5.2L to 8.0L swap-Possible?
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5.2L to 8.0L swap-Possible?
Title says it all. looking to remove the 5.2L engine from my 1997 1500 and put in a 8.0L to get more low end grunt. I'm trying to make this truck a good off-road rescue for my foolish friends. also trying to mate to a manual. any recommendations would be much appreciated.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
Anything is possible, if you throw enough money at it. Might be easier to just find a truck that already has the 8 liter in it.
You will need the engine, a trans, wiring harness, PCM, Radiator, probably t-case.... as I don't think the 231 that is in your truck would survive long behind the 8.0 doing the 'tow vehicle' thing.....
If you can find one that was wrecked...... you could possibly transfer everything over to your truck, but, only 96-97 will work, due to changes in how everything electronic works.
I love everything about my 8.0, except the gas mileage.
You will need the engine, a trans, wiring harness, PCM, Radiator, probably t-case.... as I don't think the 231 that is in your truck would survive long behind the 8.0 doing the 'tow vehicle' thing.....
If you can find one that was wrecked...... you could possibly transfer everything over to your truck, but, only 96-97 will work, due to changes in how everything electronic works.
I love everything about my 8.0, except the gas mileage.
Professional
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 209
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From: Laquey, MO
Anything is possible with enough time, effort, and money. The real question is whether you have enough of those three to make it a reality.
In addition to the engine, trans, plan on having to swap the clutch pedal assembly, under hood wiring harness, PCM, front springs (to handle the extra weight of the engine), cooling system, steering column, and an endless list of small parts. The easiest way to manage this swap would be to find a V10 equipped running donor of the same model year as your 1500 so you will have everything you need and swap it over. Since you say you want to use it as an off road rescue for your friends, you'll probably also want to swap out the rear end (include the front if its 4x4) so you don't accidentally break something in the process.
Unless you get the donor vehicle dirt cheap or free and have experience swapping equipment, you're very likely to spend more time and money to get the 1500 to do what you want it to than what it would cost to buy a V10 equipped 2500. I've done the swap in a different powertrain thing on another manufacturers stuff and it really turned into a money pit. Yes, I got it going like it was meant to be that way, but it took a months instead of weeks and I easily spent as much swapping as it would have cost just to buy another truck.
This, of course, is just one person's opinion - this and $1.50 will get you a extra large drink at the corner gas station.
In addition to the engine, trans, plan on having to swap the clutch pedal assembly, under hood wiring harness, PCM, front springs (to handle the extra weight of the engine), cooling system, steering column, and an endless list of small parts. The easiest way to manage this swap would be to find a V10 equipped running donor of the same model year as your 1500 so you will have everything you need and swap it over. Since you say you want to use it as an off road rescue for your friends, you'll probably also want to swap out the rear end (include the front if its 4x4) so you don't accidentally break something in the process.
Unless you get the donor vehicle dirt cheap or free and have experience swapping equipment, you're very likely to spend more time and money to get the 1500 to do what you want it to than what it would cost to buy a V10 equipped 2500. I've done the swap in a different powertrain thing on another manufacturers stuff and it really turned into a money pit. Yes, I got it going like it was meant to be that way, but it took a months instead of weeks and I easily spent as much swapping as it would have cost just to buy another truck.
This, of course, is just one person's opinion - this and $1.50 will get you a extra large drink at the corner gas station.
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From: Bismarck, ND