Hey all, yesterday I picked up a 2nd 87 dakota. this one is the v6 with auto tranny, still 2wd, long bed, with sunroof(not a plus). on my way home, a 40 mile run, with it, it started to overheat and a lot of smoke was comming out of it. stopped to check it out it was the radiator cap. replaced it and keep going. i got 1 mile from home and the engine died. I thought it was over heating, but i was wrong. tried to start it but it would not turn. Checked everything. Looked under the oil cap, what did i find, busted. i could try to repair it but i dont know how much damage has been done untill i rip it apart. what other years of v6's will work if i need to replace the block?

 

If you mean "What year V6's are the same BLOCK?" then all of them. The pre-mag and the mag BLOCKS are basically the same, with exception of the crank sensor bosses being drilled (mag) and the internal oil passages being drilled out (pre-mag). I am sure there are other little things, but you can bolt the mag top end to the premag block, and vice versa with attention to the aforementioned differences.

 

Who knows what the damage is. But a v6 from 87-91 will be a direct replacement for the block. 87 was the only carbed year. So you can only use the block and heads and keep your top end stuff.

If I remember right someone (Salty I think) was looking for pics of a 87 engine bay. Post some up and that will help some others.

 

ok i put pics of both engine bays in a album folder Search "87 Dakota Engine's Bay" dont know the real link but they are the 2.2 and 3.9 engines in the 87 dakotas.

 

Here is the post. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-3-9-pics.html

Post them up in there too.

 

Is the intake on the 87 dakota only found on the dakotas engine, was there no other dodge with this engine and intake, i only ask because the intake i have has a few holes in it so i also need to find that.

 

if i put a tbi engine+emc from a 88 do i only need to change the tank and fuel lines?

 

I don't know for sure if the 87 carbed intake is the same as the 88-91 V6 TBI intake. It is a possibility it may work. But the engine is Dakota only.

The TBI system will need an electronic fuel pump so yes to lines and tank. All wires sensors ECM ALL electronics.

 

Thanks crazy4x4, i was at a salvage today and saw a 88 intake. they look the same but ill look more into it.