97 dodge 5.2l, what to look for?

tkeaton

tkeaton

Master Velocipede Alchemist
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Chattanooga
Next project vehicle is in sight; body is solid, tranny (46re) will need a rebuild, which I'm ok with. Steering, brakes, suspension all seem solid for my needs. What are some things I look for with this engine before making final decision?

1997 Dodge 2500, 2wd, 5.2L
175k miles

Ive got no experience with this power plant, what can I check for without tearing too far into it? Engine does run and turns over first time, from cold start. No discernible knocks, pings, rattles, etc. Temp holds steady after 20 min of running.

Thoughts/suggestions?
 
I'd be more concerned with the transmission personally.

I'd pull the spark plugs and give them a rear, and do a compression check. 318 is a great engine.
 
The tranny is not a major concern as I've been putting off digging into an auto transmission for far too long. From the research I've done, the 46re is one of the easier to learn on..... (famous last words)
 
hurt4x4 said:
The 318 is a pretty solid motor. It will probably need an intake plenum gasket if it has not been replaced recently.
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This! It is really easy and will make a world of difference. Easiest way to tell is take the air horn off the intake, open the butterfly's and look down into the intake plenum. If there is oil residue plan on a gasket. Hughes Engines makes a great kit with upgraded plenum blockoff plate and comes with all necessary gaskets. A leaky plenum gasket can cause a number of issues including gas mileage, throttle response, fouling plugs or O2 sensors and throw codes as well for emissions related issues.
 
skyhighZJ said:
This! It is really easy and will make a world of difference. Easiest way to tell is take the air horn off the intake, open the butterfly's and look down into the intake plenum. If there is oil residue plan on a gasket. Hughes Engines makes a great kit with upgraded plenum blockoff plate and comes with all necessary gaskets. A leaky plenum gasket can cause a number of issues including gas mileage, throttle response, fouling plugs or O2 sensors and throw codes as well for emissions related issues.
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This. I did my 360 at about 190K. It had already been done at least once. I made my own AL plate on the plasma table. Most of the dodge forums say go ahead and do the timing chain and water pump while you already have it apart. Plenty of DIY guides around.
 
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While I had mine off I had the machine shop hot tank and bead blast it to get rid of all the oil residue. Gave it a quick shot of engine paint and it all went together like butter. The results were immediate. Improved idle, throttle response, and fuel mileage.
 
Spark knocking and a general miss is always the finger pointer. My 360 would drink two quarts from Hickory to Sanford pulling a 16 foot enclosed to race harescrambles on a weekend....Put that intake on the tear down table and you'd thought I spilt a quart of oil.
 
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