Transmissions
The 727 Torqueflite and 518 Overdrive transmissions available in '89-'93 Dodges are actually pretty strong. A shift kit, upgraded flexplate, and converter are a good idea, as is using the best clutches available. If you're shooting for 500 hp, include a steel planetary in your parts list. Since these transmissions don't have lock-up converters, parts will be cheaper, and transmission shafts will be less likely to break. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 in parts for a rebuild (including the price of the converter) plus whatever labor rate your transmission shop charges. If you have a manual transmission, it's most likely a Getrag 360, which is pretty stout. An upgraded clutch may be needed, but that's about it. If you decide to greatly increase your horsepower, an NV4500 out of a second-gen truck can also be swapped in.
P7100 Injection Pump Swap
One of the most common questions when it comes to first-gen trucks is, "How hard is it to P-pump it?" The P-pump in question is the Bosch P7100 injection pump, which came on '94-'98 1/2 Cummins-powered Dodge Rams and offers much greater fueling and rpm capabilities. Depending on who you ask, the swap is either really hard, or fairly easy. If you're patient and good at collecting parts, the whole swap can be done with used parts for about $1,000. You'll need a P7100 injection pump, drive gear, injector lines, a '94-'98 1/2 front cover, second-gen injectors, and a new lift pump. You'll also need all the transmission and throttle linkages, or you'll have to fab your own. Most people we talked to said that the parts hunting was the most difficult part of the swap.
Overdrive Transmission Swap
The other question we hear all the time is, "Can I put a later Overdrive transmission in my truck?" The answer again is yes, and the 47RH found in '94-'95 Dodges is the best choice due to it's lack of electronics, although later 47RE's found in '96-'03 1/2 trucks can also be used. For the transmission swap you'll need the transmission, a new flexplate and converter, a shortened driveshaft, a new transmission crossmember, and a new engine-to-transmission adapter plate, as well as a second-gen starter.
First-Gen Mini Buyer's Guide
Injectors
Scheid Diesel (800) 669-1593 www.scheiddiesel.com
Dynomite Diesel (360) 794-7974 www.dynomitediesel.com
New Era Diesel (740) 819-0457 www.neweradiesel.com
Injection Pumps
Scheid Diesel (800) 669-1593 www.scheiddiesel.com
Brian Block (502) 633-1515
Rocken-Tech (707)-658-1915 www.rocken-tech.com
Ponci's Diesel Center (707) 725-3307
Turbos
High-Tech Turbo (801) 304-0700 www.htturbo.com
Turbo Auto Diesel (602) 272-5311
Gillett Diesel Service Inc. (801) 571-7780 www.gdsdieselparts.com
Transmissions and Converters
J&H Performance (530) 245-0176 www.jandhperformance.com
Goerend Tranmission Inc. (563) 778-2719 www.goerend.com
Spec-Rite Torque Converters (530) 243-8300 www.specriteconverters.com
Websites
www.1stgen.org
www.dieseltruckresource.com