89 RAM 250 engine needed

[hodad]

Just bought a new (well, to me it's new!) '89 5.9 liter 4x4 for use as a work truck. Truck is in good shape except for engine, which is blown. I need to drop in a new engine, and need to identify the range of engines I can use. I'm looking for a small fuel injected V8 (318), or another 5.9 L (if necessary). Fuel economy and reliability are more important to me than power. Complication: the engine in the truck is not original; it's carburetted (sp?). Anyway, I thought I'd get the appropriate engine from the junkyard (along with throttle body, sensors, etc), and turn in the core for a replacement new long block from Evergreen (I've heard they do a good job). In summary; I need to find out what engines will mate with the automatic tranny, fit the motor mount brackets, and not be too far removed from the existing electrical system. Anyone know what engines I can look for? THanks - Dave

[fredjacksonsan]

318 is a bit more reliable to my knowledge, as well as being quite a bit less thirsty. Adding the FI to it, you'll likely have to hook up the electronics but that shouldn't be too tough. You may be able to get an engine from the junkyard that actually runs, and save a bundle on the long block - for now.