Old Dodge engine

Tiny
HORSEDADDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1978 DODGE VAN
I recently purchased a 1978 dodge ram van b200 and it is going to need some extensive engine work. I was thinking of just replacing the engine instead of rebuilding the current one. What engine would you recommend?
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 AT 7:24 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,867 POSTS
Which engine do you have now? What's wrong with it?
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Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 AT 11:01 PM
Tiny
HORSEDADDY
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It's the original. Not sure which one. Online I see that there used to be a 6.6 and 7.3L v8 during that time. If I were to replace it what would you recommend I put in it?
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Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 AT 11:36 PM
Tiny
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The 318 c.I. Was the most common engine and was very reliable. The 360 c.I. Was a larger version but it used a cast crankshaft that has to be used with a torque converter that has a counterweight added to it. Otherwise it will bolt up to the same transmission. The left engine mount brackets will have to be repositioned between the two engines. Both of those engines have the oil filter on the rear passenger side. They are very easy and inexpensive to rebuild.

There were very few big block engines used after 1976. If you have one of those, the oil filter will be pointing forward at the front driver's side of the engine. You will need another big block engine to bolt to the transmission. The 400 c.I. Was the most common. The 440 c.I. Was still available but is very rare in the salvage yards because hot rodders gobble them up as soon as they find them.

There should be a sticker under the hood that lists the engine size. It will be on the right side near the spark plug information.

Caradiodoc
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Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 AT 11:55 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. Ill check
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Thursday, February 17th, 2011 AT 12:48 AM

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