mopartruck

hey everyone

I have a 2002 dakota v6 that I want to eventually convert to a v8. I thought that I had read somewhere that the 4.7 and the 3.9 both used the same 5 speed transmission - does anyone know for sure if that is the case?

I would like to keep the 5 speed - (nv3500?) if I can and just make the motor change (with whatever other components would be needed)

does this sound possible and correct?

thanks very much
Sean

TVLynn

Trans should work Just need the correct bellhousing

pro-tech

Stay with the 3.9 it is a better engine...The 4.7 is not a good choice of motors it has alot of problems....The 318 or 360 will bolt right up and is bullit proof...Bill

mopartruck

thanks

I wanted a little more oomph from the truck and did not think there was much to do with the 3.9 - unless someone knows otherwise - I would definitely listen
that's why I was thinking 318 or 360. I thought I had heard the 318 would bolt up to the same transmission but I did not know about the 360.

are there reasonable mods for the 3.9 that will get it close to at least the 318?

thanks again
Sean

pro-tech

The 3.9 is a 318 with 2 cylinders missing..bore and stroke are the same..You say it is a 2002 truck are you sure its not a 3.7 then it would be a 4.7 with 2 cylinders missing...and the 318 would not bolt up and you would have to 4.7 to be an easy bolt up...What about the engine wiring?????? they will be different V6 to V8...Im sure there are upgrades to your V6 look at summit and Jegs They may have listings of performance parts...Bill

mopartruck

thanks
I did some more checking on the inner-web and found that the 3.9 and 5.2 were used in 2002 - they changed to the 3.7 and 4.7 in 2003 (providing the info was good) they also said that the 3.9 and 5.2 used the nv3500 manual transmission - would that then be a bolt up situation? It sounds like it - but honestly I do not know these very well - yet.

I know the electrical connections will be their own nightmare but one step at a time.

I am still going to check at summit and jegs for 3.9 enhancements - does anyone know if mopar still makes any performance parts for these?

thanks very much for all of your help - I really appreciate this I know I still have a lot to learn about these

Sean

TVLynn

Modifying the 3.9 is a waste of good $$$$ Put a 318 in it

mopartruck

thanks
I was leaning that way - my other concern was the compatibility with the transmission
it sounds like they will match just fine - any thoughts?

thanks
Sean

moe7404

i am NOT a trans expert. but in the old days a 727 is found behind a 383 or a 440. BUT it is NOT the same trans the 440 727 had diff clutches ect. i dont know if they do that now days. but just cause it bolts up doesnt mean you should. but check it out.

pro-tech

Sean, Yes they will bolt up... The cats meow would be to find a wrecked or not Dakota in a bone yard with a 318/360 then you could scarf it all the wiring and other stuff you need to make it happen...Good Luck...Bill

mopartruck

sounds like a great idea - thanks Bill