1998 Ram Eng swap 318 for 5.7 Hemi

[Big Dan V]

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup (318 cu in)and would like drop in
a Hemi 5.7 or 6.1 eng. What kind of problems should I expect?

[BleedDodge]

Transmission problems probably. I think Dodge made them out of glass.

[tony36]

Tranny, computer, maybe sensors in exhaust, motor mounts may be different, radiator may be different. Those are a few things to check out. IT should not be too bad since they put those motors in those trucks, but any swap entales a bit of changes.

[neon_rt]

The way I've seen that it could work is to buy the Hemi Crate motor that comes with the FI and ECU as a stand alone device. Otherwise you are going to need a donor truck that already has the Hemi in it and you will have to bring the ECU and supporting wiring to your truck. If the donor truck has built-in security it will not work b/c the BCM and security module will not match up. Because you are removing an engine from a newer truck you would be required by law to conform to the emission standards of the year of the donor truck. If you buy a crate engine, you are only required to meet the emissions of the year of your truck. Oh, BTW the Hemi crate motor is about $8000. If you want that much power, have a supercharger installed on your 318 and call it good. If you don't mind spending $8000 in engine (for the Hemi) and who knows how much more in labor,go for it, or you can spend less and get 350hp from your 318.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Originally Posted by tony36

Tranny, computer, maybe sensors in exhaust, motor mounts may be different, radiator may be different. Those are a few things to check out. IT should not be too bad since they put those motors in those trucks, but any swap entales a bit of changes.

Sorry they never had a hemi in the 2nd gens stock.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

Originally Posted by neon_rt

The way I've seen that it could work is to buy the Hemi Crate motor that comes with the FI and ECU as a stand alone device. Otherwise you are going to need a donor truck that already has the Hemi in it and you will have to bring the ECU and supporting wiring to your truck. If the donor truck has built-in security it will not work b/c the BCM and security module will not match up. Because you are removing an engine from a newer truck you would be required by law to conform to the emission standards of the year of the donor truck. If you buy a crate engine, you are only required to meet the emissions of the year of your truck. Oh, BTW the Hemi crate motor is about $8000. If you want that much power, have a supercharger installed on your 318 and call it good. If you don't mind spending $8000 in engine (for the Hemi) and who knows how much more in labor,go for it, or you can spend less and get 350hp from your 318.

Or if money really isnt a concern just drop the hemi in and supercharge that.

[BleedDodge]

Sometimes it makes sense to trade. Dunno what this guy's situation is though. Maybe he wants to pull trailers, maybe he wants to race...

[neon_rt]

If I had a '98 Truck (that was paid for) and $10,000 in my pocket to spend, I would probably trade in the truck for one with a Hemi in it and go from there. I've seen Hemi powered 1500's on used car lots for $15,000. It seems like a better value to trade the '98 and $10000 for one of those.
As far as the 6.1 goes, I doubt if you could ever find one at any price to buy unless you have some real connections somewhere or are willing to buy an SRT-8 just for the motor. I saw in a news article somewhere that Chrysler buys back wrecked SRT-8's so the 6.1 won't be available except through them.

[edvorak]

I am planning a 318 to 5.7 Hemi swap in a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 looking for information on swap only. I plan to buy a carb setup from XV motors this kit includes ECU and stand alone wiring harness. I beleive the engine will bolt to the stock trans is this correct ? Also have auto trans with overdrive and lockup torque converter, do I need a module to control trans? I am also not sure if engine mounts are same. any info on swap will be appreciated I have Hemi and am doing swap so do not try to talk me out of it.