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General Dakota Board
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kmjone00
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/20/2005
20:49:38
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 Subject: V-6 to V-8 swap for a '00
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Message:
I assume this question is asked frequently on this forum, but I’d like to ask it again anyway and would really appreciate detailed feedback. Please respond if you have any worthwhile information.
My question:
Is it feasible to swap out a 3.9L V-6 for one of the V-8s, particularly the 4.7 or 5.2?
Info about my situation (if you have the patience and interest to read):
I have a 2000 Regular Cab with the V-6 and a 5-spd. I HATE my V-6. Specifically, I have a problem with it failing to decelerate between shifts. Dodge could not fix this problem after several attempts while it was still under warranty (see old “Possessed V-6!” posting, http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/v6/10833.html). I wish I had bought a truck with the V-8 from the factory, but it’s too late now. I’ve had my truck since it was brand new (since I was 17 years old) and it’s in perfect condition with 80,000 miles on it. I can’t afford to buy another one and don’t want some used and abused piece of s#@t just to get a bigger motor. I intend to run the wheels off my well-taken-care-of truck—I just want a V-8 it in. I hope to wear my V-6 out and replace it when it’s time for major repairs.
I can make some common-sense assumptions, and have a fair amount of mechanical knowledge, but I’m no certified mechanic and I don’t know a lot of sure facts about such a job. I know my motor is a 5.2 minus two cylinders. So I assume the 5.2 is the easier replacement. But I gather that the 4.7 is a lighter, leaner, more modern and more efficient engine with similar output. Does anyone have advice about which to choose? I assume I could find a decent motor in a used truck, perhaps in a totaled ’03 or ‘04, and I could rebuild it (with help from mechanically-inclined family and friends) with performance modifications (such as the HO cams I keep reading about on this forum). Would this be a good route for getting a motor, or am I asking for problems? Are my existing motor mounts okay or does a V-8 frame have a different cross-member with different mounts? I assume I could use the V-8 accessories (power steering pump, AC compressor, alternator, etc.) off of whatever engine I find, and I assume I’d have to use the V-8 PCM. Am I assuming right? Will the V-8 PCM work with my Power Distribution Center (relays, etc.). I assume I would have to have a V-8 fan shroud, but do I need to get a V-8 radiator as well or could I use mine? Would I need to get a different transmission, flywheel and clutch? What kind of cost am I looking at here?
I’m a lot of money and miles from making this idea a reality. But I want to gather as much info as possible. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond.
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same
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/20/2005
21:01:26
| RE: V-6 to V-8 swap for a '00
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Message:
i have 80k on my v6 and i got it when i was 17. hate the weak ass 6 and want the 8 and like you i am not willing to do something drastic like get another car since mine is in great shape. from what i've learned from others forget the 4.7 it will be too hard to convert. the 5.2 however is almost exactly the same. same venting same motor mount brackets etc...you'll just need the 5.2 computer and a few other things. everyone i have talked to about this at the v6 forum says it would be and is simple. i am also trying to gather more info and hopefully see who else has done this. good luck.
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do it
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/21/2005
16:37:12
| RE: V-6 to V-8 swap for a '00
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Message:
go ahead and do it but it would be a lot cheaper just to sell the V6 and buy the truck with the engine/driveline you want.
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kmjone00
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/21/2005
20:06:24
| RE: V-6 to V-8 swap for a '00
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Message:
In response to the writer with a similar issue, I really appreciate you taking the time to read my long posting and provide your input. If you get any additional information, please pass it along. You're welcome to email me. Just use my screen name at MSN.com. Thanks.
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IntenseDak39
*GenIII*
3/21/2005
20:22:45
| RE: V-6 to V-8 swap for a '00
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Message:
either swap is gonna take a pretty good chunk of money... but if you are up for doing it yourself, then it will save you money in the long run.
MY only question is, where do you plan on getting the donor motor/tranny? You say you dont want a used and abused truck, but if you get it out of a junkyard or a wrecked truck, do you know what to expect?
well that was two, sorry.
if it were me, i'd get 5.2. That way you can use every bit off of your 3.9 such as alternator, a/c, water pump, brackets, motor mounts etc etc etc.. That is if those dont come with the donor motor. For a 2000 5.2, i believe you'll need a durango computer because i believe 2000 dakota's only came with 3.9-4.7-5.9, however you could get a 2000 5.2 durango.
if you got a 4.7, you'd have to make sure to get every accessory off of it because non of them are the same as what's on your 3.9
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