my89mopar

Hows everyone doing? New to the forum and new to the Mopar scene as well. Anyway, I have a couple of questions about swapping my 239 v6 to a larger v8. I know the 239, 318, and 360, are all similar engines but at the same time have their differences. If I was to change to the bigger 318 or 360 from the 239 what kind of modifications am I going to have to do to the frame and the engine and trans mounts? Are the transmissions the same or am I going to need an upgraded tranny as well? Also am I going to have to modify the suspension any since essentially I will be adding more torque and power? And will an airbag suspension work if I do?

Have only had my truck for 3 weeks now so Im learning more about it everyday. It is 2wd and it has drum brakes on the front and rear. Am I going to have to upgrade to disc brakes in the front? I already think I am so I guess Im just looking for confirmation on if this is a good idea or not..

All help would be appreciated..thanks alot..

Peace.

78D200

Welcome!

What is the vehicle?

You should upgrade the tranny when you upgrade the motor as the trannies that come behind the V6 motors are not that strong. Otherwise, you'll need a radiator and some wiring. It really depends on the vehicle though. And yes you should upgrade to disc front brakes at least. You may need to upgrade the rear axle too.

TVLynn

Sell your currant truck and buy one with the V8.

You need a motor & Trans, new drive shaft, maybe new rear end
Radiator, motor mounts ??, exhaust, disk brakes, computer.
What year is it that it still has front drum brakes

78D200

The 239 came out around 1987. Everything should have disc front brakes.

my89mopar

The vehicle is a 89 Dodge D150 pickup.

my89mopar

Lol..yea I guess selling it and buying a new one would be the easy way out but I wanted a project and I got it for a good price. The vehicle is a 1989 D150 pickup. Its got a solid body..like one easily pulled dent and thats about it. Its an old gov't vehicle( I live near DC) so it was well maintained. I just want to turn up the volume on it a little bit and make it a street rod.

TVLynn

You can do anything with enough money. Make a Little Red Express truck clone

78doubleR

Motor swaps are simple. You can use the factory v6 mounts and trans if you'd like but that trans wont last long behind a v8. Its pretty much plug and play.

my89mopar

Thanks 78doubleR thats all I needed to hear. I was planning on doing the engine and trans at the same time anyway. What about the brakes? Updating the calipers..rotors..etc..are those just plug and play also? Kinda just wanna know some of the parts I might need so I dont have to make 100 trips to the parts store.

78doubleR

As long as they are off the same vehicle as your i don't see why they wouldn't work.

78D200

I'd look into a 1 ton brake setup before buying any brakes. If they will fit your vehicle, I'd say do it.

As far as the swap goes, you should be able to pick up a BB motor/tranny for about the same price as a small block. The trucks have so much space in them too that you'll have no problem dropping it in.

my89mopar

What do you all think about switching to diesel? Maybe a 4bt? Is it worth the money?

78D200

Only reason I would do that swap is if the truck were being used as a tow vehicle or if I wanted to up the "cool factor".

If you are looking for performance, I don't see that coming from a 4tb motor. Now a 6tb cummins..... that could be fun.

Gorts 5th

did you say that this 89 D150 has 4 wheel drum brakes thats a new one two me

my89mopar

I was wrong about the drum brakes. That was a post before you proof read error.

my89mopar

I might want to up the cool factor..lol. Thats why you do engine swaps isnt it? Lol. I might look into the 6bt. Never owned a diesel so I dont know what to expect. I do want to be abke to tow cars and trailers with ease though.

TVLynn

1T brakes will be 8 lug !!

Gorts 5th

i know diesels especial the Cummings is one powerful motor but i never liked the bleching out soot and smell and they still diesel not roar. lol
well at least its not made out of plastic like the new ford carbon fiber diesels

78D200

A well build LA motor, Magnum or even BB will allow you to tow a vehicle with the truck.

TVLynn - I know that 1ton brakes are 8 lug. This would be a perfect time for my89mopar to upgrade the rear axle to a 3/4 ot 1 ton D60 rear axle and then swap on a set of disc brakes and 76-78 Cadillac Eldorado rear calipers since they have the intergraded e-brake cable bracket. Talk about stopping power for all that torque and HP.

daisyjohn

Honestly your best bet is probably to get a donor truck that’s got a good engine and Trans just to save yourself the trouble of having to get one part after another.

DodgeAddict

That's exactly what I do You get everything right down to the correct bolts to do the job

pgalvan00

hello all, new member here... question: i have a 2014 ram 1500 v6 in great shape, low miles... but I would like to put a v8 engine instead. Is this an expensive job? What parts etc are needed... obviously not a gear head so not sure what all is involved. any help and insight is appreciated... i hope somebody reads this question lol