Has anyone Swapped a v6 dodge conversion van to a v8? I found a spottless 1995 V6 van but I was looking for a v8. Don't know if it can be done, what mods are needed and mostly if it's worth it.

Thanks for any input

 

I got a V6 and a V8 Ram Van.

The V6 is by far the best for fuel economy. We've used the V6 B1500 for towing up to 3500lbs without too much trouble. Just stay out of the mountains if you consider towing with the V6.

The B2500 with the V8 pulls along just fine. In the mountains, I have to slow down and take it out of OD.

Doing an engine swap would cost you more than getting another Ram Van with the setup you need. The best place I have found for getting these Ram Vans at a fair price is www.autotrader.com AND since you live in Macomb, MI, it would be easy to find these vans in the auto-trader. I use to live in Utica, MI off of Mound and M-59 years ago. While looking for our Ram Vans, I would scan the Michigan listings too. Michigan and California have the most for Ram Van listings anyways. The auto-trader listed 14 for 1998 or newer Ram Wagon/Vans. There would be a larger listing for the older years too.

I got my B2500 from a non-profit leasing company and the B1500 from a local used-car lot. Both were priced below the Kelly Blue Book values, so that was a savings too.

The BEST conversion van company I've seen over the years is StarCraft. My folks have a 1993 StarCraft conversion Dodge Ram Van. The body is still in ecellent shape and the engine runs well. Even in Michigan winters. StarCraft pre-treats the conversion window cutouts better than the other conversion companies. Thus, the custom windows don't rust around the seals. I got that issue now with my 2000 PrimeTime conversion Ram Van.

The V8 5.2L would get you about 12mpg overall average driving. The V6 can reach 18mpg if taken easy. Of course, in the Detroit area, where would you get high mpg in that traffic anyways???

PS, Just one last note. If your really serious on getting a Ram Van, make sure it's a 1998 or new model. This last phase of the Gen-2 Ram Vans have plenty of upgrades for engine and vehicle as standard equipment over all of the older years.

 

How about this one in Sterling Heights? It's a 2001 conversion, V8, low miles 52k for about $11k. Make an offer like $9000 and not any higher than $9500. Make mention that these things only get 12mpg as gas prices are high and people are dumping this vans as quickly as they can. This would shankup the sales guy to deal enough with you.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=2&cardist=30


Here's a 1999 for about $9k. V8 and a small drive to Wayne, Mi. Low miles too.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=2&cardist=59

Here's another but with nearly 100k in Clinton Twp for $7k.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=2&cardist=91

So you can see how easy the Detroit area has an ample selection compared to other areas in the nation.