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Ryan
Dodge Dakota
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8/01/2005
23:32:18
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 Subject: Rebuild or start fresh?
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I found a really nice 2000 cc r/t but it has a little over 100k miles. I want an r/t to build on and add some performance. I didn't know if I should rebuild or if I should just buy a crate motor like a 408. Does anyone know if you can fit a 440 in a dak?
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N56629
Dodge Dakota
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8/02/2005
06:35:49
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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Why not "rebuild" it and have a "408" too? It costs more but it's really no more work to rebuild your engine as a 408. Of course building a really top notch 408 takes a lot more time and experience but if you can do it yourself it will cost you about half the price of a crate engine.
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Dakota5.2
Dodge Dakota
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8/02/2005
12:10:38
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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The 440 sounds like a fun build, but the 360 is the best way to go IMO. Check the site out for mods and other builds on the 360 platform.
Dakota5.2
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Sneezer
Dodge Dakota
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8/02/2005
12:26:15
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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You can fit a 440 in a Dak, but there will be some custom fabrication needed. I know one guy with a 400 in his. You will be all carb though. Your gauges will not work as the computer is not controlling the truck anymore. Lot of other stuff to deal with as well.
If the price is right I would get the RT and build on it. Does the engine have any mods on it right now? That will tell you a little on how hard it has been driven.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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8/02/2005
13:07:58
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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With enough work, you fit almost anything in there. Gale Banks put a Cummins in his. The questions to ask are: Is it worth it? Does it met your goals? Can you afford it? Will it pass smog in your area?
As to a rebuild, that's kind of a tough call with a dodge. For ford and chevy it's easy, crate motors are cheaper and easier. But mopar isn't quite there yet. For us, it's probably a wash. I would rebuild my own because I like to. But a crate would probably cost about the same and heave lesss hassle and down time.
How much power do you want? A 408 stroker with a good cam and a blower will produce more low end power than you can use without significant chassis mods. A stock auto trans won't hold up long, either. And the stock brakes are barely adequate now. Pick your poison.
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N56629
Dodge Dakota
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8/02/2005
13:08:22
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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So build an injected 440. Maybe even figure out how to keep all of the sensors, tranny and PCM.
Not thought out, just a thought.
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Ryan
Dodge Dakota
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8/02/2005
18:10:56
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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The r/t doesn't have any mods on it. I do not know very much about how to rebuild engines but I would really like to learn. I thought I would try and rebuild the 360 myself but could that be rebuilt into a 408? If so, what would I have to replace and where could I find these and possibly someplace that would give instructions on how to rebuild? How would you go about making an injected 440 and what kind of chassis mods would be needed? Thanks guys for the help.
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N56629
Dodge Dakota
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8/03/2005
06:43:05
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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Check with krcperformance.com. I believe they sell complete 408 build kits but you can also shop around for individual parts and save some money.
The 408 can only be built on the 360 block, not the 318.
Some people have said the 440 will go in a Gen II but not a Gen III. That usually means either they don't know of someone that has done it or someone has figured it out yet. Areas that may cause problems are usually the steering, suspension, brake booster and routing or making of custom headers. With enough skill you could fit a 440 in a Yugo.
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Sneezer
Dodge Dakota
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8/04/2005
00:53:04
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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If the engine has no mods, chances are it was not pushed excessively hard. These engines will run forever. I have 191k miles on my 318. It needs valve seals and rings, but otherwise is running fine. You need to figure out a budget thought. How much are you willing to spend? To build a 408 properly you are looking aat $4000 easily, and probably closer to $6k. The 440 could easily be as much, as I assume you will have to have someone do alot of the custom work, there will probably be a lot of trial and error in sucha a build.
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Ryan
Dodge Dakota
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8/04/2005
12:58:41
| RE: Rebuild or start fresh?
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I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do. I know this will take me a long time and a lot of money but I am just trying to get an idea of what has to be done. Like I said, I have never done this before and I am just trying to learn. If I build a 408, what would have to be done to the PCM or the transmission? And would it be cheaper to build it myself? On KRC there is a 408 that sounds good but it is $8699.
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