So did everyone read this article? https://dodgeforum.com/articles/sema...opar-vehicles/

Just thinking out loud what it would take to put the Hemi, (5.7 or 6.4) in a 1st gen dakota.

1. In reality, $1795.00 (retail?) for the computer, harness, O2 sensors, pedal, etc. is fairly reasonable. IMO
2. Of course, going 2wd and automatic would probably be the easiest, but.
a. What if you wanted to go 4wd?
b. or manual transmission and 4wd?
3. Will the Hemi bolt up to a SBM bell housing?


Assuming you could pick up a used 5.7 in decent shape and a reasonable price, this has the potential of making one heck of a 1st gen dakota!!
They are claiming 383hp and 425 lb. tq. with a stock 5.7 motor.

Just throwing this out there to see what others think.

 

Actually, they're shipping the harness for a manual transmission. A 44RH or 46RH can be run behind one without a lot of pain, though, with a vacuum switch and a pair of hydraulic switches to handle the overdrive and torque converter lockup. See https://www.allpar.com/forums/thread...usings.117404/ to verify that the 5.7 uses the same bell housing as a LA block, and https://transmissioncenter.net/shop/...iring-diagram/ for the conversion kit.

I don't know about 4WD on that; I'm fairly certain that the torque and power of the 5.7 or 6.4 hemi could easily twist the front end into a pretzel *grins*

RwP

 

Torque is the big killer of drivetrains, more so then HP. On the nv3500, some sites say 300 lbs some say 340 lbs. The 5.7 engine says 385 lbs so it is over but I believe based on use and common sense, it could be used. Also, for 4wd, again, depending on use. Myself, I never go off road. Just use it for snow. So in that case, I believe the front end and 231 transfer case would work. But again, just my opinion.

 

Found a Jeep that had been converted to the 5.7. Said they used a 6 speed manual, but did not say what model it was. Also used Dana 44's for axles.

Here is a youtube video that may be of interest.

 

Wish I could find info on the 5.7 hemi swap on that '89 Shelby Dakota. The owner, and the truck drivetrain details, are listed on the Shelby Registry, but I've been unable to find much else, only a couple pictures.

The 5.7 has the same block/bell housing bolt pattern as a small block Mopar, but the mating surface for the flywheel/flexplate extends further into the bell housing, and requires a spacer between the block and bell housing. I found that info fairly recently, but failed to note where - sorry.

The 4WD version of a hemi swap has, I agree, some considerations regarding transmissions, axles, and also brakes. If I wanted to do this swap into my convertible Dakota I'd probably look at adapting the running gear from a 2nd or 3rd gen Dakota. I'd be looking for the 9.25" inch rear with disc brakes, and for that matter maybe just see if I could adapt the whole frame - wonder if anyone has looked at a late model frame swap before? A SAS up front would give you options for a bigger front axle, but I wouldn't want to make that change on my truck.

One advantage of a 4WD swap would be that it'd be OK to add an inch or two of body lift, which would give a little added clearance for the motor and trans.

 

Ragged, I really dont see me doing this swap. Its still more money and time then I would be willing to put in the truck. But its really good to see there are some options opening up like this!!
But IMO a new Hemi in a 1st gen dakota, is going to have the most Wow factor out there!!

 

And here I was thinking a repro 1st gen Mustang or Corvette with the hemi in it would be quite WOW *grins*

RwP

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by RalphP

And here I was thinking a repro 1st gen Mustang or Corvette with the hemi in it would be quite WOW *grins*

RwP

Nah, You would need a coyote or LS motor for that!! Afterall, they are superior!!

 

:icon_ doh:

Then again, I've got a link to Hemi heads for my 5.0HO (Windsor based); although they want a 351 block for the heads. And there's a CPP (Coil Per Plug) kit for the old Windsor series, so I could go Hemi and COP.

Decisions, decisions.

Still, there's nothing quite like the sound of a Hemi. Or a RB at WOT under load. I think the non-PC name for the sound is "panty remover".

RwP

 

Ha, Mopar to 'ya!

You've heard of the small drinkin' town with a fishing problem? Well, I'm a car guy with a Mopar problem, and I'm in denial, hopelessly. I'm trying to stop, but it's soooo hard. The LS is a great motor, the LS is a great motor, the LS is a great motor, ....