Looking for opinions/tips for my build. I have a '99 ram 1500 5.2L magnum, and want to get as much power out of her as possible. The goal is to build a mean street/strip machine and thinking of a 390 stroker kit from Campbell Enterprises. I also have a nice turbocharger sitting around that I want to use. Im wondering what heads I should use, that are relatively cheap, but will take the beating. Also need a tuner obviously, and opinions on choice of transmission for this build. The truck will be used mostly on the track but still needs to be street legal for special occasions. Any help appreciated! and btw I am aware of the difference between building a 318 or a 360. I already have the 318, not going to switch to a 360.

 

Nothing beats the almighty cubic inch for building power. If you are going to go to the expense of a stroker kit, scoring a rebuildable core 360 from the local wrecking yard would be a drop in the bucket as far as the budget is concerned.......

Clearwater/Odessa sell NEW iron heads, with thicker decks, so, they are less prone to cracking than the stockers. You can get a good pair for around 600. Or, do the EQ heads (also new castings, thicker decks) that flow better, for a couple hundred more. Given you are planning on forced induction, the better flow may not be that much of an issue for you.

If you do an auto trans, be sure and build it to take the power you are planning on putting thru it. The 46RE, when properly prepared, could actually deal with quite a bit of power. (Mega Viper.... around 2500 bucks. That is JUST the trans.)

If you go manual, NV4500. The lighter duty 3500 wouldn't last long behind a turbo engine of any description.

We want PICS!!

 

What's it from/size info? It may not be suitable for your build. Twins would be better, They spool up faster.

Then building a 360 block would be the way to go.