[corky]

v6 v8 swap in a 91 help please

I have a 91 dakota with a 3.9. I found a 87 318 out of a full size truck will it bolt up? If it does I want to make throttle body I know they didn't make a 87 throttle body is what year intake and throttle body will work please help

 

[Edwin87]

In the research I have done, the proper mounting bosses are not on the '87 block. I tried to see if an '88 engine would work and according the pictures I found here: http://www.gearheadengines.com/CrateEngines

The '91 year is the only one that the V8 LA block will bolt in place. Otherwise you have to use a '92 and up Magnum engine.

The issue is motor mounts. The '87 mounts are on the front of the block. The Dakota's use a mount located on the side of the block for both the V6 and V8.

 

[corky]

thanks for the help was hoping it would bolt right up cause i jumped the gun and bought 87 motor got a deal I couldn't pass up. do you or anyone else know if by chance they sell a conversion kit to make it work or can i drill holes and make motor mounts for it or am I out the $.

 

[koda crazy]

thanks for the help was hoping it would bolt right up cause i jumped the gun and bought 87 motor got a deal I couldn't pass up. do you or anyone else know if by chance they sell a conversion kit to make it work or can i drill holes and make motor mounts for it or am I out the $.

Yes they do.
http://www.engine-swaps.com
hope this helps.

 

[Edwin87]

That kit only works with engines with the side mount motor mounts. The '87 engine doesn't have those bosses in the block.

 

[koda crazy]

That kit only works with engines with the side mount motor mounts. The '87 engine doesn't have those bosses in the block.

91-up have 2 mount locations. the older style has them on the side but more up front. this kit will let you use old school blocks in the dakotas.
I know cause thats what I was going to do. but the l.a blocks needs this kit as a mentoined above. 91 up can use the 87 mounts.

 

[plum95]

this question would probably get better feedback in the GEN I forum at least on the electronic side of things

 

[Edwin87]

91-up have 2 mount locations. the older style has them on the side but more up front. this kit will let you use old school blocks in the dakotas.
I know cause thats what I was going to do. but the l.a blocks needs this kit as a mentoined above. 91 up can use the 87 mounts.

That is probably right as I was thinking in terms of a 4x4 since that is what I have. Schumachers kit only works with the 2wd Dakota.

 

[donram360]

well then how did Shelby mount 318s in '89?

 

[koda crazy]

They modified mounts..

 

[Edwin87]

I'd like to see a picture of what the mounts looked like and how they attached to the block.

 

[WentInsane]

You would probably be better off finding a magnum 318/360

 

[96BlkDak]

An 87 would be an LA motor and would bolt up to your truck as is and if I am not mistaken is carbed.

If i were looking for a Dakota again it would be a 91 CC so i can grab an LA engine and carb it and forget all this EFI and computer crap (and I do I.T. for a living so I'm not afraid of a computer)

 

[Lynn_Y]

Also one of the other issues you will run into will be the water pump length. On the '91 Dakota the radiator support is further back than the '93. I think it is a pre '71 water pump that will fit, but then you will need to put an electric fan outside as a pusher right behind the grill.

Other considerations:

ADDITIONAL TECH TIPS:
• Fuel lines will have to be relocated.
• Some models will require tranny lines to be relocated.
• V6 trannys and bell housings will bolt to your small block. All factory linkages should be in the same location, and will work fine.
• 727 and 904 transmissions will require a tranny adaptor plate, unless your vehicle
came with a 3 speed automatic (some ‘87-91 models).
• If you change from a 4 speed automatic overdrive to a 727 or 904 transmission, your drive shaft will have to be lightened.
• Some models have fuel pumps in the gas tank. A fuel regulator is needed to achieve the correct pressure.