OK, I have a 1987 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 motor in it, I am getting oil in one cylinder and was wondering if it was possible to swap in a 318 or other V8 directly to the Manual transmission. Also, is it possible to buy just valve seals, I may fix this motor, but I would like to put a V8 in it if I am going to keep it for a while. Also it is a 4 x 4. Thanks, any information is appreciated.

 

I'm pretty sure it will work, the 318 is internally balanced so you are fine there. 92 up motors have a crank trigger, but I dont know much about 91 back in refrence to wiring. If yours has a crank trigger, put in a v8 flex plate, and a v8 computer, it should work. I think its thrittle body injected, right. I cant remember. Even still, if you stick with throttle body injection or a carbuerator, its much easier than multi port. 3.9 and 5.2 have the same geometry, so your exhaust will probably still bolt up, check the clearance for the radiator and the fan. Good Luck.

 

You will need a 318-340 flywheel.You will need to remove the viscous fan, and use a electric in front of the rad. I used a M1 carb intake with a lower pressure electric pump. Throttle body is 15lbs carbs are about 6lbs. You may have a clearance problem at the exhaust manifold flange. If the frame does not have a flat spot on the inside top edge.

 

a 15lb throttlebody?! mine is a 4bbl and pry weighs somewhere in the range of 5 or 6. maybe you meant them the other way around.

just get the fan setup from a v8 dak in the junkyard. or cut your fan shroud back with a cutting wheel and use the other fan. they are both the same except the v6's is longer.

 

You can buy a head gasket set for the 3.9 i just bought mine it cost me $69.

 

Thats 15lbs of fuel pressure for the TB and a carb can only handle about 6lbs. And you do need to remove the fan on an 87. There will be only about 3" between the water pump pulley and the rad.

 

Don't forget about the transmission and rear-end. In 2000 the V6s were getting NV3500s, not entirely sure about '97s, owners manual should tell you. Should check what rear-end you have too, I know the 9.25 will handle the 5.3L, not sure if the V6s got that rear.