Hello,
My 5.9L V8 Mag was siezed, so i completely tore it down to the bare block and now im in need of some tips to maybe do some upgrades for better performance or to see what my limitations are. I guess what I'm trying to ask is it possible to make my 1500 into a 2500, just by putting the right parts into the engine? I feel like that's kind of a dumb question but if I'm going to put time and money into this motor, why not make it the best of the best. Any kind if feedback is helpful!
thanks

 

What was seized crank or piston? A 2500's came with different motors depending on the type. To convert a 1500 to a 2500 is more of a suspension/axle conversion.

 

What year is your truck?

 

You can do a lot with the 5.9 magnum motor to rebuild it for enhanced performance. It all comes down to how you plan to use your truck (ie: towing/hauling, racing, rock climbing, etc.) and how much you want to spend on your rebuild. You may also want to consider upgrading the transmission as well, if its a 46RE automatic transmission..

 

Thank you for all the great information. After having the crankshaft looked at, the damage is too extensive and isn't worth the rebuild. In the meantime I got scammed into purchasing a 1997 dodge 1500 5.9L last Friday and within 20 minutes of owning it the motor blew up going down the highway. Turned out a couple of the pistons detonated through the top of the oil pan and one tried going between two of the bores, so that engine is toast. So, I started with a 96 with a 5.2L that has a tranny that was rebuilt, but won't engage the gears, a 99 5.9L that has a transmission, but is most likely bad and a motor that was seized. And now, a 97 5.9L with a good tranny, but a blown motor. If all goes according to plan, the 5.2 from the 96 Is going to go in the 97 with the good tranny. Or maybe I should look into giving up! lol! Any advise on the driveway full of dead dodges? Lol. I am in desperate need of a truck, but i can't afford to replace the motor. It's looking like my options are kind of slim at this point, but would love any helpful advise or opinions on the situation.

 

Your plan to swap the engine from the '96 truck into the '97 is a good sound plan of action. Those years share the same transmission and transfer case between the 5.2 and 5.9 engines. Just be careful to ensure that you use the 5.2 flexplate with the 5.2 engine and make sure there is no weight on the torque converter, as the balancing for the 5.2 and 5.9 motors are different.

 

Oh ok. Great. That is good news. Now, when you say make sure there is no weight on the torque converter, what exactly do you mean by that? And should I use the converter from the 5.2 or the 5.9?

 

Please don't swap in a converter from a 46RE transmission that has issues. That can create other problems. I believe the weights are on the flexplate to balance 5.9 engines of that year. The 5.2 engine's flexplate should not have any weights on it. As for the torque converter that's in the good '97 5.9 transmission, if there are two small weight blocks tack welded onto the front of the torque converter, make sure to carefully knock those weights off with a chisel and a hammer. I don't believe this will be the case, but just in case, it's something to be aware of and check.

 

The 97 pcm is for a 5.9 so you will need one for the 5.2. It will run with it but the fuel delivery is for a larger motor.