2.5l i4 to something bigger

beefjerky · #1 08-14-2009, 06:46 PM

Now I like my truck.. but the 4cyl in it is kinda pathetic D:

When the engine in my truck dies (200k already), I would like to upgrade to something a bit more powerful..

I was reading earlier in another thread here about someone wanting a jeep 4.0l i6 in their 2.5l, which as they said was essentially the same motor but with 2 extra cylinders. I think that would be pretty interesting..

So what kinds of motors have been swapped into these 2.5l trucks? And what motors are the easiest/cheapest to swap in to?

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MadisonDakota · #2 08-14-2009, 07:26 PM

The easiest is a 2.5 swap.

If you are keeping the same transmission, you don't need to go to powerful.

I say swap in a 5.7 HEMI and tranny.

beefjerky · #3 09-27-2009, 09:04 PM

Well I've been interested in the jeep 4.0 engine swap, so I've been looking into it recently.

I've noticed that the 4.0 uses the same transmission as our 2.5 dakotas, so i wouldn't have to swap that out.

It seems people have a lot of good things to say about the 4.0 too. I could even stroke the engine later..

bpark8824 · #4 09-27-2009, 09:12 PM

A 4.0 swap would be cool. Those motors are pretty torquey being a straight 6 and also have been known to run forever. But I personally do not know much of the swap.

beefjerky · #5 09-27-2009, 09:22 PM

I'm not sure if it's been done before tbh, at least not in a Dakota. I mean it probably has, but I can't find anything online about it.

But a lot of jeepers swap their 2.5s for the 4.0..

RoaminGnome · #6 09-27-2009, 10:30 PM

That does sound like an interesting swap. What kinda driving do you do? Are you a tower, hauler, off-road ect.

I want a cummins in my kota but what little Ive looked into it it requires a lot of work lol

Well if you do any kind of a swap keep us posted with lots of pics and tips

MonkeyWrench4000 · #7 09-28-2009, 12:42 PM

If I had a 2nd gen i would WANT the 2.5L. Did they make 4x4 regular cabs with the 2.5L? That would be perfect for me.

beefjerky · #8 09-28-2009, 02:01 PM

I don't believe so. I think it was all regular cab 4x2. If my Dakota was 4x4, I wouldn't be complaining lol.

LoudPedal45 · #9 09-28-2009, 02:01 PM

same trans? and the 4.0 is an i6??

id say go for it and get a slimmer radiator and see what happens

if i were you id plan it out goood...like get all the measurements ans see if the damn thing will fit first without moving the trans back...and then after that really look into beefing up the trans bc it already would have 200k on it and you putting ALOT more power to it

batman13 · #10 09-28-2009, 03:57 PM

the only clearance you will run into is the radiator.
dont question me, just agree and be happy

theres no way in hell this engine could handle 4wd. barely has enough balls to move it in 2wd
trust me