87 dakota motor swap

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Old 08-14-2013, 06:44 AM
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87 dakota motor swap

Im doing a v6 to v8 motor swap in my 87 dakota. Came stock with a 3.9 and 3 speed auto tranny. Putting in a mild built 318 la series and just wondering what kind of electrical and computer related things i will need. Key is going basic overall just have never done a swap before and want to know a whole list of what im gonna need. I also plan on having a msd box in it also.
Old 08-14-2013, 09:16 AM
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is your truck fuel injected? my 93 has a la carbed 318. i used a ready to run distributor i got rid of all the co
puter and wiring harness and im usi.g a 1 wire alt to clean it up even more.
theres no need to use the mopar orange ignition box or anything from the old harness the distributor does it all for you
you do how ever have to wire the distributor in i wired mine to the fuse box. this should get hou started. check your clearence on my 93 i need a e-fan
Old 08-14-2013, 09:47 AM
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The truck is carb from the factory in 1987
Old 08-14-2013, 09:49 AM
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ok so this should be a relatily easy swap for you to
Old 08-14-2013, 10:07 AM
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A 3.9 is just a 318 with 2 cyl cut off so it should be easy swap. If you don't have a motor yet ? I would put a Magnaum 318 in it..
Old 08-14-2013, 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by TVLynn
A 3.9 is just a 318 with 2 cyl cut off so it should be easy swap. If you don't have a motor yet ? I would put a Magnaum 318 in it..
I'd look for a Magnum 360. The tranny behind the 3.9 won't hold up at all to a stock 318 yet alone a mild 318.
Old 08-14-2013, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 78D200
I'd look for a Magnum 360. The tranny behind the 3.9 won't hold up at all to a stock 318 yet alone a mild 318.
Yes i know i have a a833 4 speed im putting behind it
Old 08-14-2013, 01:42 PM
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Sounds like it's gonna be a fun truck. 2WD?
Old 08-15-2013, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr.4spd
Sounds like it's gonna be a fun truck. 2WD?
Yes it is and then once i gey it all back on the road gonna stroke a 360 to a 408 and supercharge it
Old 08-15-2013, 07:24 AM
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whats done to the 318
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