I recently bought a 2001 ram 1500 with a 318 and 5 speed 4x4.
The computer went less than a month after buying it and because it has over 100k there is no lemon law in my state that will help my situation.
So, I want to convert it to a 4bt diesel rather than putting a new computer in it.
I'm wondering the process and estimate cost of this and where I can find one of these motors.
If anyone has any tips or heads up what to look out for... are these a troublesome swap?
I have access to a full garage and all the tools necessary. Just let me know everything needed to do this. Thanks

 

you can get the 4bt for around 2000 then the tranny good luck and

 

welcome to diesel bombers your on the right site for getting answers and help

 

I don't know all the ins and outs about the 4bt, but I can tell you I just did a 12-v swap in my 2000 2500 ram. I had to use the computer from a 2000 diesel to get the guages to work. It's taken the better part of a month to figure it all out, and that was using books right from dodge. As far as your trans I believe the nv-3500 was used in the half ton trucks, I'm not real sure about mating this behind the 4bt. You can get some serius power from a 4bt as well, and I don't know what that tranny is capable of handling. One thing I found about this site is to be patient and somebody here will help you. There is alot of talent running around in here. good luck with your project

 

thanks alot, you guys have helped out a ton already! and its only been an hour!

 

check the classifieds here, on the 4btswaps.com site as well as craigslist

 

I am just going to throw this out there. It would probably be cheaper to replace the computer of the 318.

anyway if that is out of the question. you need to get a 4bt, look for the p-pump version if you want good power.

trans. that is up to you, if you want an auto I dont know what exactly what to tell you. I have read the ZF trans works well with the 4bt.

The 4bt site in a previous post is a really good site to go to. they do everything there from building big hp 4bts to the best mileage possible