88 dakota 2wd transplant v6 to v8
 

My truck needs more power, the 3.9 it’s just not doing it for me...

Truck has a 3.9 v6 auto trans 2wd

I’d like to install a mild 318 or 360 sbm LA carbed engine

The 3.9 its a tbi, I’m going with a carbed setup

I have been doing tons of reading but most of the swaps are on newer Dakotas with magnum motors. I have some questions

I have a long block 318 that i can use but i could go to a junk yard and find a 360

1. Will a premagnum sbm LA 318 or 360 have issues with the motor mounts or will it bolt on the same motor mounts as the 3.9

2. Will a oil pan from a 82 ram d150 fit the Dakota

3. What kind of flywheel does a 360 need it not being internally balanced?

4. Do I need a different torque converter with either the 318 or the 360?

5. What kind of electric fan and controller do I need that won’t cost an arm and a leg

6. How do I lower the psi on the stock fuel pump to feed the carb


I’m not a noob, I’m a full time mechanic, I just have never done swaps like this, please help me so I can get the Dakota smoking some tires :D

For the fuel pressure, install an inline manual regulator w/gauge.

For the fan, there are some 16" fans out there that don't cost a whole lot and the thermal switches for them are pretty cheap.

I'd look into a finding a 2wd 727 for the 318 or 360 as the one behind the 3.9 probably won't last too long.

You will need a rear sump oil pan for the swap (i believe).

I'm not sure about the motor mounts or the flywheel though. I think that the mount should work though, you may need to just fab some up.

interested in selln the 3.9 and tranny? what the condition and mileage but id need the complete setup mine is 2.2 5spd carbd

I swapped from a manual trans to a 904 behind my v-6 in my 90 4X2 and added 2inches to make the bracket far enough forward to make it work with the manual crossmember. I have been doing research and have been thinking about a 318 to put in mine and found that if I were to take the 2 inches back out of the bracket a small block v-8 could fit with a 904 moving the engine back 2 inches and no fan it would clear the radiator. I have the same issue as you. The cost, I have seen engine swap kits upwards of $600 that doesn't include exhaust headers, oil pan, shortening the driveline. Good luck If you can find an inexpensive route.