Hey all! I've been scanning the forums and FAQs for a while and figured it was finally time to start my own thread for info.

I'm planning to do a v8 swap in my 89 Dakota 4X4 next month (I love this truck! ). I'm in college so my budget isn't incredible, but I'll hopefully be getting an almost complete 318 (only missing the carb) and fuel pump out of an 86 D100 with around 100k on it for next to nothing. I was told that I shouldn't have a problem in dropping it in. I plan on re-using my A500 trans until it gives out, and I had a new exhaust system built recently with the factory y-pipe measurements and don't have the cash to change it. Even if this deal falls through, I plan on finding another v8 to swap over this summer, so I just had a few questions off hand:
1.) What exhaust manifolds will bolt up to a factory y-pipe?
2.) Will the v6 starter work with the 318?
3.) What oil pan will I have to find? I'm assuming the D100's won't fit.
4.) Will I have to swap out the fuel system (pump, rails, etc.)?
5.) And the scary one, the electrical: If I carburate it, what do I have to mess with as far as the OBD I computer goes? Or would I be better off scavenging for what the v8 daks came with from the factory?

I'm sure I will have a few more random questions as things progress, but as this is my first engine swap, I hope you guys can help me out with some noob questions or point out anything big I missed. Thanks!

 

Which engine do you have right now?
The grill was updated in the 90s too allow for the bigger V8. Unsure of what you may be able to squeeze in there but changing the front rad cradle, grill, hood and fenders may be a possibility

 

If your going through to do a V8 swap I would suggest finding a better motor. The LA 318's probably had less power then the 3.9 V6 that came on 92-up Dakotas.

Get a V8 5.2 or 5.9 Magnum 92/5.2 or 93/5.9 -up Get it complete wiring harness computer sensors fuel system and all. 92-95 is OBD1 system multiport injection and very easy to use and wire up. 96-up is a little more complicated.

 

It has the stock 3.9 in it currently, which is an absolute dog. I was going to wire an electric fan and cut down the fan shroud to make room, which I heard would work.


Since I have an LA 3.9 (I think), will I have any issues with motor mounts if I use a Magnum 5.2 engine?

 

The Magnums have the same mounts the LA's had. So it should bolt right in IIRC.

 

So I took your advice Crazy and found a 93 5.2 Magnum. It comes with a 46rh transmission still attached. I know I planned on using the stock v6 trans until it died, but since I'll have it all apart anyway, will this transmission swap out with the v6 transmission without changing the front and rear driveshafts?

 

I'm not to sure on that. Just take a few measurements and see if the length is close.