Hi

My name is Robert, Ive been reading this Mag for about 5 years now. A few years ago I ran across an artical about the 87 mini Ram 50, I had no idea there were aftermarket parts for the truck.

I found out their is an inch lift kit for it,also a hedder and a few ,very few other dodad's for it.  Here are some spec about the stock engine and truck,2.555 liter(155.9cid) Bore 91.1mm (3.59in) Stroke is 98.0mm (3.86in) compression is 8.7. It's a standard body at 177 inches long and 65 inches wide. 63 tall. Approach angle is 33.1 stock, and departure is 23.8. Ramp breakover is 15.9. I really like the truck and gas prices are high.

Im looking to shoehorn the new 2.6 mitsu if it will fit without much fussing around. Its a new engine and I havent had a look at it yet. I was wondering if anyone had a chance (here) to get any specifications on it yet. I would like to know if the bellhouseing boltpattern was the same for the new as the old. Will it slip into the old tranny on "87 truck". I "think"the new 2.6's are in the new van so that would be a front wheel drive ,I guess. Would it still be splined to fit my rearwheel 4 by4 truck tranny.

Thanks Robert McKerrow

Trade a 2.5L for a 2.6L? Even if it fits would .1L be worth the work? That doesn't sound like that would be worth the effort. The lil Mitsu/Dodge doesn't have a lot of aftermarket support (engine adapters, etc) I don't think the swap you propse is that popular, so you'l just have to do some research and find out, maybe check junkyards and take some measurements. If you are looking a the engine from a frontwheel drive it probably won't fit your bellhousing and tranny.  Also, the motormounts probably won't work either. You'll need an engine from a rear drive application for your truck. Swiping the engine from a minivan probably won't work or be worth the effort.

The new 2.6 is injected that's alway's nice. I thought? Will the new 2.6 head fit the block? Guess I could go that way? Would the lower end handle it?

The lil Mitsu/Dodge has a lot of aftermarket support (engine adapters, etc). Id like to have a look at that! Please send me off in the right direction for that.

Thanks

Robert McKerrow

I think you are barking up the wrong tree, the D-50 does not have that much support, sorry if I confused you.  The swap you are thinking of is not really worth the time, money, and effort.  What about a Chevy or Toyota V-6? The Chevy 4.3 V6 is a popular swap into Toyotas. The Toyota V6 might be an option too, you'll need the engine, computer if it's  fuel injected, and the tranny and xfer case too, since there is probably not an adapter for your Mitsu tranny.  Try Advanced Adapters ($600-1,000 fro an adapter) for more info on engine swaps.  They may have some tips or ideas for you.

No I think misread you. My fault. Yes Ill check out advanced adapters for a transplant.

God,I hate the engine in this truck! Like the truck.

Thank you much.

Robert R.McKerrow