What are the options of upgrading the OBD-1 ECU on my 95 dodge ram for when I swap to a 5.2L from the 3.9L? Is there anyone that used a standalone aftermarket ECU, say from FAST? Also, can I use a Carb conversion in this Truck without too much issue?

 

You could upgrade to an OBDII system, (96 to 97, too much other stuff changed in 98) without much trouble at all. You ARE going to change the trans as well, aren't you?

 

If you are doing a stock swap just use a OBD1 5.9 pcm with engine harness and it be a bolt in swap.

 

I think the trans is a 42, or 44Rh behind the six...... won't last long behind a 5.9

 

Yes on the transmission; getting an NV4500 because the NV5600 6-Speed is not a fair swap I've heard. How difficult is the swap to OBD-II? Is there a thread on someone who did it?

 

Got a stick, NV3500 behind my 3.9L.

 

Sorry, nope on stock swap. Going for a 400+ NA 318 or 360; leaning more so to 5.2L.

 

Yer gonna have fun getting that much power out of a 318, and it will be useless as a truck. Your power band isn't even going to start until around 3K..... Don't bother trying to tow anything with that. It will just suck. You would be much better off starting with more cubes, which will make it easier to get those numbers. 408 or larger stroker would be even better.

 

Not planning on towing ever, unless whenever my family and I move. However this is going to be a long bed street truck and I also have 2010 Expedition that can tow. Will the stock 5.2L computer work with stout motor; same question if I decide a 5.9L?

 

Should use the pcm that matches the motor 5.2 or 5.9. If you plan on building 408(or any mods to stock) you will need OBD2 and a way to tune it witch you cant do with OBD1.