Hello all! Just joined and looked for some guidance from old and new heads alike. I just picked up my first project truck: '91 Dodge D150 with 80k original miles. She has the 318 with efi, and a 3 speed tranny. I'm quite excited!

Onto my questions: I want to eventually do a motor, trans and rear end swap. And have her be a reliable daily street/strip truck.. The motor is the hard part for me. I'm thinking about going with a 408 stroker but I'm not 100% sold on that yet. At any rate. I don't have any ideas on where to source a motor. Should I get a turn key? Should I build one? If I build one, where do I find a donor motor and how to I make sure I'm not going to blow up the motor with parts that are all out of spec? Sometimes i think I rather be safe and buy a turn key. But then I see things like "DON'T BUY A BLUEPRINT MOTOR!!!" Sometimes I want the experience of the build. Idk fellas. I'm just confused. So, what advise would you give me? A complete newcomer to building a motor is desperately needed assistance!

Thanks!

 

Jay -

Welcome. You're going to get a lot of opinions, so here's mine:

Your easiest bet (and maybe least expensive, if you can't do most of the work yourself) is a small block crate motor.
Places like Summit and JEGS should be able to supply a stout 360 that would be a pretty easy fit.

Sure, big blocks are cool, but fitment issues come in to play and you'll need a new trany, motor mounts and harnesses, at the very least.

Just remember, increasing HP, has a snow balling effect on other stuff you're going to have to do.

Archer

 

Welcome. First thing to address is EFI to Carb or expensive aftermarket MPFI for the larger 408. I did this years ago and you should know, the computer has an internal voltage regulator which won't work without all electronic sensor input, go to old style system. Keep the computer to run the dash gauges/lights only. It took me many days to figure this out.

Regarding the engine, I would find a local reputable engine builder and ask their opinion, and estimate on rebuilding a 360 or stroking to 408. If your building your first engine do a 360 with stock crank and rods to keep it simple, a zero deck piston, good cam and heads will make 400 hp no problem 350 hp with good gas mileage if you want. Don't get all your info from the internet, look up local car clubs or performance shops and ask for Mopar guys contacts, you can find a wealth on information from people who may have already done what your thinking of doing.

 

Thanks for your feedback!

I'm leaning towards a turn key or maybe a long block that I finish myself. I'm just concerned about getting a quality crate. I've read horror stories about some companies like Blueprint. I was really leaning towards them, but then started seeing horror stories. I'd hate to spend so much money just to be fucked 500 miles later. Do you have recommendations on reputable crates?

I'd like to get into a 408 stroker. I think it's a good compromise of small block size and good power. I do plan on beefing up a 727 tranny and swapping in a 8.8 rear end as well. Or something along those lines anyway.

 

Yeah, I planned on staying with a carb system. I have basically one friend who has done most of this stuff himself and I go to him for info. Other than that, I'm googeling lots of stuff lol. I'll try to get involved with the local guys and see what they say for sure! We have a decent car scene here in Pensacola, but I know little about the mopar side of things. Thanks for your help and input!