Hello all, For a month now i'v been wanting to do something different with my Dakota. I have thought of putting a 4.3 Vortec engine from a 2000 s-10 in it for the hell of it. But before i start i would like to find out more info on this. Like, Could i get that engine in to a 87 Dakota, do i only need the EMC and harness, stuff like that. Any comments are welcome, Just hit me with it.

 

Why would you want to put a less powerful engine in your truck? That's like swapping a HEMI out for a 5.3 Vortec or a 5.4 Triton.

 

Not really for me, because i only have the 2.2 in my dakota, and i just have a 4.3 vortec just lying arowned doing nothing

 

Oh you're right. Sorry I just started rambling! I obviously didn't catch that part of your first post.

 

But I suppose you'd need to figure out a way to mate a vortec to a dodge tranny. Youll probably have to get a different tranny but I don't know much about that stuff so I'll let somebody else chime in.

 

Ya you will need a different transmission custom mounts exhaust drive-shaft, upgrade the fuel system. Maybe upgrade the axle. Tons of work but way better than that POS engine you got in it now.

 

that 2.2l is as bullet proof as the jeep 6l...turbo that sucker...lol

 

lol agreed. At least do that. Or sell the vortec and buy a 3.9..5.2..or 5.9 magnum and put that in. a lot less work too haha

 

Agree'd. Sell the vortec and get a 5.2 or 5.9. Would be a HUGE waste of time, effort, and money to put a 5.3 in. If you are going to go through all that work, put in an older 440 or 5.7 hemi.