1998 Dodge Ram 360 / Auto

The 360 in my 1998 Ram is 230 miles deep and worn out. Works fine, but definitely down on power.

I have a donor 360 I want to rebuild. I'm wanting to keep this build basically stock for simplicity and cost purposes. Aside from standard rebuild procedures like bore, tanking block and heads, new freeze plugs and cam / rod / crank bearings... I am thinking of two changes.

Cam, and overbore / pistons.

What's a good cam you guys have used with the stock computer that improves things a little without being too aggressive, and will the stock computer handle a standard +.030 overbore and new pistons?

I've rebuilt a lot of engines, but nothing in a factory fuel injection environment.

 

I'd spend on replacement heads, the originals tend to crack. Call compcams or other cam seller, and have them quiz you on use, they'll make a pretty informed recommendation. I'd go stock if you're just using it as a truck.

 

I see you are lurking here

I don't think the computer can handle a .30 over if you are just using the stock cam, there is no need to replace it and unless you see something you don't like

 

Same situation. I can't even find a machine shop willing to recon heads anymore. There's aftermarket castings that are more durable they're willing to sell me for $425 which seems like a decent price. I'm thinking one of those mabbco short blocks for $1k and checking it over will do vs tank/plugs/deck/hang pistons on an unknown core for $850?

 

Replacement sounds like a better option than rebuild... and yes, the stock heads were VERY prone to cracking, due to thin deck castings.

 

You can get a set of updated casting (won't crack) for $650 ok eBay brand new

 

How could I verify if the stock computer will handle +.030? Is there a source with a solid yes or no?

 

I can't think for the life of me why this would be the case. I imagine you'll be just fine. I'm sure there are thousands and thousands of rams on the road with rebuild engines that were bored a big over and don't have custom ecm programming.

 

I fully agree, but, I know how picky these computers are. They do NOT like changes. LOL

In this case I'm thinking I'll do the bore anyway, but I would like to know how it'll turn out just in case.

 

I don't know how much I agree with that. They can't handle wild changes, but the closed loop operation (meaning PCM is taking input from the O2 sensors) is seeking a specific afr, and the slight deviation in displacement should be compensated for by the system fairly easily.

I don't have personal experience here though, so I can't say for sure.