74 dodge power wagon diesel

Neat project. I remeber when those were new and they did not make many of them. It had a surdy motor just not much HP.

----------------- The SnoMan

YOu are going to need to make sure that you install a vacum pump to run accessories that require it and heavier front springs for the added weight. If you really want to make it unique and bring a good dollar (if you want max profit) find a 440 V8 and put that in at as it was a option back then and some 4 wheeler would jump at getting a old restored Dodge with a 440 in it. If you do, use a 73 or later 440 as it will have hardened vaves and seat for unleaded fuel.

----------------- The SnoMan

I know but since you were considering one type of engine change, you might consider a 440 swap too as it would be a whole new "animal". 440 powered ones are REALLY rare today and one restored would bring top dollar.

----------------- The SnoMan

SnoMan

I thought this was a feature of the premium engine!

Bob AZ

SnoMan

I thought this was a feature of the premium engine!

Bob AZ

SnoMan

I thought this was a feature of the premium engine!

Bob AZ

If you are doing a first class restro YOU WILL NEVER get all your money back

When do ever get your money back?

Roy

If the truck is for off-road use only a roll cage might be worthwhile. Roll cages in street vehicles are a safety hazard unless all the occupants wear a helmet every time the vehicle is driven. If you get in a wreck and hit your head on the cage it's like getting hit in the head with a metal baseball bat. Padding on the bars isn't very effective either. That only reduces the impact to getting hit in the head with a padded bat. A frame mounted roll bar in the bed would be a better choice if you drive it on the street.

As far as finding a used engine, I'd first check the local newspaper for cheap running 440 donor vehicles. If you find nothing there check the junk-yards and eBay.

Big block truck conversion article:

You want one out of a motorhome or a boat. Do not worry about post-73 as you will want to have hardened exhaust valve seats installed in the heads: the induction hardened castings are of little benefit. I have seen running , but disgusting, motorhomes for less than a good engine: find one where the duffer died in it for a really good buy. Getting rid of the carcass is difficult, unless burning is an option.

I would rather have a 360 or a 383 for daily driving in a 1/2 or 3/4 ton because of fuel mileage. A 440 gives a little more power, lots more fuel burn. Look to intelligent gearing and tuning-exhaust, cam, and EFI-for pulling power, not raw displacement, unless you have a secret stash of free fuel.