I'm new here and new to the dodge scene. I recently picked up a 99 1500 quad cab for 3600. The guy said it was running rough so I test drove it. It seemed like it was misfiring so I just assumed a simple tune up. Well to my surprise I've got 5 lbs of compression in number 8 cylinder. So now I'm looking for a motor. The truck only has 142,xxx miles but I want to keep it. Thinking of doing the 360 swap and I've done research. I know you have to switch torque converter flex plate but when it comes to the computer I dot understand. Some people have said the injectors are same part number an that the computer will readjust. This is the only part I'm stuck on any help will be nice and yes I have used the search button but everyone's post is different.

 

Do a leakdown test before condemning the motor. Might be able to just do heads, and have a running truck.

if you DO need a motor though, the stock computer will run the engine lean while in open loop. (when the engine is warming up, and at large throttle openings.... bad, bad idea.) Being as your truck is a 99 though, you could just get a tuner from hemifever, and reflash (reprogram) the current PCM for the 360. Probably run 265.00 for the tune/tuner, and take about ten minutes.

Looks like part numbers for aftermarket injectors are the same for the 5.2/5.9..... Not sure how far I would trust that.

 

a new motor if gotten from a JY will have injectors with it.

 

odds are about 90% or better the problem is just a cracked head.
^ leak down test to tell.
then tear down and inspect.
if as expected, buy new heads from clearwater, plenum fix, new waterpump, timing chain, t-stat, hi-vol oil pump, rear seal and you're good for another 100K. cost will be close to $1000 (600-ish for the heads).

 

5.2 and 5.9 injectors are the same. I had Auto Computer Exchange in Davie, Florida reflash the PCM in my father's 98 after he swapped in a 360 for $100.

 

Would it be worth swapping the motors or just rebuilding. I can get a whole 360 with computer injectors an hear it run for 550 or would it be smarter to just have the motor rebuilt. I work at advance auto parts part time along with my full time factory job and I can get a long block for 1350 with my employee discount. Not trying to cut corners but save a little money if at all possible.

 

Certainly be cheaper to go with that 360... how many miles on it?

I doubt you can do a rebuild for 1350.00..... might be close though, trouble there is, you get a stock motor, with all the stock issues. (weak heads, not the best cam, etc.)

How long do you plan on keeping the truck, and what do you like to use it for?

 

I'm not sure ill know more Monday. I plan to keep it till the wheels fall off. I plan to use it for daily driving I want to lift it a little bit to get more clearance other than that that's it maybe some light hauling.

 

Then rebuild one. Either the one that's in it now, or pick up the motor for 550, rebuild that, and have a few upgrades under your belt as well. Not like fuel economy is that much different between the two.

 

What kind of upgrades would be recommended? Like I said I'm new to the dodge scene