So my lady's truck blew a head gaskets and I've been tasked with replacing it. Admittedly I'm not terribly familiar with the dodge engine family so I'm asking for advice.

So she's asking me to fix it, it has 230xxx miles on it of unknown type, but judging from the condition of both axles and transfer case, that I've already rebuilt last year, they were very hard miles. She wants more power and more rumble. I was thinking about going from 360 to 390. I don't even know if dodge makes a 390. So I'm looking for suggestions and explanations for why so I can learn. Also she wants to do the transmission, so suggestions there as well

Update: so after looking around a bit, I'm leaning towards going with a magnum 360 and intake, any thoughts?

Update 2: so still dealing with procuring a new transmission for the truck, and after researching I'm looking at going with a 47 transmission to bolt up to my magnum 360. And I've discovered that no one will sell me a transmission that doesn't match the vin on the truck. Being as the motor isn't going to match I don't really care about this anyway. So would any kind hearted soul out there happen to have a dodge 2500 or 3500 4x4 with a 360 and a 47 transmission in it that wouldn't mind if I use you vin number? Thanks

 

Various folks make stroker kits for the 5.2/5.9 engines. With that many miles on it, I would be tempted to just score a long block, and drop it in. Probably end up being cheaper than a rebuild...... Depending on what you get.

With 230K miles, the original engine is going to be pretty tired. Going to a fresh engine may be all the 'pick up' she needs. But, it would suck to spend the money, and be disappointed in the performance. There isn't anything else you can just drop in though. So, first thing is, how much power do you want, and how much do you want to spend. What kind of shape is the rest of the truck in? Trans?? Might be cheaper to just replace the entire truck with something newer, with more power.

 

Buy a short block or rebuild her's. Add EQ heads and a cam that works from idle to 4500-5000 RPM. You'll need an SCT tuner. With those miles consider rebuilding the throttle body, possibly adding larger blades for more airflow. Get VR plates for the manifold from Utawesome. New injectors and sensors would be a good idea. Find a set of Manzo stainless shorty headers and a Magnaflow exhaust.

 

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