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Tech Question
Paul Johnson, Fincastle, VA, 1991 Dodge D-150 318
what big changes occurred in the model year 1992 for this Pickup truck? All the speed parts and equipment 'cut-off' at 1991 and differentiate.
The 318 engine was totally redesigned for 1992. The most obvious change was the conversion to a SMPI system with a torque-emphasizing "beer barrel" tuned intake manifold. Part of this SMPI conversion required a crank triggered ignition system. There were also a host of internal changes and upgrades, not the least of which were much better flowing cylinder heads, a swap to AMC-style paired-pivot stud-mounted rockers (which required a change to the top end oiling system, now through the pushrods) and big valves with 5/16' (Hemi-size) stems. The valve cover sealing was vastly improved (2X as many fasteners), the intake surface bolt pattern and design changed totally, the exhaust manifolds were much improved, the Y-pipe went to 3-inch (!), etc.
...and that's just the highlights! The result was more HP, vastly more torque, better fuel economy, and driveability. A plus was reduced emissions. In 1992, this was state-of-the-art. Even in 2005, it's still reasonably contemporary.
Most of these changes (and, in most cases, the very same parts) were applied to the 360 in 1993. These engines, along with the 3.9L "three quarters of a 318" V-6, were collectively referred to (by DCX) as "Magnum" engines, even though the bore sizes (and strokes, etc.) remained unchanged.
Rick
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