Yeah im not wanting to go all out just yet. I just want a bit more power on the truck. 400-450hp is perfect for me right now. So im really only looking at the 408 conversion. later down the line i may do a performance build but i want something with ok power for my daily driver.

 

Keep in mind, stock, it is only about 245 or so..... I don't really define "a bit" as 150+ horsepower......

What is your end goal here?? I can't see spending several thousand on an engine, only to go back thru it again, before it actually needs it.

 

end goal is to have more power than the stock 01 ram in the 400 hp range.

 

Well, if you buy one already in that range, there wouldn't be any need for a 'performance build' later, would there?

Think I mentioned it before, but, when you have that kind of power to play with, don't expect your trans to like it much, or to last very long.

I am subject to the "Oooo that sounds good, and Feels even better..... lets do it again!" thing, when driving something that actually has a good amount of power. Yes, I am weak-willed.

 

I agree when u start getting 400+ I'd be concerned about the tranny. Maby a mega viper should be considered in your budget also. This project isn't going to happen overnight unless you order a turn key motor married to a trans already. To build it right and exactly the way u want u gotta consider everything. After u build internals and build the trans then u gotta find a good intake and exhaust/headers and consider what tires size u want to run. Maby a gear ratio change..... lots of work to do....Realistically u can expect to drop a motor in and be 100% satisfied

 

I have 115k Miles on the truck so i am expecting to have to do tranny work soon. I think my plan will be do the 360 to 408 and have 400-450hp see if the current tranny holds up for a drive, then if not immidiately get one. If it hold up probably go for about 4-5k more miles and go for a new one. My entire thing is if i can spend 15k on engine and get nice performance do that, unless i can find a truck with 400+ HP for under 15k

 

You will get a whole lot more for your performance with 400 horses stuffed into a car of some sort, than you ever will out of a truck. The dodge trucks were heavy, with the aerodynamics of a brick.... "Performance" isn't really a word I associate with them.... at least, not in the sense I believe you are thinking.

 

I don't want small car though. I love my truck. I was talking about a truck under 15k with that sorta power. Another end goal would be to have a ram runner look alike.

 

Viper? Well v10 motor

 

Mild 408...FTW.

I had a pile of parts for my 98 2500, R/T heads, M1 2bbl, Harland Sharp 1.7s, Pacesetter LTs, etc etc....I had my transmission rebuilt with a better converter...It pulls so much better now I sold all the parts except the headers, I still plan on those on one of these days. It tows my Dakota to the strip just fine, a 408 would be over kill for me.