engine swap 1989 318 efi into a 1986 ??

Just wondering what I need to do to make this work the 89 motor only has 81,000 kms but body is toast is it easier to swap bodys or motor and trans I am a newbie but owned Dodges my whole life I have a diesel 3500 and a 2005 sxt caravan

Not a bit of rust body excellent bad motor and trans

Just have to change over the intake and carb to the '89 engine. If you are thinking of swapping in the TBI system, don't. It's not worth it.

thanks what is a good combo intake and carb set up should I put a msd on it

Edelbrock Performer intake and Performer 650 carb, solid combo.

My nephew did that exact swap-Ill ask him about that when I see him.

cool how about the 4 speed OD push button trans what trick will I need to make this work without the computer and thanks for the help guys

Originally Posted by 86 ramroyal

cool how about the 4 speed OD push button trans what trick will I need to make this work without the computer and thanks for the help guys

Your timing is really good-I'm going to be hanging out with him a lot at the end of the week.We're moving 3 fin cars and a 71 Duster out to his place and it's a fairly long trip each way.
He's the guy to ask about that 4 speed OD-the kid's a genius with electronics.
Don't know where that came from.

You'll want an early one, w/ the mechanical kick-down. Probably need the TCM for it to work properly also.

this is neat 518 Conversion
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/SwapInformation.htm

nope. no PCM needed to run the OD on/off or the lockup. A toggle switch will do. I put a '92 518 into my 88. I used the lock up TC feed to work the OD solenoid since the particular 518 I had, didnt have a lockup TC in it.

Originally Posted by volaredon

nope. no PCM needed to run the OD on/off or the lockup. A toggle switch will do. I put a '92 518 into my 88. I used the lock up TC feed to work the OD solenoid since the particular 518 I had, didnt have a lockup TC in it.

So this would kick off the OD at lower speeds? If you stood on it at say 55mph, would it downshift to Drive?

YOu have both trucks. Go with the EFI swap. I have done this swap, it was fairly straight-forward. You will have to pull and replace the dash and the underhood wireloom, and put the newer fuel tank in to get the electric pump. Also, there was a problem with the steering column cruise wiring, I don't remember exactly ( this was done in around 1992 or so), but I managed to change some wiring to get it to work.
I put an 89 EFI in an 84 long bed, using all the 89 electronics. The vacuum operated swaps for the O/D trannys were not available then, but it may be the way to go now.