I have a 1991 dodge dakota v8 that has the LA 318 in it. I have a donor vehicle for the swap, its a 1995 Dakota v8. Has anyone ever done this swap before? Any major setbacks ?

 

Standard deal - grab the wiring harness and ECU. Are both automatic transmissions? Are both the SAME transmission? If not, you may need some adapters, different clutchplate, etc. It's still a fairly straightforward swap, though.

 

Awesome thank you. Yes they are both automatic , as far as being the same exact transmission , I don't know

 

Definitely been done, and relatively easy. I put a Magnum V8 in my '89 4WD, and the trickiest part was converting the fuel system over to what the Magnum needs for multi-port EFI. I say tricky, but it wasn't that bad really. The throttle body injected engines (like your '91) have a lower psi requirement for fuel pressure, so you'll need to upgrade the pump. The easiest way I found to accomplish that was to swap in a later year fuel tank and pump module, as the the higher pressure fuel pumps don't fit the pre-Magnum tanks.

The wiring part is pretty easy if you stay with OBD1. The later engine bay harness will plug right into the old fire-wall connector in your '91. You'll need to change a couple wires there (I can tell you in more depth if you're interested), but it's nothing too crazy. It's just because Dodge changed the way they route the fuel pump and rear lights from the front harness to the rear.

I'm really happy with mine. Always starts and runs nice.

 

If you're going to switch to multi port EFI I would also take the time to freshen up your fuel delivery..especially hose connections. The la tbi motors ran at 14psi. Magnums EFI run at 52 psi. Any loose or suspect hoses especially of that age can leak or burst. The steel lines should be ok although if they have those spiral protectors on them theyre subject to rusting inside out. If it were me and Goin through the trouble of a new pump I'd consider new lines too.

 

I went with stainless fuel lines! In-Line Tubing of MI may even have your truck in stock, of they'll gladly make you new ones. They had/made both the fuel lines and brake lines for my Ramcharger resto-mod.

 

I ran all new steel brake lines using the old ones as templates....withe the OEM double flaring tool it was a cinch. For fuel I went 3/8 aluminum and the earls performance compression fittings....good for 50 psi but I'm staying carbed. If going EFI go steel or nylon.