I have a 1985 Dodge w350 that I want to kinda update. I have been seeing decent power numbers out of the 5.9L magnum V8's and they are available everywhere. So either I swap a magnum V8 engine into the 85 or another idea was to pull the cab off and put it on a 2nd gen chassis (either a 5.9 gas or the 2500 diesel with manual). Does anyone know if this is possible or if it has been done.

 

Magnum v8 (5.2 or 5.9) swap has been done to older vehicles numerous times. Many folks run a carburetor and intake on the engine and others have run some sort of fuel injection. To answer your question, it can be done. Just depends on how you want to go about it.

 

Well the factory wasn't to concerned with power #'s back then. The magnums can make more than what the factory listed with mods. The 4.7 HO made more than 5.9 mag. I have seen several different gens being used under vintage body's. The later you go the more electronics you run into. The frame usually needs to be cut/modified along with the body mounts. After that is done making the two work as one is the real issue. If you just plan on using a carb with no electronics a 95 or earlier is what you want.

 

Thank you for the info. I'll update as the project keeps going. So far with half of a duralast set and mix match tools I gutted the whole engine bay and interior.

 

The 2nd Gen frame is really close to the 1st Gen frame so a body swap I think would be doable.