Hi there. I need some information from those that know.

I have a 2002 1500 Ram. It is 2 wd w/5.9 V8. I need a new engine. My question is, will I be able to replace with the Hemi 5.9? I tow, so looking for a little more or as much power as I can get. I have some friends investigating, but figured I would try to gather as much info as I could. Not knowledgable about mechanics at all, so please spell things out in layman terms if possible. If this is possible, what all would it entail?

I have looked in the forum search engine and read some of the posts from other people. I'm reading a lot about switching trannys also. Would this be something I would also have to do?

Thanks so much for any info anyone could give me. If you need anymore info from me, please just ask, and I will see if I know the answers.

 

What year of Hemi are you looking to put in the truck?

 

Well I'm not sure. I guess that would be another reason for me to be here. I am open to suggestions.

 

Not much advantage to a Hemi for a tow vehicle. The Hemis' strength is in the mid to upper HP department. The low end torque of a 5.9 will give a Hemi a run for it's money, although the Hemi will yield better mpgs.

A 5.9 will be a straight swap and be much cheaper. Also since the engine basically has been around since the late 60's, there are a plethora of power adders out there for it.

If it was me, I'd stroke a 5.9 out to 392 or better yet 408 CI and probably not have any more in it than just getting a stock Hemi then I'd stick that beast in there...

 

"I'd stroke a 5.9 out to 392 CI and probably not have any more in it than just getting a stock Hemi then I'd stick that beast in there..."

Remember, layman terms. Please explain this...

 

He would put an oversized crank in the 5.9 and bore the cylinders so the new displacement is 392 vs the original 360. Your computer is already set up to handle the 5.9 so to either stroke or rebuild your 5.9 is probably the best option as Hammer said there are alot more aftermarket parts for them. What is wrong with the current engine in your truck?

 

Please tell me what "stroke" means.

Still figuring it out exactly, but this is what mechanic said so far...

But before I write it all out, I will tell you what was happening.

It had no power. You could floor it and it would not go fast or with any power. Would take time to work up to even 55 mph. Even on level road. The rpm needle would race and drop and truck would loose power. Would have to take foot off of gas and then step on it again to get going. Also burning oil. Tranny was taken out and found no problems. No codes ever showed. Ever.

Mechanic: found all spark plugs have oil carbon fouling. Did compression test & found #6 cylinder has low compression. Did cylinder leakdown test & has leakage from exhaust valve but also has leakage from crankcase. All other cylinders compression were ok at appx 130-150 psi. Recommend engine rebuilld.

 

I see two ways to do this. First if you are really interested in mechanics and have a place to work. Start reading up on everything you can about your engine and auto mechanics in general. With the service manual, basic tools and a understanding of what you are getting into, gather a couple of friends and pull the engine and replace it with a rebuilt long block. This is pretty much all gunt work but you will learn a lot before you are finished. Second, tell a trusted mechanic to fix it and go home and wait for his call.

 

I have a.

an old neighbor who does this for a living and has worked on my vehicles in the past, who I know will do it, at a pretty decent price, but have not talked to him yet

and b.

a friend who is pretty knowlegdable about the mechanical part of it, who will do the job, for free, just wanted me to do some of the leg work of getting info on the swap.

Thanks for your input though.

For everybody else, I am still open to any and all info that is offered.

Thanks.

 

Problem with the hemi is that Dodge has all these computer controls and programs that make them run. You would have one heck of a time getting one to run, beside's, the computer needs a Starscan tool(Dealer only) to be programmed to run with specific components such as the odometer which is vin programmed to match your vehicle and key and your engine computer.

The best bet is for you to replace your 5.9L with another rebuilt 5.9L. if you want more towing power either have a cam installed before installing the engine in the truck(cheapest route), or just have your differential gears changed out(expensive route)
You can go used like THIS or just purchase an already pre-built reman unit like THIS
But i wouldn't reccomend you rebuilding your own motor if you are asking what stroke means! READ