I'm new to this website so i just decided to post here.


I'm looking to build out a 1999 360 magnum in my mud truck (It is a 1995 ram 1500) over the next couple years. It is entirely stock at the moment, i'm just starting the build lol. I'd like to start with a cam but I don't know the limits of the stock heads/valve springs. I'm not in a position right now to buy all new cylinder heads, but I don't want to buy all new valve springs for a giant cam, just to upgrade the heads 8 months from now. So i'd like to know y'alls advice on what cam I should go to first if I decide not to upgrade the valve springs. And what the absolute LARGEST cam I can stick in my magnum, with whatever supporting upgrades I'll need. I'm not too worried about the cost of the camshaft alsong as it's quality, (like comp cams or whatever else.)


If yall need anymore info I would be happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

 

I know the stock heads are limited on how much lift they can take without machining and I don’t know how much cam you can use with the stock computer and FI and I do know that the intake for a carb is crazy expensive but you might find a cheaper used one. Just something to get more answers for.

 

Dont look for much if your just doing a cam change....

But the MAgnum or the Extreme would be my choice.... Not going to set the world on fire.. But maybe gain 5-10 HP and a little torque at best. Dont look at anything over 5500-5800 rpms... you will be in trouble...

if it were me..... I would just save my penny's and build a 408-416 in the garage for a later date..
just my 2 cents
Keep us posted on what road you go down.... Cheers

 

Yeah, this will be be the first none carbureted motor I've built so I'll need to do a lot of research on multiport injection and such. Lots more questions than answers really lol.

 

Haven't looked into any stroker kits. You got any good options for me that would be worth the price?

 

Lot of mild to wild builds out there...... A lot is left unanswered for your mud truck? So kind of dont want to steer you in the wrong direction ....
Not sure if this is a street truck going to be a weekend driver or just a trailered off road truck?
But pencil together a basic plan and start pricing out parts.... Lots to think about... Some good 500HP 408 kits out there... But i would recommend find a good Machine shop that is fluent in Mopar builds to help you move forward... This way you get good feed back as well as lean while you go forward....
A good Short Block and AFR heads and a solid valvetrain is not cheep as well as the rest of the build, (Trans, Diffs, Gears, Convertor, ECU's, Fuel management, and so on.... But you got to have a solid budget and be willing to go above it at some point... Not sure if you have given much thought to that yet?

 

Getting a tuner will be a good idea with new cam. I used SCT. I got my tune from Hemifever but I think there may be better ones out there. Adding a data logger will help to really dial it in and keep it running best. Just so happens I never got my data logger installed and I believe I still have it new in the box. I think I have the SCT, I don't remember if I returned my ZJ back to stock tune before selling it but I think I did. Normally only ran the tune at the track. If not I think it needs to be unlocked.

 

Seems like a gem3 Hemi swap would be the most cost effective performance option.

 

My plan is to keep it mostly to weekend runs. It's not road legal and I don't really plan to make it that way, I'm not planning on running boost or nitrous either. Was sort of just using this website to get some baseline advice for the future, but maybe I'm biting a bit too much off going straight to a stroker kit? Regardless I really do need to get an actual budget set out and a solid plan for the future before I decide to go spending too much money. The cam was my original focus because it would be a fairly easy install compared to any bottom end stuff. Not afraid to do any bottom end work, just wouldn't be a quick switch out for me. Anyway I'll take your advice and go hit up either a machine shop, or one of my mopar buddies that knows what they are talking about and go from there. I'm really thankful for the advice, if things work out i'll send some pictures to one of these threads!

 

Sounds like a good plan.... For now, Here is some good reading for you...
Also check out these other sites as well, for a little insight to pricing and parts list..
the you can decide if you still just want to do a cam swap or save and do a complete motor to meet your goals....
I don't mean to take the wind out of your sails.. Just want to make sure to steer you in the rite direction... We are always open for discussion... so don't shy away.... OK!

https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/408-in...-mopar-westech

https://cnc-motorsports.com/catalog/...engine-500-hp/

For something a little bigger...
https://440source.com/

 

The best way to make a plan is to look at the big picture, your overall goals for your project. Power levels needed, both torque and horsepower and the cost effective way to reach your goal. Then you can start obtaining parts for your combination but be aware of the dreaded change in direction that can cost you big money so have everything worked out before you start.