Dodge RamCharger Central banner
Cancel

5.9 magnum

577 Views 24 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Mad Max, 
K
Hey all, a yard near me has a 1999 5.9 magnum complete motor running, for $800. If I were to buy this for my 86 RC what all do I need to look out for?

is this a good price?
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
u2slow
Warranty? Engine mounts? Exhaust manifold fitment? EFI or switching it to a carb intake?

I believe the balance changes from LA to magnum, so that's got to be addressed at the flex plate or torque converter.
Reply
Save
Like
SuperBurban
A 99 will have the balance weights on the flex plate, be sure to get that.

$800 sounds high to me, but it comes down to warranty, and condition. Assuming you are going to a carb, You would need a intake, or get the heads redrilled to take your 360 intake. You would need 360 LA mounts, and an electric fuel pump.
Reply
Save
Like
Canadian country boy
$800 Is fair if it's a low miler and if its complete, and yes warranty. The Magnum is an awesome small block, that's for sure and its an easy swap. I would certainly check the condition of the oil and even a Ph reading because Magnum bearings tend to pit sometimes when not being used much which makes be believe that the acidity of the oil slowly eats away at the bearing material. It's about as common as cracked heads which is actually not as common as many fear it to be but it is still a possibility. As them if they did a compression test and what the number is, according to factory specs that say that 100 psi is normal.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
K
Canadian country boy said:
$800 Is fair if it's a low miler and if its complete, and yes warranty. The Magnum is an awesome small block, that's for sure and its an easy swap. I would certainly check the condition of the oil and even a Ph reading because Magnum bearings tend to pit sometimes when not being used much which makes be believe that the acidity of the oil slowly eats away at the bearing material. It's about as common as cracked heads which is actually not as common as many fear it to be but it is still a possibility. As them if they did a compression test and what the number is, according to factory specs that say that 100 psi is normal.
Click to expand...
The one at the yard is not a low miler but they have a video of it running. A guy an hour from me has a 60,000 miler still in the truck for 750.

I found a different one a couple hours away from me for 750
Motor vehicle Hood Automotive tire Vehicle Grille

with the tranny and a 205 t case From a 93. will the 205 work in my RC? I’m guessing the tranny in overdrive. Will that work with my setup? So many questions lol
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
jerseybud
Thats a np241 case in the picture. and yes it will work. just has to be pass side drop. some finagling with the OD but its been well documented how to do that
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Canadian country boy
Kohnkewfd said:
The one at the yard is not a low miler but they have a video of it running. A guy an hour from me has a 60,000 miler still in the truck for 750.

I found a different one a couple hours away from me for 750 View attachment 638663
with the tranny and a 205 t case From a 93. will the 205 work in my RC? I’m guessing the tranny in overdrive. Will that work with my setup? So many questions lol
Click to expand...
Get the 60,000 miler for $750, much better deal. Any transfer case will work as long as it is for a passenger side drop. The overdrive will work as long as it is hydrologicly controlled if you plan to run a carburetor.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
K
Canadian country boy said:
Get the 60,000 miler for $750, much better deal. Any transfer case will work as long as it is for a passenger side drop. The overdrive will work as long as it is hydrologicly controlled if you plan to run a carburetor.
Click to expand...
Ok, guy swears the t case is a 205. And how do I know if it’s hydraulic controlled? Sorry bro I’m learning lol.

Am I getting too deep? Should I just try to track down a set of 360 magnum heads?
Reply
Save
Like
Canadian country boy
Kohnkewfd said:
Ok, guy swears the t case is a 205. And how do I know if it’s hydraulic controlled? Sorry bro I’m learning lol.

Am I getting too deep? Should I just try to track down a set of 360 magnum heads?
Click to expand...
That's not a 205. It's not the transfer case that needs to be hydraulic, it's the trans.
I dont think you're getting in over your head, the Magnum is an awesome engine. The Magnum is more than just the heads, it's also the roller cam, cooling system and the belt drive. If you just use Magnum heads then you need the intake and valve covers to go with them unless you modify them. I say to swap the entire thing, not just the heads.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
K
2
Canadian country boy said:
That's not a 205. It's not the transfer case that needs to be hydraulic, it's the trans.
I dont think you're getting in over your head, the Magnum is an awesome engine. The Magnum is more than just the heads, it's also the cooling system and the belt drive. If you just use Magnum heads then you need the intake and valve covers to go with them unless you modify them. I say to swap the entire thing, not just the heads.
Click to expand...
Ok it’s confirmed it’s a 241.

I can get the whole setup for 600.

Automotive tire Motor vehicle Automotive lighting Rim Fender

Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle Tread
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
SuperBurban
For $600, I would jump on it.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Canadian country boy
Absolutely, especially with only 60,000 miles on it.
Reply
Save
Like
K
Ok guys the motor I finally secured is from a 94 truck. 5.9. It is a runner. Guy sent me video of it running.

I’m undecided on if I want to put it in my 86 RC or 89 pickup. The RC has a 360 and the pickup has 318. In the near future I will be body swapping the pickup with rust free cab and front clip so I was thinking it might be easier to drop the magnum in there since it will be torn down.

I know there are threads on here about magnum swaps. I have read some of them but after reading for a while it all seems to blend together. I’m getting old.

the guy said he will include all of the computer and wiring and such with the motor. Is that a thing? Can you swap the motor with the fuel injection and everything? That’s not really what I want to do though.

in the most basic terms I have just a couple questions.

i did see where guys had problems with the carb intake with the serpentine belt the A/C I think

long story short I guess, instead of questions lol

i want to swap the magnum into either of my trucks. I want to get carb intake so I can do the sniper system and I want to use the serpentine and A/C.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
K
Also, the motor has 130,000. Should I do any kind of rebuild or freshen up on it?
Reply
Save
Like
Canadian country boy
It's a straight forward swap. You need to use the old style mounts when swapping a Magnum into a 70's or 80's truck. Yes you can run the factory EFI in an old truck. The only issue with putting a carbureted intake on the Magnums with A/C is that it blocks the heater hose location but there are simple was around it using brass fittings or relocation of the hose.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Mad Max
I'll say this - if you're even thinking of doing a carb swap I'd definitely grab the Edelbrock 7577 intake asap - they will never be any less spendy than they are right now - $454 right now from Amazon ($30 less than Summit) -
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Edelbrock 7577 Performer RPM Air-Gap Intake Manifold : Automotive

Buy Edelbrock 7577 Performer RPM Air-Gap Intake Manifold: Intake Manifolds - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Carb swap and a simple aftermarket ignition/dizzy system is simplest by far. Another option is going with an aftermarket EFI system (will still need the Eddy 7577 intake). I just finished a Magnum refresh (not a full rebuild) and did a Holley Sniper 2bbl EFI - so far so good.

- Sam
Reply
Save
Like
K
Mad Max said:
I'll say this - if you're even thinking of doing a carb swap I'd definitely grab the Edelbrock 7577 intake asap - they will never be any less spendy than they are right now - $454 right now from Amazon ($30 less than Summit) -
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Edelbrock 7577 Performer RPM Air-Gap Intake Manifold : Automotive

Buy Edelbrock 7577 Performer RPM Air-Gap Intake Manifold: Intake Manifolds - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Carb swap and a simple aftermarket ignition/dizzy system is simplest by far. Another option is going with an aftermarket EFI system (will still need the Eddy 7577 intake). I just finished a Magnum refresh (not a full rebuild) and did a Holley Sniper 2bbl EFI - so far so good.

- Sam
Click to expand...
Yes the plan is to do the sniper EFI 4bbl system.
Reply
Save
Like
Mad Max
if that's the case, I'd HIGHLY suggest the 2bbl vs the 4bbl. The 2bbl flows 580 cfm which is more than plenty to feed a 360, and plenty to feed a 440 with a truck cam too. Have a read through my Dakota's build thread - I had a 440 with a Sniper 4bbl and changed both out for a 360 and a 2bbl, and I'm much happier. The 4bbl was WAY too much, and in the end just wasn't awesome - tho it'd probably be fantastic for a hot 4-speed street car. So anyway, check this out and see what I went thought, just FWIW...

www.ramchargercentral.com

'02 Dakota QC 4x4 SAS - "Oxx&quot...

well we picked up our 'new' off road machine...so time for a fresh thread ;D Thankfully this one doesn't require two years of build time to use and just a few 'tune up' items that need to be addressed Not sure what it's name will be....so for now we're just calling it the 'Dak'. It's a 2002...
www.ramchargercentral.com www.ramchargercentral.com
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
SuperBurban
2
I dunno, Edelebrock may drop their price. Looks like the chinese have found out small block mopars exist. $250 less has some talk to it. Will be interesting to see the reports on it. Like most chinese items, it will probably be real bad, and real good, no middle line.

Interesting way they accomplished the dual bolt pattern. Using both holes, and inserts to block off the unused holes.

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: ESRKHOW Dual Plane Intake Manifold Compatible with 1967-2003 Small Block Chrysler Mopar 318 340 360 V8 5.2L 5.9L : Automotive

Buy ESRKHOW Dual Plane Intake Manifold Compatible with 1967-2003 Small Block Chrysler Mopar 318 340 360 V8 5.2L 5.9L: Intake Manifolds - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com




See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
SuperBurban
2
Interesting, they added a temp port for the rear of the head.


See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
Dodge RamCharger Central
RamchargerCentral.Com is a Dodge truck community built by a vast number of experienced owners. Whatever you're thinking about doing from routine maintenance to full-on restoration, odds are somebody around here already has. Originally focused on the Ram Charger / Trail Duster, our members own, drive and wrench on Mopars from the 40s to the current day. It's not what you buy, it's what you build.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Vehicle Help Open Discussions Technical Discussion Ramchargers, Traildusters, Durangos and other SUVs Rams, Power Wagons, D/W 50s, Dakotas and other tru
Top