Hi,

I'm thinking about replacing my V6 (LA) with a V8 (318 LA, carb.).
1) Does the V8 bolt in a V6 4WD car without modifications?
2) I believe I can reuse my starter, motor mounts, alternator, steering pumps and brackets etc., is this correct?
3) Was the V8 cars delivered with stiffer torsion bars than the V6?
4) What is the difference on the brakes for the '88 V6 and '91 V8 cars?

To do this engine swap road legal here in Norway I have to upgrade the car up to the correct V8 specifications regarding springs and brakes.

Thanks!

 

Not sure on the motor mounts but everything will bolt up.

Since its a pre magnum v8 the trans shouldn't have to be swapped.

The torsion bars will have to be changed due to the weight of the motor otherwise it be lowered.

Brakes are all the same the only real difference is what size came on the truck from the factory.

 

Thanks for your reply, shadowthedakota.

Do you know where I can get the correct torsion bars? I can't seem to find new ones..

Has anyone ever fitted the 318 LA in a 1st gen Dakota 4WD?

I've picked up a 318 LA engine from a '89 B350. I will be using the Dakota's transmission, but it will be rebuilt with upgraded internals.

 

Carroll Shelby (Shelby Dakota) put one in a flat front style .. first gen is 87-96 i beleive since only real change was the front nose to accomidate more room for the V8 as an option and in my 92 man it had power , also was first year of the magnum

Anyway .. history lesson here: http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/dodg...by-dakota.html

Basically bye bye mechanical fan, relocating electric to the front of rad and i beleive possibly different motor mounts

 

Thanks for your reply, 92DakotaClub!

I've got no problems converting to electric fans. I just hope there's room for the fans when also having the A/C core on the front.

I've got no worries regarding the oil pan either, it should be a easy modification.

What worries me is the motor mounts, and how much they are "off".

 

the 318's in the early 90's dakotas will bolt right to the v6 mounts.. i put an 83 318 in my 87 4x4 dakota and had to custom fabricate my motor mounts.. i was almost to the point of going with an elephant ear rather than regular mounts.. but that would have been just as much hassle due to steering box in the way..

 

Thanks for your reply, MadHatter_o0!

Do you have any pictures of how you solved the motor mounts? My concern is like you
mention the steering box, and that the ears are all the way in the front of the engine block.

 

The '89 318 should bolt right up to the same mount - supposedly, all LA blocks got the mid-block mounting points by the late 80's in addition to the elephant ears. SUPPOSEDLY.

(IOW - if the motor mounts don't bolt up, then I'm sorry, but it ain't my fault *grins*)

What you can do to make more room is pick up some 1991+ front parts (grill, bumper, core support, frame extensions) and bolt those on. With that, the 318 should fit right in (since those parts were altered to allow factory install of the V8s.)

Past that, V8 wiring and a V8 SMEC/SBEC should take care of most of it.

I'd use the later V8 transmission, or at least get the current one built up.

RwP

 

Thanks for your reply, RalphP!

To me it seems like the Magnum blocks got the mid-block mounting points in addition to the elephant ears?
I will have compare the engine mounts between my V6 and the V8. I hope I'm wrong!

I'm keeping my '88 front, in worst case I have to move the radiator.

 

Doesn't Norway have strict anti tamper laws regarding emissions and drivetrain? Will you have to pass a technical inspection similar to the UK's MOT?

What's the price for gas in Norway these days?

Sorry to be contrary, but I think this is a terrible idea.