Hemi swap...puting an 2008 in a 2003???

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Dec 30, 2011 | 06:50 PM

#11

HemiDak-Quad

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Joined: Jan 2010

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From: South Carolina

Sounds like you did a great job on this , By staying with your truck wiring harness and PCM you didn't have to deal with EVAP-PURGE differences and speed sensors.....or other other headaches. I set my Dakota up with a 2003 Computer and harness , the only thing I didn't like about it was the ECM and TCM separation. There's not a lot of computer mods or super-chip options I could get for the 03', but it was fine stock any-way...
Can you post some pics of you're truck ? I'd like to see it...

Dec 31, 2011 | 03:46 PM

#12

jkel1124

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From: TEMPLE, TX

The only pic I have right now is my sig, but I can post more later. It's a constantly changing work in progress, but it runs great with no problems after 900 miles (other than fuel milage lol 9-13mpg).

Jan 9, 2012 | 12:02 AM

#13

HemiDak-Quad

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Joined: Jan 2010

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From: South Carolina

It damned sure looks good..AND you saved a TON of money doing this instead of going out and buying a Hemi Powered Ram.. I know "I can't afford one". If I want one I have to build it.. JUST as "YOU and I did".. You should be proud...I am..
I want to find a 4x4 to Rob the Transmission and front end off of so I can turn mine into a 4x4///If you find one PLEASE let me know..
Thanks...
George AKA Hemidak~Quad...

Jan 11, 2012 | 09:11 PM

#14

davb673

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From: Oklahoma City, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiDak-Quad

Congrats jkel! Nice job. Hemidak, I agree. Nearly every time I walk into the dealership someone tries to talk me into trading my truck. WHy? They don't build what I want--a 4.7 QC with a 6sp stick...

Jan 11, 2012 | 11:11 PM

#15

HemiDak-Quad

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Joined: Jan 2010

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From: South Carolina

Most people don't have the courage to attempt things they don't know much about.. They worry too much about what they don't know , instead of learning..

Jan 12, 2012 | 11:22 AM

#16

HemiLonestar

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkel1124

Here's a quick update. I did the swap last week, and everything went well. It started right up, and after about 150 miles still no check engine light. I had to use my original 03 wiring harness so there were some adjustments that had to be made to the 08 motor. I had to swap valve covers first, because the newer MDS Hemis use different coil packs and do not have plug wires. Then I had to cap off the EGR at the intake and head. I had to swap the throttle bodies. The only other differences were a few sensors that had to be swapped, as well as some accessories (alternator, ac compressor, starter). It was very easy...basically if the harness did not fit a part then swap with an old (03) part. I left all the MDS components as they were, and just left the harness unplugged at the back of the motor (03 harness has nothing to plug it into). Thanks for the help, and hopefully this thread helps others doing an engine swap.

I'm glad it worked out, plus you got the better coil setup. Question about that, did you cut the wires and solder/crimp the new plugs on, or use the original harness wires in the new plugs?

Jan 13, 2012 | 04:13 PM

#17

jkel1124

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From: TEMPLE, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiDak-Quad

I wish I would have read your post sooner, as I just sold the front dif, axles, drive shaft, etc. (probly way too cheap). I do still have the tranny and rear dif though (not that it would do you much good I guess). And Hemilonestar, I just used my original wiring harness, so I did not have to do any cutting/soldering/etc. The whole thing was actually much easier than expected and only took a weekend to complete. Thanks for the props guys!