my new project

[d55dave]

Well I did it again and found a deal I just couldnt refuse. My wife loves it when this happens. She no longer shows any enthusiasm when I say "Hey, come on out and have a look at the new car".  Oh well - at least she seems to understand my automotive addiction.

The deal is a '93 Dakota extended cab, 4 wheel drive, V6, 5 speed and has a canopy that matches the body color (dark green). It is in pretty decent shape overall with the exception of some body damage around the drivers door handle, oh yeah, and a seized engine.

I think i did al right at $300.00 but am now in the market for a good used engine for it. Apparently it started knocking so the previous owner parked it and bought a new truck. When I got it home it started, ran for about 10 seconds then made a loud thunk and locked up.

Does any one know what years of engines would be the least hassle to install (in terms of computers, fuel injection etc.). Also how hard would it be to transplant a 5.2 or 5.9 into it? Anyone got a decent engine for sale?

Thanks

David

[kawazuki8097]

Congrats on the purchase! That is exactly what I was looking for (less the 4x4) when I found my '88. The 93 is a Gen II and has quite a bit more room (3.5" front to back to be exact) under the hood. The swap should not pose much (if any) problems. The 5.2/5.9 should bolt in with not much more than motor mount swap and a wiring harness mod. The V8 and V6 share the same bell bolt patter and will bolt together w/o issues. Make sure you keep the familes the same (LA / Magnum) and it should not be a problem. I went from a 2.2 5sp to a 318/904 in my '88. I am changing form the 3.55 open 7.25 to a 2.97 sure gripped 8.25 from a Volare (almost a bolt in). The 5sp will not take a serious amount of abuse, but should live a long time providing you just drive it normal. Check out www.bionicdodge.com - they are primarily a Dak site, but any Dodge truck is welcome. Lots of truck and Magnum tech there. Also check with Mark Nixon here on the site - he is a whiz kid when it comes to mixing and matching the Magnum stuff. There is a write up on bionic on how to mod a V6 EFI harness for a V8 lots of info out there. Keep us posted if you decide to go with the swap.
Ray
   

[Jim_Lusk]

Great deal. I'd stick with the V6. My dad's 94 with an auto has been used to pull my car trailer without trouble, although I avoid hills with it.