So i have a 1998 dodge ram 1500 sport with the 318 and 230xxx miles. I found on the craigslist a 1997 318 with 204xxx miles that runs good for $125. So i figure, if it runs good now, then the internals should be in good shape for a fairly cheap rebuild? My question is, will the ECM work from a 97 to a 98? He isnt sellin that, nd i dont really want to go through the trouble of getting another ECM for my truck. I think a few things might have changed around 98, so idk. I really dont know if itll matter, considering Im NOT a professional and this would be a first for me, so it may blow up lol...i really hope not though. Any comments on my question or for a first time build would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

Yes. the PCM doesn't recognize engine block, only sensors. If the sensors are different, use the ones from the 98.

 

^That.

The only other issue I could think of would be that in 97 there were some anomalies regarding plastic fuel rails and I think two temperature sensors. The sensors I'm not sure about, but the 97 trucks DID have plastic fuel rails.


(all other years had metal, weird, but that seems to be accurate)

 

You are correct. 97 and older had two temp sensors, 98 and up only had one. Just use the intake that is currently in the truck, and the various sensors off of it. Some of the connectors and such changed as well.

 

Well i guess if all i gotta worry bout is a couple of sensors and swapping the intake manifold, that aint too bad. Like i said, i aint no professional. but I saw the motor and i thought it would be a pretty good project with me and a buddy. Im just gonna rebuild this motor while rackin up the miles on mine lol, then make the switch when the time comes. Im just thinkin basically stock rebuild, with the HS 1.7s, double roller timing chain, portin and polishing heads, doin kegger mod, and maybe underdrive pulleys (?), then finishin it off with headers &true duals with a custom tune. Hopefully that dont bankrupt me haha

 

If you do the build slow enough and don't get carried away it won't.

Redneck Ram spent 4k on his 360 build, but I think he did way more than you're talking about doing.

 

Don't forget the plenum plate.

 

Damn. Forgot about the plenum too... Thats another thing I gotta buy

 

if you don't already have a plenum plate, get the one from ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-JEEP-ALUMINUM-PLENUM-PLATE-BELLY-PAN-318-360-5-2-5-9-MANIFOLD-REPAIR-KIT-/200928251930?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec841d01a&vxp=mtr

like hey said, you'll need to put a 98 intake on that 97 engine, so you'll either have to swap yours over, or get a 98+ from the junkyard. i think???? the 98-01 intakes are the same.

 

The 97 does have different plugs on most all of the sensors, so you'll have to swap those. I swap the entire throttle body to make is easier. The 97 also had a different oil pressure sender you'll have to swap.