Hey guys ive got a 1996 Dodge 1500 with the 5.9 it was a 318 P.O. swapped driveline out of another truck. So now its a 5.9 can anyone tell me the difference in the 1996 and 1997 5.9 Motors? Im not sure what was swapped over it could be pre 96 motor or after 96 who knows. The Engine gasket sets are different part numbers and it appears the head-gaskets look to be made differently in the fel-pro kits. 1997 and newer ( FEL- 260-1865 ) 1996 and older ( FEL 260-1723 ) Thanks!

 

There shouldn't be any differences. Aside from some changes to the intake manifold, they are all pretty much the same. Difference in head gaskets may just be thickness, as the head applications don't change from the beginning of the magnum blocks, to their end.

 

Do a comparison and see, The 260-1723 is a more complete set.
https://www.summitracing.com/compare

These are sealed power gaskets not felpro. I never used anything less than felpro so you don't know the quality of the gaskets. You don't want to skimp on gaskets.

 

Copy i won't skimp on the gaskets I will be using the felpro. Anyone know what stock size bore rebuild kit I should go with?

 

Have you checked your block yet? Make sure it is still within spec?

 

I haven't checked it yet but it's clean no build up or scratches I'm surprised. Heads even looked good in still replacing them with the monster magnums. It just doesn't make sense for me to not rebuild when I'm this far. I want to do seals since I'm cleaning everything up and don't want any leaks. so doing rear main seal and timing cover why not just pull the pistons too. Was going to do 1.7 Rockers too but now I might as well just do a cam.

 

+1 on having your block checked by your machinist. Nothing worse than ordering parts you think will work, only to find out that they won't work based upon what the block needs. For example, I ordered .030 pistons for a motor I was going to rebuild a long time ago. I took the block to the machine shop and they checked it and told me the block was already .060 and that I would need another block to use those pistons. Luckily, the machine shop had another block laying around that they sold me, so it kinda worked out, but I never forgot to remember to check my block before ordering parts.

 

I'll mic the cylinders and see what I get and I'll also look for numbers on the pistons see if they are stamped with a spec. I miced them and got roughly 4" the other day I will verify the exact number. I just left darlington SC for work Driving back to MD now I'll check things out better around lunch time. Thanks for the input so far guys!

 

Top of my pistons say
h655cp .50mm looked it up and it's saying 5.9 sealed power pistons are these factory?

 

.50mm is .020 haha dumb question so looks like I might not be rebuilding it. Throw on a gasket set and new heads and Intake and run it.