I need a little input. I have an 86 w250 with a 318 engine. Which in my mind is a good engine but not enough power for a 3/4 ton truck. So I went out and found a 440 magnum to replace it. That engine is out of a motor home. I was wondering if there is any special tricks or modifications that I am going to have to do to my truck before I put the new engine in? Also will I have to buy an adapter kit or swap out my transmission for the engine to bolt up? Any help on this issue would be greatly appreciated. As it is this is my first engine swap. Thanks for any help.
LILBIGMACK
sherdep
04-17-2007, 10:04 PM
When I was 17 I had a 74 Duster I was going to swap a slant 6 to a 360 (5.9 V8) and these were some of the things I had to look at when I was going to do a swap.
IMO It would be cheaper to build a Performance 360 since the block is the same as a 318 then trying to fit a 440 in your truck.
may need headers for the engine swap if the factory 440 manifolds dont work.
will need the right motor and tranny mounts.
may need to get the drive shaft shortened or lengthened possibly
I know in the older Mopars going from a slant six to a 318 you needed the K Member but not sure about your truck .... almost too bad ya couldnt look at an older junk yard truck that might have the big block in it for parts or reference.
Which tranny do you have .... not sure if the bell housing will fit or not (part that mates the tranny to the back of the motor.
High torque starter and the correct torque converter.
Don't have to cut the frame, but you will need a big block trans and probably a 205 t-case.
buck99
04-18-2007, 08:57 AM
You will need a rear sump oil pan and pick up if it does not already have one. Also the stock brake booster will interfere with the valve covers so a small diameter one will be required.
buck99
04-19-2007, 10:34 AM
I went out and looked at my 85 D150 parts truck yesterday and the cross member is still drilled to accept big block engine mounts. The rear set is for big block and the front for small block. If you use factory big block truck engine mounts use the rear holes. If you use car engine mounts (eg: out of an old Chrysler or something) use the front holes. This will cause the 440 to sit lower in the frame rails though and may cause the headers to be very close to the frame. Drive shafts still fit either way.
jeepzilla
08-09-2007, 04:25 PM
I am swapping a jeep inline 6 for a 440 so I feel your pain brother. check out wilcap for tranny adapters, he's making me one to go between a viper tranny and my engine. also you may need to find out if the 440 you have is a RB or Wedge, you may need to look at your hood clearance
Speed Dragon
08-09-2007, 10:13 PM
RB's are all Wedge engines, as are the B engines and the LA engines. I think you meant whether it's a B or RB engine, but in a Dodge truck there is plenty of room for either.
