I have recently purchased a 1990 RamCharger 4x4 for $1500. It has 230,000kms on it. The truck runs very good, but seems to lack power off the line. The truck has a possi rear end and the 318, but I can't even spin the tires on packed gravel or in the rain unless I go around a sharp corner. The motorpulls pretty goodover 40 kmph,almost the same as my 99 Ram 4x4 did.

Did these trucks with the 318 ever have the power to spin off the line? If so, do you think there may be a problem with the transmission (maybe torque converter) or is themotor just tired? Thanks in advance folks. I'm just trying to figure out if I should spend some money on the tranny or the motor.

 

the problem i had with my 86 was the carb now im not sure if yours would be fuel injected or not but i would start there and as far as the 318 goes thoes engines are what most of you race cars will run they are built for high rpms and the 360 are built for torq but it could also be the gearing in your transmission it all depends

 

I agree with eaikau. Your RC should have the EFI Throttle Body Fuel Injection so it maybe fuel related. I would start with maybe cleaning the fuel injectors. Might want to check the fuel filters also. I'm not sure about the '90 models but my '88 RC has one on the frame rail, drivers side and there is the filter with the fuel pump mounted in the gas tank. That tends to gunk up a bit over time. If those fixes don't improve anything, maybe do a compression check on the cylinders. Depending on the frequency of oil changes over the life of such a high mileage vehicle, the rings may be a little worn. The "88 and up 318's are the roller lifter, higher HP small blocks and they rev freely and perform well provided they have been regularly maintained from day one. Might want to check ignition timing also or it may be a clogged catalytic converter.

 

my 90 RC has the same problem...it's somewhere over 180,000 miles.....runs pretty good over 30 MPH but off the line it sucks....the 318 back then was only rated for like 200 HP...it does EFI, so try checking fuel filter and pump, could also try changing plugs, wires, cap & rotor and see if that helps....but my guess is that if it's like mine, the engine is just tired and is doin good enough to get by for right now...I'm buying a Mopar 360 crate engine and putting it in next summer...can't hardly build a 360 that has 390 HP with 420 ft-lbs torque for $3750 Chrysler employee price

 

Thought I should update this post. It's been a while since I've been on the site. I ripped out the 318 and put in a newly rebuilt 360 block. I used the stock 318 intake and throttle body. WAY BETTER!! Ended up doing the tranny too because it packed it in about 5,000km after the new motor was put in.