ok, so i just came across some money, and was thinking about working on my Dakota.

i was wondering how well the Mopar 402 Crate engine would fit in a 1'st gen dakota? If i understand right, it is an LA style block, the same as the 318? am i correct? Also, i have read somewhere that the engine mount ont he passanger side is slightly off from the 318, if so, what would be the best way to get around this?

And the number one qustion, would i be able to fit a Twin Screw belt driven super charger under the hood?

I allready know i can get a bell houseing to fit the TreMec TKO 5 speed transmission to the 402, but, what would you guys sudjust for a rear end?

Thanks in advanced.

 

Isn't the 402 crate motor offered a Magnum motor?

It depends on what you want for the truck. Just a cruiser or drive to the track, race and drive home. Or strictly racing.

For the best of both worlds, I'd order the 360 LA crate motor, about 45HP less. Go to the junkyard, pick up two turbos off the old 2.2 motors and put those on. Not only would you bedifferent with a Twin Turbo'd 360, but it'd put out good HP for ALOT less. I'd back it up with an A-518 that was built the max along with a 8 3/4 rear end with 4.56 gears. The OD trans makes the bigger gears easier to cruise in.


How you want the truck(cruiser, etc) makes a whole lot of difference in the setups you'd want to look at.

 

Well, the orignal idea was to have the fastest truck in this part of arkansas, make all the chevy boys shut up about there 350's. Also, i have always been addicted to speed, and always wanted a fast car/truck. Not that i want a stright on race truck, but i would like one that is FAST! Now, as for the engine, yes the 402 is a magium from MoPar, But the 360, about how much would that run from a junker? and to build up? I know the MoPar engines are strong.

Thanks for the help sofar, hope im not picking your brain too much


Jon

 

Chevy guys, always fun to pick on.

What you could do is, order the LA 360 Mopar Block, put a .509 cam in it, run a 727 transmission with a Hurst shifter and a 8 3/4 rear end.You would easily run 13s(with tweaking of course). and still get roughly 15mpg driving to the track.

You could always add some Edlebrock heads, an Air Gap or LD340 intake and a carb of your choice.. some are picky on what they know for carbs.

Picking up a 360 from a yard, here in the U-pull it runs 250 for any V8. I think it was Pre-75 the 360s were a stronger block.

A 360 fits with ease(see pic) and a 440 fits well, you would have to cut into the wheel wells for the headers though.

If and when you get to building it, feel free to message me or E-mail me. I'll share with you what I know.

[IMG]local://upfiles/30297/9411EEB9E6034F28BB38090C64916C61.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks for all the info bro, you have been a LOT of help. But im still not sure if im going to build up the dak, or build on my 1991 Nissan Pathfinder (4x4)? it sounds like its going to be a little cheaper to build the dak, and a hell of a lot more fun

Anyway, thank you.

Jon