A low-mile, junkyard donor engine and aftermarket harness like this one from
Nutter Racing might make the swap affordable enough to coax an "
okay", or at least a "
we'll see" from a resistant but loving spouse. here is an example I found on Moparts forum of available, affordable junkyard motors:
#7552190 - Fri Jan 18 2013
Due to health, Have to sell, 5.7 Hemi out of 03 1500 truck, has
3000 miles. Bought in 2004, Keep inside all the time.Has
all computers with it. Price is $1500.00 plus ride.
contack tom or jim @573-207-0405 days, 573-374-4581 nights
Here are some specs for a 5.7 litre version:
2004 5.7 Litre Dodge Hemi Specs
Bore x Stroke: 3.92 x 3.58 in, 99.5 x 90.9 mm
Valve System: pushrod, 16-valve, hydraulic roller lifters
Block Construction: cast iron, deep skirt, cross-bolted main caps
Centerline of crank to head deck face: 9.3 inches
Centerline of crank to centerline of cam: 7.4 inches
Centerline of crank to oil pan rail: 2.6 inches
Overall block maximum deck width at deck face: 18.3 inches
Overall block height from oil pan rail to top of water outlet: 15.4 inches
Overall engine length: 21.1 inches
Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
Combustion chamber volume: 84.9cc
Intake valve angle: 18 degrees
Intake valve head diameter: 50.8mm, 2.00 inches
Exhaust valve angle: 16y.5 degree
Exhaust valve head diameter: 39.4mm, 1.55 inches
Oil Capacity: 7 qt., 6.6L
Weight: (includes induction, wiring harness, auto-trans
flexplate and exhaust manifolds, but not accessories) 485 lbs
Ignition: Two spark plugs per cylinder