360 swap from a 318
#1
11-19-2017, 01:22 PM
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Great White North
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
360 swap from a 318
Hey guys,
I currently have a 97 B3500 with a healthy Magnum 360 in it, with a blown Dana 60. I had already prepared to undergo an expensive rear end rebuild, but I came across a 94 B2500 that only has a toast transmission, and it's ticking all the boxes on what I want with the van. It even has Cragars and BFs on drop knuckles and shackles. While I can simply cannibalize the transmission from the 3500, I had always planned on buying a 1500/2500 and swapping out the 318 in favor of the 360. I'm going to probe about and see how all of this can come together, and I'm going to speak to my shop about their availability and insight.
From what I have read, the models are all very compatible in nature, but is there any major issues with the idea of swapping a 360 in the 318's place?
I currently have a 97 B3500 with a healthy Magnum 360 in it, with a blown Dana 60. I had already prepared to undergo an expensive rear end rebuild, but I came across a 94 B2500 that only has a toast transmission, and it's ticking all the boxes on what I want with the van. It even has Cragars and BFs on drop knuckles and shackles. While I can simply cannibalize the transmission from the 3500, I had always planned on buying a 1500/2500 and swapping out the 318 in favor of the 360. I'm going to probe about and see how all of this can come together, and I'm going to speak to my shop about their availability and insight.
From what I have read, the models are all very compatible in nature, but is there any major issues with the idea of swapping a 360 in the 318's place?
#2
11-20-2017, 11:17 AM
360 will bolt right in, transfer intake and sensors from original engine, and it will all hook right up, and run. The problem you run into is, the 97 is OBDII, and the trans will be a 46RE, the 94 is OBDI, and the trans will be a 46RH. You cannot put the newer trans into the older truck, as the older PCM has no provisions for running the trans. You would also have to swap over the entire wire harness and PCM from the 97. Good news is, don't need to change the dash as well. 
Some re-pinning of connectors may be required...... as I am not sure just how the interior harness is distributed over the connectors.
Some re-pinning of connectors may be required...... as I am not sure just how the interior harness is distributed over the connectors.
#3
11-20-2017, 01:49 PM
#5
11-21-2017, 07:00 PM
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Great White North
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Beauty, thanks guys. I had forgotten about the balancing between the 318 and 360, and didn't clue in that with the OBDII change-over the transmissions would be different. All things considered, it looks like the 360 and 46RE are coming along for the ride. At least until I undergo the arduous journey of fitting an NV4500 because I like making things difficult for myself.