Forums
Forum Tools
|
 |
06:46:53 - 05/02/2024
Dakota Performance
| From | Message |
Pfflyer
Gen II
 
1/11/2007
23:43:10
|
 Subject: Motor swap
IP: Logged
Message:
I am a new member and have purchased a 1998 Dakota, regular cab, 5 speed with a 3.9 V6. I had to put a new clutch,throw out bearing, and pilot bearning in it. I also installed a Hurst shifter in it. The engine only has 95,000 miles on it but it is gutless. I was thinking about dropping in a 360 V8 to improve performance. I understand that the computer and transmission would have to be replaced, as well as the wiring harness. I also understand that the computer controls the speedo so I do not think I could drop in a carburated motor in it. I was thinking I could find a 5.9 motor and computer out of a Dakota or Durango in a junk yard. My questions are does anyone make a motor swap kit (motor mounts etc), and having never done a motor swap before how big of a job would this be? I would appreciate any helpful reply's
Patrick Finn
|
modain
GenIII
1/25/2007
11:07:19
|  RE: Motor swap
IP: Logged
Message:
http://www.engine-swaps.com can help for the mounts you seek.
I'm far from a wealth of knowledge here, but you're gonna need a PCM that came from a truck that has the 5.9L engine and a manual tranny. Dakotas never had that configuration, but Rams do. The flywheel for the 5.9L engine is also very important.
I'm not 100% certain, but the PCM from the donor truck will need to be the same model year the recipient truck is.
It will be so much simpler to put a 5.2L engine into the truck instead of the 5.9L engine. It's no big thing to find the right engine and PCM to slip right in. You can build it up and get equal or near the performance you're hoping to get with the bigger engine. (Unless it's a built up screamer.)
Then again, you might be able to get custom flash done that would make the Dakota PCM work without an auto tranny.
With a big enough checkbook anything can be overcome. :-) There is lots of info here that has answers to the things you're asking - search away! Good luck.
What's your left foot doing?
=========================================
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open
|
zoochboy
GenIII
4/26/2007
17:34:02
|  RE: Motor swap
IP: Logged
Message:
Been there done that. It was a real experience.
I have a '99 Dak 4x4 auto which originally had a V6 in it. I bought a '99 Ram 1500 4x4 auto out west, a rollover for the donor parts on Ebay. The mechanic down the street with many years of experience kind of owed me a favor and he undertook the job pay as you go. The parts I wouldn't need, I sold on Ebay and more than paid for the engine and tranny. The problem was that the uncharted waters were too much for my friend, and the vehicle sat for several years in limbo, money was not the issue. Unless you are a real knowledgeable up-to-date gearhead, I would not try the 5.9 swap. There are no wiring harness, motor installation shortcut kits I know of which are available. Schumacher Creative Services sells some parts for different year swaps, but not for yours or my years that I know of. I ended up bringing the truck with engine and tranny in it to Bryden Motors in Beloit WI and they put it all back together for me for a reasonable price as a favor because I used to sell cars there. But it was a real challenge for even their seasoned mechanics. I bought some RT 5.9 motor mounts, but they weren't needed, the existing mounts worked fine without modification. Since it was a 4x4, I needed the R/T oil pan because it needed to clear the Dakota frame, (6 qt. I believe.)I had to buy a new wire harness because the mechanic tried to splice into the V6. $750 plus the labor of completely removing and reinstalling the new harness. I was getting calls about this part and that part, where was the transmission module? They had to modify the tranny linkage and it uses the V6 shifter and pattern. The drive shaft and yokes had to be altered for the differences in distance, not sure which one they went with, but they had to do all that measuring and installation. They wanted the original transfer case for the V6 Dakota, I didn't have it, I sold it, I was told I wouldn't need it. $1150. I could have found one cheaper, but it is under warranty and I didn't want to cause waves. The Ram engine (with flywheel) and R46E tranny was installed. The Ram fan shroud and radiator were used. Of course the Ram PCM was required as well. The check engine lights wouldn't come off because of different o2 sensors, I took out the bulb. Five grand and two months later, I got it back looking like a factory install. If you wanted to know all the specifics, you would need to call the mechanics at Bryden's. There were bugs to work out, engine ground straps not attached, tranny lines not pushed on all the way, a few bolts missing here and there, a clogged converter from sitting around so long, but it is now a daily driver, one of a few in the world. Modain is right, for the time and money, go with the 5.2 and if you want to modify that.
'99 Dakota 4x4 5.9, Magnaflow Muffler, Indy Stripes, Factory 3.92, V8 Emblems and 360 Decals, American Flag Rear Window Graphics. White Painted Rear Handle. Euro Signal Lights (not pictured).
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Required
Posting: Registered Users and Administrators only
|
|
