1990 Ramcharger engine swap
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
1990 Ramcharger engine swap
My son and I have been working on his 1990. We made a good buy 3 years ago. Perfiect body, good interior, current 318 runns good with no oil leaks or smoke, all for $2500.00. We have rebuilt the front end, resprung the rear end, and rebuilt the brakes. I was wondering if anyoone has changed out the motor and trans for a new Magnum engine and trans. How hard would it be to swap the computer for this swap? We want a little more power, but must maintain the the emissions to pass current EPA rules here in San Antonio. That means no carbs.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: PA
RE: 1990 Ramcharger engine swap
It shouldn't be that bad of a swap. 91-93 Ramchargers came with Magnum engines (Magnum 318's were available from 91-93 while Magnum 360's were available from 92-93). Dig around the local junkyards and look for the wiring harness and computer. If you can't find the computer, you could always go for a Mopar Performance comp.
Tranny wise, it'll be the same unit as you have now, with one exception. The Magnums have a crank sensor which sits between the engine and tranny (basically a proximity switch that counts small metal plates welded onto the flywheel). You'll either have to notch the tranny bell housing on your current tranny for it, or get the tranny out of the donor vehicle or from an aftermarket source. I seem to recall a how-to on notching the tranny for the crank sensor, so if you do a search on Google, I'm sure you'll find it.
Tranny wise, it'll be the same unit as you have now, with one exception. The Magnums have a crank sensor which sits between the engine and tranny (basically a proximity switch that counts small metal plates welded onto the flywheel). You'll either have to notch the tranny bell housing on your current tranny for it, or get the tranny out of the donor vehicle or from an aftermarket source. I seem to recall a how-to on notching the tranny for the crank sensor, so if you do a search on Google, I'm sure you'll find it.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Apex,NC
Captex
If you are looking for more power you could swap in a 4bt / 3.3 Cummins or a 6bt / 5.9 Cummins. I would go with the 4bt because you can get close to 30 mpg with this application. The 5.9 is good for up to 22 mpg. Oh did I mention both engine have capability of over 500 hp and up to 1000 ft.lbs of torque. Would that be enough power for you?
If you are looking for more power you could swap in a 4bt / 3.3 Cummins or a 6bt / 5.9 Cummins. I would go with the 4bt because you can get close to 30 mpg with this application. The 5.9 is good for up to 22 mpg. Oh did I mention both engine have capability of over 500 hp and up to 1000 ft.lbs of torque. Would that be enough power for you?
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Great question and some good responses. I am wanting to do the same thing. I have a 91 RC with a 360 4brl carb with 250,000 miles and runs like 100,000 miles but want more power and better gas mileage so would love to drop a low mileage 5.7 hemi into my RC but worried on how hard that will be.
