I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT that dropped a valve seat and also was only running on three cylinders (little to no compression on others). Long story short, it was determined that it was not a candidate for rebuild so it was either move on, or replace the engine. I got a good price on a salvage out of a 2003, same engine (4.7 VIN N w/o EGR) with only 90,000 miles. Had it swapped out and then 1/4 mile down the road, the "new" engine dropped a valve seat and has an issue with a rod bearing... So, talked to guys from shop and we all had a good cry about it. The salvage engine is under warranty and no problem there, but the yard does not have another 2003 4.7. So... they have a 2005 VIN N 4.7 w/o EGR in the yard. Will a 2005 4.7 work in a 2003? Is it just replacing the ECM and Wiring Harness or is there more to it? I have talked to the dealership and searched online but I can't seem to find a solid answer on it. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

As far as I know, it should be a drop in using your existing sensors and harness, as long as the crank tone wheel has the same number of teeth (which it should).

 

If it's vin N it should be fine I think the vin N is the 32 tooth crank wheel so that should work

 

Received the replacement engine yesterday. It is 2005 4.7 with 80,000 miles vin "N" and has 32 teeth on the tone wheel. Only hesitation was that the guy told me it did not have an EGR but this one came with one, so I suppose it can just be blocked off. The ECM plug has 4 prongs and appears to match up fine. Install is tomorrow, so I will let you know how it goes and if there are any problems. Thanks for the help!

 

Good luck!

 

Good Luck. I'm still waiting on mine to be finished at the shop

 

New engine in about a week, no issues. To recap, this was a 2005 dodge ram 1500 4.7 with EGR swapped into a 2003 w/o EGR. Replacement engine has 81k on it so should be good for awhile. Mechanic made a cover for EGR and it is not being used. No ECM swap and no CEL's. Purring like a kitten

 

Any performance improvements from the 2003 to 2005?

 

I went with a rebuilt from accurateengines.com $2600 vs 3500+. It will be here Monday, shooting for Wednesday to be finished with install im freaking stoked

 

No performance advantages that I have noticed yet, but to be fair my previous 287 was in pretty bad shape. I am getting 15 mpg now whereas before I was only getting 12-13 mpg (both stock only, no superchip, 20 inch rims). Also this engine only has 81k and the previous had 227k on it when I got it. I am hoping that the 2005 has the "updated" valve seats. Both 2003's I had had catastrophic valve seat issues. If anyone knows the answer to this....don't tell me. Just let me dream that the 2005 has the improved parts.