Found an '89 Ram for sale pretty close to me, and had a couple questions. First, it has an automatic (is this the three-speed?). The auto was just rebuilt and has a B&M converter - is this a pretty reliable setup when mildly bombed?
Second, how much power can be expected out of the non-intercooled first gens? Are all the mods that apply to the IC'd trucks also apply to the older trucks, or is the IC a necessary first step? Thanks!!
Chris

 

I haven't heard of the 3 speeds breaking. Whether or not you need the intercooler depends on what you expect out of the truck. If you want high power while towing heavy, you need an intercooler. If you just want a snappy truck when empty, you can probably do anything short of POD's as long as you keep an eye on the pyro gauge. The non-intercooled trucks are very responsive to pump tweaks because they came with bigger injectors than the intercooled trucks.

 

i say buy it if it is at a decent price...does it appen to be a single wheel 350??

 

The transmission is basically the old 727 with a bigger pump. Mine had 142000 mles on it when I traded it after ten years. I did stuff that little truck shold have never done (swamped it to the frame, pulled stumps, etc) and never broke anything. I serviced the transmission twice myself and there were no problems inside at all. The only negative side I could see was the ride. In mine, 4X4, you could not haul a six pack of beer on the seat without blowing the caps off. I had a dump bed insert in mine and hauled 2 1/2 tons on it over that. I would buy it back today if I could fine it.

 

I have stock injectors and am happy without the inner cooler, for what I use it for. I plan on serious towing ability for the future, so intend on getting a cooler. For now, temps are rarely an issue. A cooler may help cool down at shut down some, but I don't have experience with one. The only thing I regret, wiht all the freeway use , is not having overdrive. But, I don't have to worry about losing it either. Mileage isn't bad without OD at lower speeds, but 65 and up hurts me. I do have a 4x4, a heavy flat bed, duals, and a huge, wind catching headache rack, that probably hurt my mileage the most. it snorts ok with the pump tweaks and I still have a muffler.

 

What gears do you have? Are all the 3-speeds 3.07?
Chris

 

Yeah, that's what I'm told. It's comfy on the freeway, cruises good 70-75. Tops out at 80-82. Tightening the throttle cable and tweaking the pump made it more user friendly on the freeway. You try to keep it at 80, it'll run there ok, but will suck fuel. I'm thinking of trimming the headache rack closer to the cab dimensions though.

 

The 727 tranny is a good one, but I know nothing about the B&M converter. I will bet at least it is not any worse than the factory one. Yes, all 3 speed autos came with 3.07 rear gears from the factory. I love my 90 but if I had to drive a lot on the freeway every day I would want an overdrive. I drive 65 to 70 most of the time on the freeway and it runs fine there. I myself do not like driving it above 70 unless passing someone. I think if you drive much above 70 you will lose a good amount of fuel mileage.

 

Im running POD's without an I/C and a fairly agressive pump setup. So long as you have a pyro and are able to back off if you need to, your temps will be alright. Good luck!

 

My 89 would run 72 on a warm day and 74 on a cold day nailed to the floor.

 

Do you guys with the big injectors tow a lot? I'll be looking to tow a ~10k trailer a few times a year. I'd like to up the power if possible. Right now, I've got an '88 7.3/C6 Ford F250 with 4.10's. (Yes, it tops out at ~55 ). Should the towing power be at least comparable to my current truck (or better, hopefully)? Thanks for all the responses, everyone!!
Chris

 

Love my 89 350 bought it new 176K miles on it and as good as new still! No problem on the hwy 2100 rpm about 75 with 235 tires. I think they were governed to stop at about 2400 rpm but that's a easy fix. I had a 11.3 Lance camper on it @ 9910# and towed a 4000 boat too no problems, never broke and still own it! and it is better than the 2003 I have at least I won't get stuck with the old one Also that auto trans is a cheep fix if you ever need it ..... buy it! I know I wouldn't sell mine for what I can get for it

 

[quote author=GO 4LO link=board=9;threadid=23827;start=0#msg225668 date=1071750589]
Do you guys with the big injectors tow a lot? I'll be looking to tow a ~10k trailer a few times a year. I'd like to up the power if possible. Right now, I've got an '88 7.3/C6 Ford F250 with 4.10's. (Yes, it tops out at ~55 ). Should the towing power be at least comparable to my current truck (or better, hopefully)? Thanks for all the responses, everyone!!
Chris
[/quote]
The towing power will be way better even stock. If you turn it up any, I'd suggest staying away from big injectors. You'll be able to get it plenty hot just by turning the main fuel screw.

 

Thanks for the input, everyone! By the way, midwestdually, it is not a SRW 350 unfortunately. It's only a 250. Thanks again.
Chris