I have always loved the way the first generations look they just look mean. I saw in a issue of diesel power a 1st gen with a 3rd generation motor in it.I was wondering how hard it would be to put a motor and tranny from an 03-05 dodge into an old style. If I found a wrecked 03-05 how much would the motor and tranny ( preferable a six speed tranny) be and what else would I need? any suggestions would be helpful.

 

There will be a lot of electrical work to be done. Get the whole truck if you want to try it, you will need the wiring harness, the ECU, and the PCM.

The engine itself will drop in. If you are doing a 4X4 you will need to adapt the trans to the transfer case because the pumpkin is on the wrong side to use the case out of the 3rd gen.

 

Would an 12 valve engine from a 94-98 be easier to install? If not how hard would it be to get around 500 hp from the first gen? The main reason I wanted the engine swap was for more power and better mileage? What kinda mileage would a first gen get with around 400-500hp get?

 

If you dont use the 4-500HP all the time, it will likely get the same mileage as with 160hp. I think the VE is capable of better MPGs overall, though I have come across some P-pumped 2ndGens that topped 25mpg. That is more common in the 1stGens, though.

Daniel

 

Very much so. No wiring issues besides the shutoff solenoid being a little different.

 

Thanks guys really appreciate the advice.