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20:14:50 - 04/19/2024
Dakota Performance
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derek
Dodge Dakota
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6/03/2006
13:04:47
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 Subject: engine swap
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Message:
well. i think i'm going to go for it. full engine swap. time is not going to be a problem. i want the best engine i can possibly put in my 1997 3.9l club cab slt. by best i mean most POWER, but still day to day drivable. money is not a big issue either. the problem is difficulty. i don't have welding tools. i'm just going to turn this truck into a project truck. my question to you is, what engine, tranny(auto), and rearend would you recommend?? and where can i get the information on the swap??
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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6/03/2006
16:23:45
| RE: engine swap
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Without a welder or fab skills, you're kinda limited to something similar to what the factory installed.
Since money isn't an issue, I would install a 408 stroker. There's no replacement for displacement. It's based on the 360 magnum, so it just drops in to place using all the factory stuff. You should be able to develope 400-450 ft/lbs without getting too radical. There are a couple of places (Hughes Engines for one) who can supply the right parts or a complete engine. You should buy from a vender that can also supply the updated computer. You'll also need more fuel, so look to a company like Aeromotive for pumps and filters.
For the trans, use a Tremec TKO 5 speed. That should be strong enough without breaking the bank. First gear is low enough that you can use a moderate rear gear (3.55, 3.92). That will also keep 5th gear revs reasonable. There are a couple of companies that make it a bolt in operation. Also consider a Richmond 5+1. It's a bit stronger. But it's also a lot more expensive, and you may need to fab some mounts.
A Ford 9" rear end is just about the strongest you can get. Call a company like Drive Train Specialist and have them build one for you. They will build it with the mounts in all the right places to make it a true bolt in operation. DO NOT get LSD, it won't work as well as you'de like and it will not hold up. Get a worm drive like Torsion or TruTrak.
Brake upgrades should be high on your list. For the rear, you can add larger drum brakes which will work very well on the street. Consider upgrading to disc if you're planning track time, or lots of mud and snow. Front upgrades that actually work are hard to come by. Look to companies like Baer, Wilwood, and Stainless Steel Brakes.
The rear leaf spring suspension won't handle those kinds of torque loads. It won't plant the tires, and wheel hop will be scary. Best would an adjustable 4 link, coil overs, and a watts link. But that will require some fabrication and welding. At the very least, you'll need some good traction bars. Forget the slapper bars, get some real Shelby style bars.
Tires should be as wide as you can fit them. Be sure to match them for application; BFG drag tires are excellent - on the drag strip. But they suck on the road course.
When choosing things like gear ratios, intake systems, cam shafts, etc, take care. Think about the vehicle as a package, and what you want it to do. The parts need to match with each other and the application, or you'll spend a lot of money and be really disappointed.
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derek
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2006
17:10:11
|  RE: engine swap
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oh hell yea. that sounds nice. i'll start checkin in on that. appreciate it!
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