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88upgrade
Dodge Dakota
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4/15/2005
01:18:37

Subject: 3.9 to BIGGER
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hi, i bought a 88 3.9 with 256km and im thinking about swaping the engine with a 5.2. anyone have an idea of how much it will cost me all said and done? thats if i can get all the parts at resonable price.



jevanof
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4/15/2005
10:38:15

RE: 3.9 to BIGGER
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I would like to know also but everyone keeps telling me to get a new truck. I am thinking of putting a 350 Small block chevy in mine.



93dak4x4
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4/15/2005
11:37:33

RE: 3.9 to BIGGER
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it possible to do, putting a mag 318 in an 88 will be even more work since you need to upgrade for the different wiring. but it can be done, the motor will line up with the transmission and should bolt right in, wiring is the hardest part.

jevanof,
i am not sure why you would want a small block chevy, they are less reliable then the dodge small blocks. And you would need to change your entire drive train and electrical system. transmission, motor mounts, cross members, computer system, all electrical connections, wiring harness, possibly even the dash wiring. you would be in for a world of pain trying to get that done without going to carburation. and it would still cost you more then it is worth.

I looked into putting a 5.2 (318) in my dakota for a bit but the swap promised me to cost at least 1500 to do it right then the upgrade of the transmission which took a crap on me about a month ago anyway. so upgrading the 6 was a better option plus I did a few things and now get 20mpg highway so I'll stick with the 3.9 for a while now.



88upgrade
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4/15/2005
19:35:48

RE: 3.9 to BIGGER
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hmm, well 1500(us?) isnt too much. i need to get my emissions down so i can insure it. im going to put an O2 sensor in then if it doesnt pass im scraping the 3.9. i have already spent 300 on exaust and an EGR valve. in my opinion as old as the engine is it isnt worth putting too much money into. i took it to a muffler shop and they wanted 650 do do the exaust.laff. i found a universal cat for 50(us) and a muffler for 70(can)



88upgrade
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4/15/2005
20:11:48

RE: 3.9 to BIGGER
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btw thanks for the info, one last thing.. my timimg is dam near 30 degrees and runs like a hot dam, if i put it back to the factory 10 it stutters'n stalls a lot and sucks back the gas like no tomorrow. any idea what going on?



Jim
Dodge Dakota
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4/15/2005
20:59:38

RE: 3.9 to BIGGER
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sounds like the outer ring of your balancer may have rotated throwing off your timing mark.



athenianR/T
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4/15/2005
21:51:49

RE: 3.9 to BIGGER
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agree, check the balancer... just keep looking around.. I just had a guy offer me a 5.2 (I'm just looking for a set of heads, I have an R/T, and I want a set of heads to port and polish, and this guy offers me an ENGINE) for $100. check salvage yards, etc... hey, try on www.car-part.com, its a locator site for salvage yards, really nice too, gives a listing usually for the specific yards site too. you'll need to get the ENTIRE engine stuff, radiators should be the same, I'd definetly suggest the tranny too, even though your's should bolt up if Im not mistaken. wiring, ECM, sensors, and maybe even the front and rear springs too, to handle the extra weight, but that I'm not too sure about. many of your parts cross reference and location of new parts, I'd suggest www.moparpartz.com



88upgrade
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4/16/2005
12:45:34

RE: 3.9 to BIGGER
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thanks for the help



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