how do i build the engine for torque? what does this sacrafice? would a v6 be better than an inline? i dont intend to pull, its a travelling van. i want a smaller engine for gas econ.
2007-02-28 03:15:16 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
after you spend 3000 to 5000 for the swap it will take 20 years to make up the gas money saved [if any[
2007-02-28 03:23:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be possible, if you could find the engine & a 6-cylinder model van to get the mounts & such from. Or you could fab up all the stuff to make it fit yourself. Honestly, I would leave it alone & try to make the 360 more efficient. My uncle's 3500 Ram Van has a 318 V8 with the extra long body (church bus style) and he said it gets around 14 mpg pulling a trailer. I don't think that's bad for a big van pulling a load.
The reason I say you might not want to swap: In some cases a 6-cylinder can get worse gas mileage than a V8. We had an old F-150 with a 6 cylinder that got worse gas mileage than my friend's with a V8 because the little engine had to work way too hard to get moving. I imagine it could be the same case in your van.
Realistically, I might try looking into a diesel swap for the mileage, although I doubt a cummins from a dodge would fit under there!
It might be a good idea to find out your rear end ratio and swap the rear gears out for a smaller gear ratio. Like, If you have 3.73's in there go down to a 3.08 or something. It'll take some torque away, but the engine will run at lower RPM at speed.
2007-02-28 11:34:30 · answer #2 · answered by Philip L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electronics is what kills you on all fronts, unless it is a VERY old van, even the gear change would upset the speed sensor. If yours does not have such things it is much cheaper to stuff the lowest numerical gear set that the axle housing will take. The 360 makes the torque of a big block and not worrying about loads or towing, it should handle it. A tip though, talk to the local performance rear end builder every city/town has one and they can tell you in an instant what kind of difference a gear change will make in your mileage
2007-02-28 12:07:59 · answer #3 · answered by cessna0518 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the smaller engine will have to work harder to get the van moving, and will end up using about the same amount of gas as the v8 would. just leave the 360 in there. like that one person said, it will take 20 years to make up for the cost of the swap.
2007-02-28 15:04:43 · answer #4 · answered by Halls of Colours 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
phillip l is pretty much spot on the money, though a cummins will fit,( its physical size is similiar to the 360, just a bit heavier) but youd also have to change the entire fuel,and most of the electrical system.but changing the gears in the differential will make a difference.also look into using a hi-flo air cleaner etc,which can help bump the numbers higher.you can also consider hi-flo exhaust systems,and even replacement exhaust manifolds.anything that lets your engine breathe easier is going to improve power and mileage.often just improving the power is all thats necessary
2007-03-03 07:20:50 · answer #5 · answered by yankeegray_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't be worth it to do this swap, your v6 will have to work harder than the V8 to get that heavy vehicle moving. Trust me on this, I own a V6(3.9L) dakota and a V8(5.9L) Dakota and the difference in mileage isn't that much maybe like 2 mpg.
2007-03-01 09:56:30 · answer #6 · answered by The Mullet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋