Hemi engine swap! finally got it and starting swap, ill keep updating this as i go!
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: NH
MILK-E:
I did this swap to my 02 4.7 but used an 07 hemi. I wish I had gotten a hemi from an 03-05 ram because of the all of the computers, modules and wiring I had to replace. If you have one of these 02-05 rams get an engine from one of those years! There are two types of BUS systems that dodge uses and what ever yours uses get the hemi that uses the same. The years should all use the same type. You can tell by looking at the computer that comes with it. If it looks like your existing then thats it. You want to get as many of the same modules out of the salvage truck that you can; fuse box (TIPM = totally integrated power moduel), wireless key module, fuel pump and whatever else you can. You'll also want the engine wiring, engine bay wiring and the trasmission wiring-that will cover you for almost everything. Then you can use your transmission - the computer converts yours to a 545rfe (it's all coding to make a kick-down gear). Try to get the torque converter out of the hemi too-it will save you some headache. But the amount of power difference is tremendous. As soon as I hit the throttle it moves. Other issues your going to have to address is exhaust, I used OBX's header system for an 03 and it bolted right up. I used car-part.com for almost everything and saved a ton. Good luck!
I did this swap to my 02 4.7 but used an 07 hemi. I wish I had gotten a hemi from an 03-05 ram because of the all of the computers, modules and wiring I had to replace. If you have one of these 02-05 rams get an engine from one of those years! There are two types of BUS systems that dodge uses and what ever yours uses get the hemi that uses the same. The years should all use the same type. You can tell by looking at the computer that comes with it. If it looks like your existing then thats it. You want to get as many of the same modules out of the salvage truck that you can; fuse box (TIPM = totally integrated power moduel), wireless key module, fuel pump and whatever else you can. You'll also want the engine wiring, engine bay wiring and the trasmission wiring-that will cover you for almost everything. Then you can use your transmission - the computer converts yours to a 545rfe (it's all coding to make a kick-down gear). Try to get the torque converter out of the hemi too-it will save you some headache. But the amount of power difference is tremendous. As soon as I hit the throttle it moves. Other issues your going to have to address is exhaust, I used OBX's header system for an 03 and it bolted right up. I used car-part.com for almost everything and saved a ton. Good luck!
Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 656
Likes: 6
From: South Carolina
2003 to 2005 Motors are the way to go with a Hemi swap, With a 2004 Computer.
2003 wiring harnesses have a TCM ,so you can't reprogram the Trans..2005 and newer Wiring harnesses and computers have the drop 4 cylinder deal..when it's not under a load.
2003 wiring harnesses have a TCM ,so you can't reprogram the Trans..2005 and newer Wiring harnesses and computers have the drop 4 cylinder deal..when it's not under a load.
Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 656
Likes: 6
From: South Carolina
My Dakota Quad Cab Hemi is a daily driver. I haven't found an a/c hose that will work, and I still need to figure out my cruise control. Other that that all is great..I get around 20 mpg hwy, and 16 city. My motor is pushing around 380 hp..With minor mods..once I switch my 2003 wiring harness over to a 2004, I can hook a programmer to it and reprogram my shift points Rev limit and improve fuel economy even more. Then I'll start installing other things over time as I save money to get them. Headers, 6.1 injectors, high output fuel pump, Cam, and then a bigger throttle body, and perfomence intake..When I'm done I should be getting no less than 490 hp..
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 1
From: Ontario Canada
2005's do not have mds
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: buckeye az
Jerre.place:
Yea I got an 04 ram n when I had a job n money I was looking 4 a enginge out of a 02-04 ram 4 a hemi swap I was think of finding a reack truck 4x4 wit a hemi so I can have 4wd but id rather have a 2wd. And I would like the 4 cylinder cut off but I'm not looking forward 2 all the wiring problems its gana cause or all dat work. I was thinking bout rebuilding my motor n bore it out 2 a hemi specs but not sure if that's possible wit the 4.7 block
Yea I got an 04 ram n when I had a job n money I was looking 4 a enginge out of a 02-04 ram 4 a hemi swap I was think of finding a reack truck 4x4 wit a hemi so I can have 4wd but id rather have a 2wd. And I would like the 4 cylinder cut off but I'm not looking forward 2 all the wiring problems its gana cause or all dat work. I was thinking bout rebuilding my motor n bore it out 2 a hemi specs but not sure if that's possible wit the 4.7 block
Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 656
Likes: 6
From: South Carolina
Good catch Marx.. '06 and up have MDS.. There's nothing wrong with a 03 TCM and ECM combo,that's what I have..But I'm having a hard time finding upgrades,and programmers for that year..Most programmers say 04 to 06, or engine only..You can't change anything about the transmission..
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Lake Effect Snowhellzone
well here is another project update, it was running! idk what happened, but i have been starting and running it for like 5mins and then shutting it off for the past week when i can get up to my house so it can learn the cam, and other parts, now the last time i started it it was fine, but as i shut it down i heard a little bit of metal on metal, kinda like a piston seizing, it still rotates easily, so ill be digging in the motor again to find out what is wrong now, hopefully its something easy, i dont need anymore problems, i just want to drive it so friggin bad, and another thing is that i noticed when i took it out of park like 3 starts before it made that sound that the gear indicator on the dash had it showing that it was in all gears! i have never seen it do that before, and it has being throwing the trans power relay sense circuit code P0888, along with the trans system code P0700 that day, does anyone know of the top of there head any obvious reasons why it would trip those codes, i have checked everything i can possible think of, and for the obvious it has perfect trans fluid pressure, plenty of fluid, it never runs hot, no leaks, no cut or broken wires(new harness), def good grounds, etc... ill post up when i find out what is with the engine or i figure out what is going on with the trans!
Just read through the whole thread....a lot of work, huh....whew!
Anyway, Hemi engines do like a bit of exhaust back pressure, keep that in mind for your final exhaust design/choice. Goes against common logic I know, but bigger isn't always better.....unless you're running WOT all the time. Just ask the guys that cut the resonators off their Challengers what happens to the bottem end torque with the decreased back pressure.
The metal on metal sound....was that from the trans or engine area?
I'm wondering if putting a Eagle Hemi cam in a previous generation Hemi was a good idea. Don't know the specs offhand, but do know they make different cams for the different gens of motors. The lift and duration wouldn't be an issue with the proper tune, but I would hope you checked the bearing journals to make sure they were ABSOLUTELY identical. If not, could very well be your metal on metal noise was your cam bearings going up in smoke....dunno.
There are plenty of performance head and cam packages available for your generation of Hemi that will produce nearly the HP you can get going FI. Personally, that would be the route I would have gone in your shoes. Cheaper in the long run, and saves the future tear down for forged pistons, crank etc. you'll need to run decent boost.
At any rate, congrats, and good luck.
^
