3.9L Non-Magnum Engine Swap
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3.9L Non-Magnum Engine Swap
Howdy guys, new to the forum here. I have (what I think is) a dumb question. I just bought a '93 Dakota 4x4, 3.9L Magnum V6. This motor is shot, dead piston. I also have an '88 Dakota with the Non-Magnum 3.9L V6. Will the '88 Non-Magnum V6 fit into the '93 truck? If so, what all needs to be done, besides the obvious? Thanks SO MUCH to all replies.
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From: NM
As a direct bolt on NO it will not. If you customize lots yes, but not worth it. The Magnum V6 probably makes more HP than the old LA 360 V8's 70's- 80's, so the V6 would have less power. And if your customizing you might as well drop in a 5.2 or 5.9 Magnum which would be a direct bolt on just transmission upgrade and wiring.
So for easy direct bolt on use a V6 Magnum 92-02 Dodge Rams, Dakotas, Vans, Durango if it came with a V6 I'm not sure.
So for easy direct bolt on use a V6 Magnum 92-02 Dodge Rams, Dakotas, Vans, Durango if it came with a V6 I'm not sure.
Captain
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From: Florida
I agree that the magnum is a better stock engine. The LA can be made to produce more power, but your better off financially buying a replacement magnum. If you shop around, I would guess you could nab everything for under 500. Used Dakota's get parted out quite frequently. You also have not said exactly why your engine is "kaput".
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Thanks for the fast replies gentleman, appreciate it.
Crazy4x4RT- Am I right? The '93 came with the Magnum V6, not the LA?
Siggie30- I probably will just find a 318 to put into it. The motor that's in it now has a dead piston.
Thanks again guys!
Crazy4x4RT- Am I right? The '93 came with the Magnum V6, not the LA?
Siggie30- I probably will just find a 318 to put into it. The motor that's in it now has a dead piston.
Thanks again guys!
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Couple more quick questions for ya guys.
1) Putting a 318 in would a DIRECT bolt on to that '93, right? If not, what ALL needs to be done? (Sorry for sounding "novice" here, just somewhat new to Dodge's).
2) Would the 4 spd. auto from EITHER of the 3.9L's work?
Thanks!
1) Putting a 318 in would a DIRECT bolt on to that '93, right? If not, what ALL needs to be done? (Sorry for sounding "novice" here, just somewhat new to Dodge's).
2) Would the 4 spd. auto from EITHER of the 3.9L's work?
Thanks!
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From: new glasgow, nova scotia
you should be able to use the block from the 88. most of the changes where made in the heads and injection from 87-96.
bolt the 93 3.9 heads on the 88 3.9 block and you don't have to change anything.
bolt the 93 3.9 heads on the 88 3.9 block and you don't have to change anything.
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From: NM
Carl Payne: The main differences to the new 5.2l and the old 318 are in the block and heads. The new block has roller lifters, with a new lifter angle, and has bosses for the lifter retainers. The heads are high-swirl / high-flow heads, and the Magnum has a better intake. Some changes were made to commonize the 5.9, 5.2, and 3.9 V6 engines.
Gary Howell: "The Magnum blocks are physically the same as the earlier LA engines, except the oil passage for the shaft mounted rockers is not drilled, because the Magnum engines oil through the push rods. The boss is there if you need to use the old style heads."
Gary Howell: "The Magnum blocks are physically the same as the earlier LA engines, except the oil passage for the shaft mounted rockers is not drilled, because the Magnum engines oil through the push rods. The boss is there if you need to use the old style heads."