I have an 87 Dakota with 4 cylinder engine. I would like to put a 318 engine from a 92 dakota. The 87 has a 5 speed NV3500 tranny.

My questions are:

1. Will this tranny mount up with 318? Any special parts needed?

2. I doubt the motor mounts are same? Any solution?

my ultimate plan is to remove body and put my 1958 Dodger D200 on it. Any help with be greatly appreciated.

 

Compatible parts are from 86-96 so with new motor mounts, wire harness and trans it should drop right in.

 

A parts truck with a 318 might be easiest, but heck, I haven't done it before so I don't know.

I'm thinking I may have to upgrade to an NV3500 one of these days if the stock NV2500 in my '90 ever goes out.

 

The biggest problem with the 318 is that you'll have to work over the cooling system somewhat - Shelby had to use a front-mount electric fan due to how short the engine bay is (there's frame extenders available for the 1990-1996 to fit the V8s better, that's what they did from the factory anyway.)

Your transmission MAY work for a while, but I'd also be saving up for a better one from Tremec (who purchased / merged with New Venture, so the NV transmissions now have Tremec #s).

RwP

 

Marsal,

My 87 has a 318, and whoever did the swap, welded square tube to the frame to support the engine, the electric fans are mounted on the front of the Radiator, and they put adjustable temperature switch in the engine bay, I will try and shoot some pics tonight. When you swap the engine, do yourself a favor and replace the starter while the engine is out. changing it or putting it in with the engine in is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE A$$.

Jake

 

Thank you all for the replies...i look forward to seeing those pics