Well lets start by saying some stuff about my self. Im 16 make money by doing repair to stuff. In high school and Auto Body vocational , from Angola, IN.

I have a 1989 Dakota 2wd 3.9L Auto

This is going to be my build thread it will be long and drawn out because money reasons. I want to build a 408 stroker to put in it or maybe a 360 with a turbo. I also want to put a 5 speed in it. I want it to be fast as hell but be a total sleeper on the out side.

I also need to fix the small amount of rust on the outside and a couple body mounts.

im going to start working on the body this summer coming up as well as find a 360 to rebuild and install the next spring and summer as well as the 5 speed.

It should be ready to go to collage after that. I want to go to UNOH in Lima, Ohio and take their high performance program. I already have a full scholarship for it and im only a junior.
So anyone with any advise?

 

trade with me for my 91...lol jk

 

well yours is 4x4

 

the first thing i want to do is fix the rust and get the stupid v6 working again. I have also been looking on craigslist for a 360 and what do you guys think is a good price for a complete one.

 

Heres a friendly advice if your going the sleeper way, do not put money on the outside let the truck rust and look trashy. Most people will think its junk and when you "supposedly" drive beside them at highspeed they will be shocked when the dakota takes them. Been working for me, agianst little ricers, but not the rig rockets.

 

i dont want the truck to rust away though i want to keep the truck for awhile if im going to put this much money into it

 

buy a magnum style 360 not LA block magnum is easier to get in the Dakota frame as far as oil pans go and motor mounts. Make your own motor mounts it won't be that hard. good luck

 

What rj says about going with a 5.9 Magnum motor, it's the best way to go in my opinion. We have 2 older cars with LA style 360 motors, both with cams and 4 barrel and neither one is as fast as my wife's 92 Dak with stock 5.2 Good luck with your project.

 

I have a 360 magnum shortblock with 16000 original miles on it with a brand new cam from Hughes forgot the specs but i can look later if interested

 

Nice truck! I'm 21 and I have a 1988 3.9L-TBI auto build on here you can find stuff on my thread, I will also be doing an engine swap but only a 318 for fuel consumption reasons.