Dave E

If this is already some where in the Forum I apologize but I did some digging and couldn't find exactly what I needed to know.... I am swapping out the 360 in my 1986 W250 manual trans for one out of a 98 2500 auto trans. What are my best options here? I have already decided not to fool with trying to swap over the fuel injection, just gonna go with the magnum carb style intake and a decent carb (and an electric fuel pump). My biggest issues lie with exhaust and bolting the magnum up to my 4 speed granny low trans. I have done some searching and it appears the flywheel is not a direct bolt but has any one done this and found a simple cost effective solution? My clutch is fairly new would hate to have to buy new also not really wanting to have to buy a new flywheel.
Also should I purchase headers to fit the motor or the truck?... will headers for an 86 LA style bolt up to a 98 Magnum? Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Oh! also FYI parting out the rest of the 98 2500 I snagged the motor out of so if you need some thing feel free to let me know

DodgeAddict

You need the flywheel that fits your Magnum engine There's two ways to do the swap all depending on whether you are using A/C

Here's how I retained my A/c in my 84' RamCharger

TVLynn

Not sure on the Magnum But on the LA you needed to make sure the crank is drilled for a pilot bushing for the manual

DodgeAddict

I've done seven of these swaps but none with a standard trans

Dave E

I appreciate the suggestions guys. I have found a mopar performance flywheel specifically designed to make this swap possible but it is SUPER expensive (especially considering the off hand nature of the project). I am just trying to avoid buying expensive conversion parts for a ***** and giggles kind of engine swap. I know that a big difference between LA and Magnum is the balance.. could I possibly just balance my flywheel or will it not even bolt? Is it possible that I just buy an inexpensive magnum flywheel (ie AutoZone special) and my clutch will bolt up? I was really hoping the swap would be easier given the truck to truck swap. I should have known taking a newer auto trans motor and trying to shove it down into an older manual trans vehicle would be mildly complicated. Anyway thanks again for all the advice.

Dave E

Huge RamCharger fan by the way. I had a 1990 and fell in love with them!

DodgeAddict

Thanks, I waited a while for mine.

A good machine shop can balance your wheel

PK1

Exhaust will work as Magnums and LA are same.

1995-1999 Ram 2500 series Z vin code. Manual transmission was offered on 360 magnum.

That may help.

Dave E

I know what it will come down to is having both powertrains sitting on the shop floor in front of me and just trying to make it all mesh together. I will definitely update as things progress! for now I am just waiting for my magnum engine being freshened up.

Coronet 500

I think that is what you'll have to do. I was curious and searched but found few answers. My son and I hashed it out and what we came up with is the pilot should not be a big issue and to keep your old clutch pressure plate a new magnum flywheel to get the correct balance drilled for your pressure plate (hopefully same size for starter. The best is probably getting that same flywheel for comparision and balance the old flywheel to it as long as it bolts to the newer crank. Good luck and keep us posted.

Dave E

I love Mopar but sometimes I think it would be so much cheaper if I loved another brand!

Tony Bluemn

but if you want a good Dependable truck Dodge is the only way to go and just saying if you're a true Mopar fan it's Mopar or no car right?

TopHat

Any update on how this turned out? I myself am debating the same basic swap. I can't find a decent running 360LA engine for my 85 D350. Seem to be a fair amount of Magnum 5.9 engines fairly local. Being that this is my trailer pulling truck, I would really like to keep the NP435 trans. Just wondering how this swap turned out when done, or if it got done.

Iowan

If they haven't been back in six years its probably not the place to find out. Try a new thread with what you'd like to know. 👍