Dakota V6 to V8 swap

-
D

D-mailman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2004
Messages
569
Reaction score
31
Location
Lexington,ky.
Thinking of droping in a V8 (5.2 or 5.9) into my daily driver. '95 Dakota two wheel drive, ext. cab short bed. This is utility only, I do pull a couple of motorcycle trailers with it. MPG important but torque is the main goal. It is 3.9 mag with auto. 185,000 and runs great but when the time comes I can rebuild the 3.9, or drop in a V8. Thinking about one of the following .030 over V8's. 318 +.030 over, stock stroke (322). 318 + .030 with 3.58 stroke (349 cid), or 4.00 (390 cid). 360 + .030 over (365 cid). Don't believe I would stroke the 360, it would be enough the way it is. I already have an LA 318 and a couple of LA 360's complete on hand. If a Mag would be easier I would have to go get one. I believe the mounts are the same with the mag engines. I know the front springs will have to be replaced with the V8 engine, they are different part numbers. I am sure one of you out there have done this or seen it done . Any input is helpful and thanks.

Terry
 
Terry, Mopar Action has been doing a series on this same swap over the last year.
Scroll through the Tech Archives until you come upon Scat Dak II
http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/archive.html It will tell you what back issues to get. be sure to read up on the exhaust manifolds they used, 92-93 only Dakota, D series trucks or B vans use them, dirt cheap and easy to get at least at junk yards in my area. Headers aren't cheap for these trucks. (Except quality possibly) Not that I've seen anyway!
Google search results...
http://www.google.com/search?q=site:www.moparaction.com+scat+dak+II&qfront=scat+dak+II
Hope this helps,
Alan627b

They DO make nice race trucks....

DSC01034.jpg
 
Terry check those mounts good cause if I recall right Magnum blocks have extra mounts LA blocks don't have. Magnums can be used in pass cars cause they have the necessary car mounting ears but I don't think a LA can be used in a truck.

BTW: I bought a 93 Dakota brand new with the 5.2 and it ran super. With just a moper perf. computer, shorty headers, and a home made dual inlet air intake it ran 14.40's. That was with a 3.55 open diff. I'm sure it would have gone real low 14's with a sure-grip and some stickies. Pulled like a beast too. The only thing bad about it was I had to run 93 octane and the fuel mileage wasn't great. About 15 mpg max keeping my foot under control. So what I'm getting at is the 5.2 with the stock stroke will probably do fine for you.
 
Depending on what trans you use you might have to swap the trans.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top