I have a 1996 Dodge Ram w/ a 5.9L Magnum. 204K miles and starting to foul #8 plug and missing. I suspect gasket leak at the cylinder. The $3500 question is do I rebuild or just fix the intake manifold gasket. This truck is still in great shape - very little rust. Suspension is tight. What am I getting into? Any insite to the foul plug?

 

Update: Well I agree with the crate engine path! I put new plugs in and switched to high octane additives for now and the preignition (knocking) has disappeared. Still burns oil at about a quart per gas tank. I have been researching crate engine companies for the 360 Magnum and found Jasper online. They come recommended from my local service station. Any thoughts on crate engine suppliers? I'd really like to put some extra HP into this if I am going to get a new engine. The original only had 220HP factory. Jasper has a 310hp but they tell me it does not match up w/ this truck.

I can put headers and dual exhaust to help it breath. Also, there is a computer chip change that can be upgraded at a $$$.

Thanks for the feed back!