I have a 1988 Ramcharger and wanting to install a 5.9 magnum. I want to be able to use the TBI and not go with a standard carb. So I am trying to find and older style with the magnum motors so I can get the wiring harness and have the least modifications possible. I know the 93's had the magnums, do they date back any further.

 

i think 93 was the first year for the magnums. the magnum swap is a fine idea there is a lot of people doing that nowadays but keep in mind if u use the fuel injection instead of a carb u will have to install a high pressure fuel pump usually in the tank and then u have the wiring and computer to try to hook up so its a pretty big deal to install. if it were mine i would use the magnum engine and order a carb style intake edelbrock makes them,and use your original ignition from 88 or u can get an hei style distributor from ebay for like 60 bucks. then a four barrel carb and away u go. so we got carb,intake , and ignition, vs computer, wiring harness and high pressure fuel system to make this possible i personally would go with the carb but u can do what u want ,just do ur homework on this kind of swap before u get started and i hope it works out for you

 

92 was the very first year that Dodge rolled out the magnum motor line in the trucks.

You can use the TBI on the magnum motor but you will need to change the intake. You should anyways as the dome style is restrictive.

 

You can use any magnum you want.

You CAN use your TBI.

The heads on the magnum ( better for flow and oiling) are vertically drilled for the intake mounting. Your LA heads are drilled differently.

So you can use the whole magnum long block, switch the head gasket to Fel pro SD head gasket. Gets you .054 compressed thickness to keep the loaded map program happier, fill your current intake holes and re drill vertically using a gasket as a template.

I would mag the heads when they are off to make sure there are no cracks.

Like mentioned above: Use a magnum intake for a carb and you will make significantly MORE horse power.

But fuel injection has advantages. You will NOT see a gain in fuel mileage with the TBI. You may get better mileage with a carb because you tune the motor much more accurately. TBI isnt friendly to modifications.

 

Yes your correct, though in 91 the took a LA short block and put a magnum top end on it as kind of a guinea pig for chrysler.