5.3l GM in 1995 Dakota 5.2l?
Champion
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,737
Likes: 374
From: Northwest Louisiana
Speedo on 1987 to 1993 or 1994 were mechanical; 85 and 125MPH.
By 1995 they were electronic; 120MPH.
So swap to a 1995-1996 speedo, and you're covered.
Tach is driven off the ECU, 2x per revolution (not once per spark event like some tachs). This also isn't a BIG problem; Dakota Digital amongst others makes a tach adjuster, tell it the old motor was a I4 and the new a V8 and it'll take care of the tach signal for you.
Gauges aren't a big problem; swap in the appropriate sending unit. Or one of the appropriate range; these are published in the factory service manual.
Of course, if I were to do a swap like this, I'd go for all electronic gauges, and make a new cluster to fit the current hole. Wouldn't be too hard; Jegs and Summit sell all the gauges I could ever want *grins*
RwP
By 1995 they were electronic; 120MPH.
So swap to a 1995-1996 speedo, and you're covered.
Tach is driven off the ECU, 2x per revolution (not once per spark event like some tachs). This also isn't a BIG problem; Dakota Digital amongst others makes a tach adjuster, tell it the old motor was a I4 and the new a V8 and it'll take care of the tach signal for you.
Gauges aren't a big problem; swap in the appropriate sending unit. Or one of the appropriate range; these are published in the factory service manual.
Of course, if I were to do a swap like this, I'd go for all electronic gauges, and make a new cluster to fit the current hole. Wouldn't be too hard; Jegs and Summit sell all the gauges I could ever want *grins*
RwP
Record Breaker
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,852
Likes: 109
From: Va
So, why hasnt someone done the conversion?
I understand the tach signal is 2x, but what is it from the LS computer?
Again, I realize that the latter trucks, (actually I think it started in 94) had electric speedometers. But will it communicate with the LS computer?
Until someone tries, no one knows.
I realize the guages could be switched to aftermarket. Myself, I dont like the looks of them. They look out of place IMO. Also, by the time you build the dash, that alone is probably going to be close to $1,000.00 for 6 guages, and all the little stuff to go with them.
These are just a few potential hurdles to overcome.
I did a lot of research on this in the past. I have no problem with putting a GM, motor in a dakota, but to lead people to think its going to be easy........
FWIW lsdak.com had the most info. I could find on a LS conversion in a dakota. But his was on a 2wd 2nd gen dakota and a durango.
I'll still say, the devil is going to be in the details!!
I understand the tach signal is 2x, but what is it from the LS computer?
Again, I realize that the latter trucks, (actually I think it started in 94) had electric speedometers. But will it communicate with the LS computer?
Until someone tries, no one knows.
I realize the guages could be switched to aftermarket. Myself, I dont like the looks of them. They look out of place IMO. Also, by the time you build the dash, that alone is probably going to be close to $1,000.00 for 6 guages, and all the little stuff to go with them.
These are just a few potential hurdles to overcome.
I did a lot of research on this in the past. I have no problem with putting a GM, motor in a dakota, but to lead people to think its going to be easy........
FWIW lsdak.com had the most info. I could find on a LS conversion in a dakota. But his was on a 2wd 2nd gen dakota and a durango.
I'll still say, the devil is going to be in the details!!
Champion
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,737
Likes: 374
From: Northwest Louisiana
Well, for points in no particular order:
1) The electric speedometer just needs the Vehicle Speed Sensor signal; if you can get one, you're golden. If not, well, there's always GPS adapters, like http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...41612/10002/-1
2) If it's a coil pack, then the Dakota Digital kit I mentioned earlier would still do it; just tell the adapter the old motor was 2x the cylinders of the new one (if a coil pack), or 4x (if COP), and tag off the coil signal for one of the plugs. That part isn't too hard either.
3) Well, it depends on what you want them to look like ... again, Jegs has a nice LED unit, six functions, in one pod: http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...41625/10002/-1
That could be set to use the factory senders on the LS. If not, well, then it's time to find a dash that'll talk over the PCI bus, and make it fit.
(I'm more partial to "Tag a second sender for the gauges" myself, but eh, whichever floats your boat.)
RwP
1) The electric speedometer just needs the Vehicle Speed Sensor signal; if you can get one, you're golden. If not, well, there's always GPS adapters, like http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...41612/10002/-1
2) If it's a coil pack, then the Dakota Digital kit I mentioned earlier would still do it; just tell the adapter the old motor was 2x the cylinders of the new one (if a coil pack), or 4x (if COP), and tag off the coil signal for one of the plugs. That part isn't too hard either.
3) Well, it depends on what you want them to look like ... again, Jegs has a nice LED unit, six functions, in one pod: http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...41625/10002/-1
That could be set to use the factory senders on the LS. If not, well, then it's time to find a dash that'll talk over the PCI bus, and make it fit.
(I'm more partial to "Tag a second sender for the gauges" myself, but eh, whichever floats your boat.)
RwP
Banned
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 1
Once again, Google "world's easiest LS swap?" And itll be a first gen Dakota. Yes it's 2wd, but he covers everything needed. No, he doesn't cover the speedometer, but covers everything else. But does mention what would be needed to do get the speedometer working. This isn't that hard of a swap, no matter how you look at it. People HAVE done it. I'm sure somewhere there's a 4wd first gen done as well. Not everything gets on the interwebs.
The main thing is just getting the money and spare vehicle while the project gets done for most people. 99% of people that have that extra **** off money though, sure don't spend it on a Dakota. we all know how dead every Dakota forum or social media group is.
Just wait though, mark my words. One day mine will have a 6 liter vortec backed by a 4l80e 4x4. And itll be plastered everywhere. 2 years is my timeline to get started. Could have had it done by now, but always keep finding aesthetic add ons. And my Magnum is still going strong. It'll be swapped when the time is right.
Heck, my buddy just got a complete 6.0 vortec top to bottom that needs a minor rebuild for $100. It's really just a matter of finding the right stuff at the right time.
The main thing is just getting the money and spare vehicle while the project gets done for most people. 99% of people that have that extra **** off money though, sure don't spend it on a Dakota. we all know how dead every Dakota forum or social media group is.
Just wait though, mark my words. One day mine will have a 6 liter vortec backed by a 4l80e 4x4. And itll be plastered everywhere. 2 years is my timeline to get started. Could have had it done by now, but always keep finding aesthetic add ons. And my Magnum is still going strong. It'll be swapped when the time is right.
Heck, my buddy just got a complete 6.0 vortec top to bottom that needs a minor rebuild for $100. It's really just a matter of finding the right stuff at the right time.
Record Breaker
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,852
Likes: 109
From: Va
Do you remember the post from robertmee https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ert-build.html
Was swapping the early (87-90) front for a 94? Well everyone told him easy swap. But in reality none of the people offering this advise had done it. They were going off of what they think, or had read.
Turns out the frame had to be boxed on the truck to accept the new core support.
The point im trying to make is, until someone actually does the conversion, we really dont KNOW how hard or easy its going to be.
Was swapping the early (87-90) front for a 94? Well everyone told him easy swap. But in reality none of the people offering this advise had done it. They were going off of what they think, or had read.
Turns out the frame had to be boxed on the truck to accept the new core support.
The point im trying to make is, until someone actually does the conversion, we really dont KNOW how hard or easy its going to be.