Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Replacement for 53 block?

[JeffD]

I need to replace the 53 block in my '99 Ram. What years of donor long blocks will interchange? Will a 2001 block work, if I change over the injectors, and pump from my '99?



Jeff

 

[klaybus]

I believe 98. 5-2002 will work. Did your block crack on the passenger side 1\2 way up the block? The years listed above are the 24 valve ISB. Good luck, and keep us posted.





Clay

 

[JeffD]

Yes my 53 block has been cracked for at least a year now. We pulled it in Feb, and did the locknstitch repair to it, and it held for a while, in July it started to leak water again, and this last weekend it has gotten so bad that you can see the water pouring out the side of the block. It will hold no pressure, and if the motor is not building boost it will not build heat. I can barely even get it to come off the 140* mark on the gauge, under normal driving. Pulling a 10,000lb enclosed trailer @70mph it will hold heat, but you have to put a gallon of water in it every 100 miles. I need to do something before it freezes.



So will a newer 01-02 HO long block work if I install my injectors, turbo, and pump?

 

[Scrappy]

yes it will

 

[JeffD]

Well, I did some calling around, and I came across a complete '02 motor with 52,000 miles, and they want $2500 for it. What can and can not be used from this motor? I think they use a different turbo, and injectors, but would it cause any problems using them?

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

If it is a standard output motor the injectors and pump will be the same, the only differences will be the ECM depending on 48 state, manual/auto, etc. The turbos for the manuals are all the same and the autos had the smaller HY-35's for a couple years but I'm not sure which years, maybe 2000-2002. That sounds like a smokin deal for a low miles ISB.

 

[JeffD]

It is listed as a HO motor for a manual trans. I have a auto trans but if it can work and have some extra grunt, can I do it?

 

[Scrappy]

I don't think so unless you want to run the transmission stand alone, the ECM won't have any programming to control the transmission.

 

[JeffD]

Can I use the ECM from my motor with the HO '02 motor? What is different between the std motor and the HO?

 

[JeffD]

??? Anyone???

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The HO has a higher compression ratio, if it was me I think I would use the HO and leave the pump and injectors in it and have Marco make me up an ECM that would run it in my truck if I had an auto.

 

[Scrappy]

Can I use the ECM from my motor with the HO '02 motor? What is different between the std motor and the HO?

the computer is different, there are no HO Auto's and I don't think your computer will work with the HO pump( they are different also)

as Turbo Tim said Marco might be able to help.

Let us know what you find out

 

[JeffD]

Who is Marco, and how do I get ahold of him? Do I need to send in my ECM, and what is the turn around time on something like this? I probably have a extra ECM I could send before I do the swap. I need this to be a couple day thing start to finish.



I told them I want the motor, and will be picking it up on Thursday afternoon.

Thanks for the help everyone!



Jeff

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Your truck being a 99 has both a crank position sensor and a cam position sensor whereas the 02 has only the cam position sensor. The ECM's are not interchangable. I would bet that your pump and injectors would work good on that block even though it has a different compression ratio but it would be a problem because your ecm will be looking for the crank position sensor. On the other hand the HO ecm will not control your auto.



Marco can be found here on the TDR Marco's Profile or you could try to contact Doug at Advanced Diesel Technology or Bob Wagner on the TDR they all deal with the Catcher ECM.

 

[JeffD]

Thanks Tim, I'll get in touch with those guys. Is the injector difference a size issue, or pressure that they will not work with my pump?



So is the '02 swap a bad idea?

 

[Bob Wagner]

are you sure the motor does not come with the ecm? If you need help just give me a call and I would be happy to help.