i know alot of people end up giving up, but im not. it might take me 10 years to finish my truck because im poor, but im going to do it if it kills me. im hoping for 12's N/A with all that stuff i just said plus some serious weight reduction.

 

Well I might still look into it. I am Not made of money but I know I can find a hemi and tranny for fairly cheap. I think it would be a fairly simple swap if I do both. Not as complicated as a engine swap only. It depends how much I can get for this, truck. It is need of a bumper, and grill. Could also use a paint job as there is rust on the body. Luckily the frame was sprayed!

 

It is admirable to be willing to take on the hard work of an engine swap.

In the best of all worlds, all the work would also result in a more valuable pickup that you could sell at a profit in the future.

Swapping in a diesel engine
might be more profitable in the long run.

Used Cummins diesel engines can be found in old school buses.

Used Catepillar and Detroit Diesel engines can be found in wrecked backhoes, large fork lifts, and small dump trucks.

When it comes to sell the modified truck after the engine swap,
there is a large population of 18 wheel truck drivers
who have strong emotional attachments
to Catepillar and Detroit Diesel engines
and they might pay to have a pickup with 'their' engine in it.

 

I don't think any of those engines would fit into a dakota. I wish but I dought it. The Hemi will but those engines are massive.

 

In Brazil there is an official Dodge factory
that builds a version of the Dakota
with a diesel engine.

If memory serves me right
it used to be a Detroit Diesel unit
but is now something else....
maybe a VM Motori
which is a Italian company 51% owned by American Roger Penske
and 49% owned by Daimler through the DD sub-division
that supplied the diesel for the Jeep Liberty:

http://www.vmmotori.it/en/01/00/01/dettaglio.jsp?id=11

In many parts of the USA
pre-1995 vehicles without OBD-II engine computers
are no longer emissions tested.

Someone could make a business out of converting
pre-1995 Dakotas to diesel
using the same official parts the Brazil factory used.

 

But this dakota is a 1997. Anyways if I were to drop in a diesel it would be a cummins turbo. But with the 5.7L could I also fit a 6.1? I am just looking at my options right now. I am putting in the transmission with it, so no big wiring job, just for the dash but I have an idea for that already.

 

I agree with Jonny, The cheapest and easiest way is to find a 5.7 Hemi Motor, Transmission, and wiring harness,if you can't find the whole truck, and do a Hemi swap..If you use a 2003 to 2005, you'll be O'K.
you can use your PDC and probably not have to change the dash wires..I have seen complete Motor and Trans, assemblies on E-bay for less than $2,000.00.you'd probably have a hard time building your motor up to get 345 hp for less than that..
When in Doubt "Put a Hemi in it"...

 

Hey I have a 5.2L magnum I' m getting ready to pull out of my 97 dakota if you are interested hit me up. I think it would be much easier. I am a newbie though so I could be wrong.I would also be willing to give up my nv4500hd, np231, rear end, and any ifs components you need.

 

I have a 99 dakota that im about to buy here shortly, Im thinking of dropping a 5.7 hemi into that and the guy ive been talking to seen as much as 25MPG on highway with the dakota cause its so light and that much power.