swamp29

Hello all !!
I have recently aquired a 1995 dodge dakota 4x4 with an 318 magnum the motor is shot.
i have an 1965 to 1970 performance 318 in the shop with this bolt in and up to the exsisting trany and mounts.
thanks

78doubleR

Welcome!
the magnum motors have different motor mount locations on the block. but the trans will bolt up. whats wrong with the current motor?

swamp29

as far as i know the block is cracked. is there a way of getting the mounts to work

chlngr1970

I was under the impression the blocks used the same motor mount perches. That is what pushed me to use the Magnum I have for my Demon. You may wanna check that info out...I'll do some looking in to it myself as it is rather pivotal in my plan for my Demon.

Now, the magnum motors use a different head bolt pattern than the LA block, along with the fuel injection, and roller cam. What are your plans with the truck? Runabout? Restoration? Go Fast toy? That will be the first bit of info needed for recomendations.

Also, post pix...we like pix

j

78D200

^X2

I'm not sure if the exhaust manifolds will bolt up due to the heads being different but that would be a simple fix.

78doubleR

the head bolt pattern is the same, its the intake manifold bolt angle that is different. on a la motor they are at a 45* angle where as a magnum is straight up and down. but yes, they have mpi and roller cam/lifters

swamp29

thanks guys i will prob look for a magnum but i dont want a stock one what are some options i could do? i am old school i have a 1951 ford rod with a flat head that will rock your shorts off i like the rumble and shake and enjoy the power behind it.we dont have any emition **** to worry about here like most states. any sugestions would be great!!
and thanks in advance

78doubleR

to answer your question about the motor mounts, heres some quotes from another site im on.

78D200

I would look for a Magnum 360 myself if you are looking for power. There are kits out there to bore and/or stroke them not to mention all the performace goodies. Make sure that you get the matching PCM for the motor too otherwise you'll have a hard time getting it going. There are places out there that and "re-tune" the PCM.

swamp29

Could a guy not just thro a 360 in and carb it dich all the fuel injection and other crap. i dont have to worry about all the polution control stuff here.
and if a guy did that would i have to change the tranny or will it work not sure if it is electronic shift i will prob just use it for hunting and bombing around
thanks

Coronet 500

The '95 trans is likely an RE which exchanges info with the computer to adjust engine management, trans governor (line) pressure and shift points. This I believe will be your biggest road block for carb conversion. I've seen kits using pressure sensing switches, solenoid valves and timers to overcome the electronic control but it's more than I would like to undertake.

78D200

If you swapped in a 360, all you need to swap with it is the computer. I have heard about people making a switch setup to shift the AW4 trannys in Jeeps so I could imagine you could do the same here if you know enough about electrical.

scotts74birds

I'm very comfortable with F.I. I would stay with a magnum motor and FI. They are a dime a dozen out there. There are some computer compatible RV style cams out there that can really wake that motor up! A 5.9 magnum conversion would be easy too.