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Black Magic
Dodge Dakota
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3/18/2008
12:29:39
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 Subject: 4x4 Engine Swaps?
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Message:
Hey guys,
My dad gave me his 2000 Dakota 4x4 SLT Extended cab with only 40 thousand miles on it, but I just saw that its the 239 V6 Magnum and was wondering if a V8 swap would be pretty pricey/complicated. I would love to fit one of the 5.2 or 5.9 R/T's in there if its compatible with 4x4, or should I just go with the 4.7? Can the 3.9 get beefed up, or is a v8 the right choice? Thanks for the help
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Bryson
Dodge Dakota
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3/18/2008
22:02:59
|  RE: 4x4 Engine Swaps?
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Stay with the V6. V8 install too complicated. V6 transmission/transfer case may not be strong enough for V8.
Honor your dad's generosity by not screwing up the truck. Take care of it.
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dakownr
Dodge Dakota
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3/20/2008
08:51:28
| RE: 4x4 Engine Swaps?
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I heartily agree with what Bryson said about leaving the truck as-is. I was VERY fortunate in how I got my truck, but you beat me out by a long shot. The V8 swap isn't THAT hard (if you have some mechanical ability and do your homework), as the 3.9/5.2/5.9 engines are all nearly identical (as far as mounts to the frame/front axle and tranny are concerned). However, your engine does only have 40,000 miles on it, and the V6 can be made to have as much go as you want. With the amount of dough you'd spend to swap in a V8, you could just spend less money to make your V6 have the same if not more power than a stock V8. Spend some time researching mods-there's plenty of information on this website regarding boosting the power in your V6. Congrats on your new dak and enjoy!!!
P.S. Thank your dad endlessly!
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miltonwaddums
Dodge Dakota
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3/20/2008
12:47:12
|  RE: 4x4 Engine Swaps?
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Message:
Black Magic,
I have to agree with the other two posters, especially with the whole only 40k miles factor. The 3.9 is a good motor in its own right, and weighs less than the 318. If you can bring the torque up to match the 318, then in theor it will out accelerate it. You will miss that lovely 8 cylinder purr though :-(.
I used to own a 2000 3.9 5 speed, and things that worked included:
- V8 Throttle Body (port the intake manifold to match).
- Viper Rockers
- Superchips
- 3923 Plugs
All this can be had for about $500. All combined youre looking at about 40hp and 40 lb-ft of torque (ish). Find any other post I made about Magnum engines and you will see this same list of solid "budget" mods.
I think a shift kit would really quicken things up and make it feel much better going down the road.
Tell your dad if he wants to get rid of any more dakotas to give me a call!
jay
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