whole nine yards, but, not exhaust manifolds... I think..... would have to re-use yours. Short block you would have to use the heads and such from your engine as well... and if you are going for reliability, that's a step in the wrong direction.

Swapping motors is fun..... (for certain values thereof....) A lot like building a computer, just the parts are MUCH heavier, and more tools are required. You could pay someone to do it, but, JUST labor would run between 600, and 1000 bucks... not a cheap endeavor. If you have a friend to help, that has done it before, makes life MUCH easier.

Stick with another 5.9. Going 5.2, or 408 would REALLY complicate matters for ya.

 

And as much as I would love to drop a 408 in one, I would not even consider it without a mega viper behind it....

 

Very True....

 

HeyYou, I saved the link, cuz I might use the place.

http://www.precisionengine.com/rebui...par/index.html

They also have cheap (ish) crate 360's and 408's that they say put out decent numbers... I am curious about them, but I don't have the money for that right now...

 

Good man!!

 

Thanks for the responses,

I've seen that link on this site before but had no idea what I was looking for when I got there. Is one I'd be looking for their part number 6817?

HeyYou, I would love to tackle swapping out an engine myself, but I lack the time to be down a vehicle for long period of time. Doesn't seem to me to be a beginners weekend warrior project. I do have a few friends that might be able to help, something that I will have to look into later down the line.

So a bit off topic for this post, but have any of y'all had the problem with the cracked-to-pieces dash and found a good replacement? Cannot say that I'm a big fan of just covering it up with a carpet.

Thanks again!

 

I got mine from http://sandkindustries.com/DASH.html.

LMC Trucks also sells one. There are several threads on here about this.

 

Well thanks for answering, gdstock, I did a search and didn't find anything before I posted, appreciate your help anyway!