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Rick Engel
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2004
13:57:40
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 Subject: Engine swap in 87 Dakota?
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I recently purchased a clean 87 Dakota 4x4 with a froze-up 3.9. Am beginning to look for a V-8 to swap in. Can anyone tell me the best way to go about this and what to look for? A 318 or 360? I don't have a lot of money. But want to do this before the Minnesota winter sets in. What problems might I have, etc. Of course I would like the easiest and cheapest way to go about this. Help please?
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gen1dak
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2004
21:00:44
|  RE: Engine swap in 87 Dakota?
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Use a Magnum V8 block and it'll bolt right in just like the current V6. Using the LA V8's requires a bolt-in crossmember. Carb? MPI? Plan on at least a tranny rebuild, and you'd be wise to have a TransGo kit installed in the tranny. The 360 is externally balanced, and the torque converter will have to be balanced for a 360 if you go that route. The V6 and 318 are internally balanced, so no external weights on the converter are needed. The trannys all have the same bolt pattern and will fit the V8's, just be sure to have it rebuilt with a quality kit. You will need a stout electric fan for the radiator since the Gen1Daks have a short nose, and no room for an engine-driven unit. Another tranny booster is an external cooler. This will help tremendously in extending life. If you have an 8 1/4 axle, have it freshened and add a limited slip diff. Problem? Rear tire wear. :-)
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94dakrt
Dodge Dakota
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9/11/2004
09:10:41
| RE: Engine swap in 87 Dakota?
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gen1dak hit it right on the nose with what he said..furthermore..it would probably be easiest to go carburated..picking up either the new edelbrock magnum air gap..to bolt up to the magnum style heads..or an M1. I have also heard that headers..or manifolds off of any v8 dakota will fit too....i have 98 headers..in a 94.
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