Thread: 87 Ram 50 Engine Swap

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I didn’t get any big stuff done in the last couple of weeks. I did get new heater core and control valve in and the heater box bolted back on the firewall but spent most of the time ordering parts to try to get the 10 pound of crap in a 5 pound bag and waiting on the big brown truck to bring them.

This is one of the tightest swaps that I can remember doing…….
With the engine in I could got measurements for a radiator. I originally ordered a 26” X 16” with two 1” rows. After it came in and I did the first test fit it looks like I can go the next size up and use a 26” X 19” so I’m waiting on that.


There’s no way a mechanical fan will fit, so it looks like I’ll be going with a 14” electric pusher, Hopefully, that along with the adjustable thermostat and relay will be in next week.
I was hoping to get started on the cable clutch, but to do that I really need to get the head pipes built from the manifolds to make sure I have enough room not to melt the clutch cable housing. The exhaust will run down the passenger side, and it gets tight around the starter. I looked around for something a bit smaller than the original starter…….some of the aftermarket gear reduction starters looked promising, especially the ones that were clockable, but I ended up settling on a mid 90’s GM unit (I used a 96 Camaro with 5.7 for the application) It should give the clearance I need, and I really like the idea of using something that would likely be on a parts store shelf rather than one I have to get mail order.



I got the starter bolted in yesterday and I’ve got to admit it really spins over the little 283. I which these had been around back in the days when I was doing V8 Vegas.

Even the air cleaner turned into a bit of a issue on this.





Part of it was I’m using an early small throat AFB, which required an adapter under the air cleaner. I came across an outfit that sales a 14” drop base for the early 4 7/32” throat AFBs so I ordered one of those…….$35 for the air cleaner base or $300 for a new AFB wasn’t a hard decision. I still had to go from a 3” to a 2” tall air filter, but at least the hood closes now.



Next week looks like more time under the truck getting exhaust built and maybe making the clutch work.....in between the 2 days of mowing the yard and arena and then getting over the allergies that get to me afterward. I sure will be glad when those 2 grandsons of mine get big enough to reach the pedals on the mower and Cade's getting real close

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