Six years should be long enough...
The next updates will be the actual engine swap since this is a Magnum swap section. I can post everything else in another thread.
I have to move stuff around in my way too small garage and get the parts car out before I can get started. I would like to test run the Dakota Magnum engine before putting it in my car. When I bought the Dakota, I stripped it in my friend's shop and didn't have time to get it running right. After pulling it I found the crank position sensor was broken and taped back together. I'm sure that and the exhaust system that was about to fall off were the reason it could barely idle, wouldn't rev up without back firing, and was extremely rich. Worst case scenario, I could test run it with my car's carburetor and distributor if there's something else going on with the fuel injection.
I do have a question about headers. Has anyone ran the Ram/Dakota shorty headers? I'm wondering how well they will clear the steering column becauseof how far out some of the tubes are bent. I have read about guys getting the factory Magnum exhaust manifolds to fit. My car has long tubes on it, and they hang down lower than what I like. Plus it makes working on anything around them that much harder.
The engine is sitting on a car dolly in the parts car that doesn't have a K member or steering.
The tube for #7 is what I'm worried about.