1997 Dodge Ram Engine swap 1999 5.9 into a 97 with 318

AFROVARP

MEMBER
1997 DODGE RAM

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Dodge Ram V8 Four Wheel Drive Manual

I am going to help a friend swap a 318 for a 360. We are going to put the 360 from 1999 dodge into his 97 pickup. It's a manual in the 97 and from what I understand we have to get another flywheel if I'm not mistaken. But my biggest concern is weather or not the newer ecm is going to work in the older truck, gauges and the like. I haven't messed with too many dodges. I just want to make sure I've got all my imformation in order before I start. Are the exhaust manifolds the same also?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Hi afrovarp. Welcome to the forum. The exhaust manifolds should be the same on the block but the runners might be larger in diameter for the 360 and the outlets could be positioned differently between the years. The injectors will be different. Can't tell you if the wiring harnesses will be the same but chances are the computers are different.

One important detail is with the flywheel you mentioned. The 360 is externally balanced, so two of the crankshaft counterweights are on the vibration damper and flywheel. Compare the outer rings on the two flywheels. They must have the same number and spacing of the cutouts. If they are different, the Engine Computer will not interpret the pulses correctly.

Caradiodoc