It is an AMC OHV I4 engine based off of the AMC 4.0L I6. Up to my knowledge, they never offered a Mitsubishi engine in the Dakota. The 2.2L/2.5L SOHC offered previously were Chrysler engines. The "Ram D50" is the only "Dodge" truck that offers a Mitsubishi engine because the whole truck was made by Mitsubishi (being a rebadged Radier).

 

I can't imagine, that a V8 engine would match into your V4 Dakota without any trouble. I guess it would be cheaper to look out for another Dodge Dakota instead of putting a V8 into your V4 Dakota.

But I have an idea :[:-]

Change your Dakota into one of a kind -> put the SRT-4 2,4L bi-turbo eingine into it
Either way, that would takes a lot of modifications, too. But no one tried it before....maybe the reason is that the SRT-4 is a FWD engine - or doesn't that fact matter? I'm no mechanic, but I would prefer a turbocharged V4 engine in your case.

Seriously, you might couldn't pull something so easily like you can do it with a V8 but you would be the first owner of a Dodge Dakota SRT-4

 

Neat idea but........... Theres no replacement for displacement.

 

The 2.5 is a stoked version of the Chrysler 2.2. An engine swap really isn't worth doing. It's MUCH cheaper and easier to sell the truck and buy a V-8 one.

If however, you want the mileage and the performance, there is PLENTY of info out there on turbocharging. You can easliy biuld a 300 hp turbo 2.5, but be warned - IT AIN'T CHEAP - not to do it right at least!. There are also several high hp 16 valve 2.2 (Spirit R/T) cars out there - some making 500+ hp. Problem for them is not spinning the tires at 90 with street slicks - damn FWD! Of course, you'll run into having to upgrade/replace your transmission, most of you engine guts, fuel system, exhaust - not to mention re-wiring to run the turbo computer, etc., etc., etc. Figure on spending 10 grand. I've EASILY got $8,500 in my Spirit (275 hp intercooled 2.5 turbo - check my website for more info) so I can attest to the cost.

Good luck!

 

Since I'm new, but know a little, the early Daks got the 2.2/2.5 just like the FWD cars, except, the RWD blocks were drilled for motor mounts. And the RWD cranks were drilled for pilot bushings.

I'm not sure what year, but probably 1994, the Chrysler 2.2/2.5 motor was phased out completely, including the FWD cars. SO certainly, the 95 and newer 2.5s were the AMC designed motor, same as the Jeeps got.

Anyone notice how quietly the 2.5 AMC motor disappeared and the 2.4 has been installed in the Jeeps?