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ZORN
Dodge Dakota
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8/23/2005
16:34:56
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 Subject: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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Current Setup:
1999 Dakota Sport
4x4 Extended Cab
V8 Magnum 318
Automatic Transmission
K&N Air Filter
Flowmaster 40
Looking for opinions on the best engine upgrade choices. Should I:
(1) Install new Mopar 402 Engine, no AC, carb.
(2) Install used R/T 360 Engine, with AC, FI.
(3) Modify my current 318 Engine, with AC, FI.
I'm not sure about the pro's and con's of each choice, or the scope of effort for each upgrade. The budget would have to stay under $9K to be a viable option.
I want obnoxious muscle just for fun around town. It'd be nice to get 400+ hp and still keep double digit gas mileage. I won't race or drag competitively, nor do I plan on pulling anything over 7500 lbs.
What do y'all think?
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Sneezer
Dodge Dakota
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8/23/2005
17:03:05
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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Couple important questions for you.
1) Is this your daily driver?
2) How many miles on the engine?
3) Are you subject to emissions testing?
You can build a 390 stroker out of your existing block if it is in good condition for around $5k, depending on how you do it. A 408 would be a little more since you would need to obtain a suitable block or buy a 408 from KRC. You can rebuild the 318 and throw $2-3k at it and get a pretty potent motor too.
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N56629
Dodge Dakota
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8/23/2005
17:14:00
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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Check with KRC. They engines for all occasions.
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ZORN
Dodge Dakota
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8/23/2005
20:07:28
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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(1) Yes this is a daily driver... 8 mile commute one way.
(2) Just over 107K on original 318.
(3) VA emissions.
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Dakota5.2
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2005
13:33:15
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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I would go for #2 360 RT upgrade ... Dakota5.2
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ZORN
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2005
14:02:13
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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Dakota5.2 can you explain why?
Here's the reasons I came up with:
(1) AC south of the mason dixon is almost mandatory.
(2) Re-use a lot of parts on the 318 saves money.
(3) Get to keep fuel injection versus carb.
(4) Can always port and add further upgrades later.
Downsides:
(1) Will I hit the 400+ hp mark with stock RT 360?
(2) Used engine may have high mileage.
(3) Not as unique as a Dakota with a 402.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2005
14:09:16
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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i would stroke the 318. there is no diff between the "R/T" 360 and any other 360. you'd have way more torque than the 360. probably better mileage. it would still be very reliable
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Sneezer
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2005
15:35:42
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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Since you indicated this was a daily driver, stroking your existing engine is not an option. Your truck would be down at least 2 weeks, possibly longer.
A 360 swap offers the best bang for the buck, especially if you can find a low mileage one. And you should not have any problems passing emissions with a 360 swap. A carb engine, which might run clean enough to pass a sniffer, won't pass when they try to hook your truck up to the computer. Here in TX OBDII trucks are checked for codes and a couple other odds and ends. No sniff test.
You can always keep the 318 in your garage, and gradually work on building a 390 over the next year or two.
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Red 99 Dak RT
Dodge Dakota
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8/27/2005
11:27:32
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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For those of you who are replying to this one, must take into consideration that Virginia Inspections check the brakes, lights, all the basics, but not emissions. The only things they look at in emissions is to make sure you have a good exhaust system, no leaks, and they will fail you if you are without a Cat., but some places don't check that deep.
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ZORN
Dodge Dakota
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8/29/2005
08:26:25
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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I'm also talking to a local mechanic who thinks he might be able to squeeze a 360 HEMI under the hood!
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Dakota5.2
Dodge Dakota
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8/29/2005
16:57:33
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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I would choose #2 for the convenience. Sounds like you have nice ride. The reasons you mentioned are very good reasons.
I love the 318 and 360. You can build those into a good motor. The 360 Magnum will give you more torque than the 318 for impressing the friends. Most brand x guys with have a 350 and the 360 Magnum will be able to hang with them. The 318 can handle 300 hp, but for 400 hp, it has to get pretty radical.
You might consider upgrading your gears( would probably hurt mileage but it would increase the fun level :)) and building your 318. This would also be quicker than the other route. The 402 would not be very driveable. New blocks can be ordered from mopar performance.
Ported heads can give you between 20 - 50 hp depending on who does them. It's hp that never wears out.
If do the 360 or 402, keep your 318 in case you want to go back to it. Also, when I mention 360 and 318, I mean the magnum engines 1992 and up.
Where are you located? I'm in Nashville, TN.
Best of Luck,
Dakota5.2
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ZORN
Dodge Dakota
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8/29/2005
17:07:49
| RE: '99 Dakota Engine Upgrade
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Lynchburg... VA.
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