Does anyone have any advice on Crate engines for a 2002 ram 1500 with a gas 5.9 and 134,000 miles on it? I am having multiple cylinder misfires and one mechanic says I need to have the heads replaced, but the cost is quite high. If I am going to be putting that much into it I feel I might as well do a complete engine swap since the manhours are basically the same.

 

Check Ebay. You can prob fine a reman long block for under $2500 with exchange with a 2 or 3yr warranty too???

 

when mine goes it will be a crate stroker.......can you say "power". lol i cannt remember where now but i found a couple strokers for under 6K.

 

here ya go, this guy has had this on here for a little while now...
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pts/1031974798.html

 

Finally took it to the stealership and they came up with the same thing as the other two independent shops I spoke with! Time to replace the heads! Number 5 cylinder weak, they recommended pulling the heads and reworking them. I told them to just pull them and replace them. The estimate is around $2,500. Now I just hope the rest of the engine holds up for another 70,000- 100,000 miles.

 

it will hold up.

 

I'da done a 6.1 drop-in. Mopar Performance has ready-to-run plug and play crate engines made to swap right into a truck with a 5.7. 425 HP Dyno confirmed for $8995...

http://www.mopartsracing.com/parts/blocks.html

Although I gotta admit the temptation would be there for a SFI 392 crate, again designed to replace modern SFI engines, dyno proven 525 HP, but a bit pricey at $15,000...

 

if you want power: id recomment a 383 stroker tough as nails and loads of power
if you want longevity: Go with the new solid 350 crate motor. last as long as anything, and good power more than your 5.9 has.

 

But Hammer, that's only parts cost, not Labor as well!!!

I checked Ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...spagenameZWDVW

Used... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-...spagenameZWDVW


Paying more than $2k for heads is kind of silly when your bottom end has that many miles. I guess it's your choice.

 

they are LA's man, early '70s technology and not complete. These are drop-in's, an engine hoist and hand tools and you're home free! With 425 or 525 HP to boot! What the hell? It's only money, you can't take it with you, right???

Besides, if the body and all else is real tight, $9000 for a brand new 6.1 Hemi engine has a lot of WOW factor and is still cheaper than selling an engine-less truck and buying one!!!