my 2.5L is about on its last leg, pushing just over 240,000 miles and not taken care of before i got it. its breaking down every other day it seems. i would like to swap a 5.9L into it. i have seen some threads on here about swaps to a 5.9L, but none starting with a 2.5L. in the long run, i would like to also supercharge the 5.9L. i would like to collect some information from you guys.

please, when you answer the questions it would be great if you could put the number of the question with the answer for that question.

1. what approximate year engine should i get?
2. is it recommended i get a carburated or fuel injected engine?
3. i prefer a manual transmission, which one is recommeded?
4. what is the recommended rear end?
5. what other parts should be upgraded from what comes on the 2.5L?
6. what parts will i need to purchase other than engine/transmission?
7. lastly, what parts will need to be custom made?

i will start with the 5.9L and drive on it for a little while to make sure its solid before i start the supercharger project. any help you guys offer is greatly appreciated.

 

A few others said you should be able to use the factory motor mount bolting holes. So it should be a bolt in swap.

For motors I would recommend 93-95 Ram 5.9 Magnum. Get it complete all accessories, fuel hoses, wires, computer. EVERYTHING.

You will need to upgrade the fuel system, cooling system.

If you have the Chry 8.25 with the oval diff cover then your okay. If it is the Chry 7.25 with a Octagon diff cover you will need to upgrade.

As for transmission NV3500 Dodge would work. NV4500 Dodge is much stronger, but a body lift is needed to fit it.

 

Based on the elementary questions, I'd recommend you just buy a truck already with the engine and transmission you want. Put a reman 2.5 in the one you have and keep it as a daily driver. It'll be a lot cheaper and easier to do.

 

i already have a car as a daily driver. the dakota was bought for $750 for temporary use while my car is being repaired. as soon as my car is finished (approx two weeks), i will no longer have a need for the dakota. i planned on just making it a project truck after i get my car back.

from the research i've done, the first gen dakota did not come equipped with a 5.9L so that suggestion, although thoughtful, will not help me any. i do, however, appreciate you looking at my thread and offering your advice.

 

A 5.9 physically fits exactly where a 5.2 or a old 5.6 or 4.5. Even a 3.9, which all use the same engine mounts and transmission bell housing bolt pattern.

 

1. As Crazy4x4rt said, '93 to '95. If you get a '96+, at least look for a '93-'95 intake manifold with all the sensors and computer/harness.
2. My recommendation is fuel injected. Its easier and more efficient because all the parts are readily available. With a carb, you will need to do a lot of custom work to the ignition and fuel systems.
3. The nv3500 will work fine for the RCSB 2wd dakota... its a small, light truck. Any heavier of a truck and you don't want the nv3500 behind a 5.9L... too much stress.
4. Corp. 8.25" will work fine. A Corp. 9.25" from a 2nd gen dakota will be stronger if you can find one and want to do the cutting/welding required to install it.
5. Engine, transmission, fuel system, computer, wiring harness, transmission, driveshafts, front springs (the 5.9 is much heavier than the 2.5).
6. See number 5.
7. For the 5.9L swap, transmission swap, and rear end swap, nothing. You can find direct bolt in parts for everything. For the supercharger, everything... there is no direct bolt in supercharger kit.

 

Use a ford 9" rear end, go with a carbed motor or Holley tuneable injection system, get some aluminum heads. go on Ebay, there's been a lot of Everham Dodge engine parts on there.