Actually I'm a student in MechE @ UCI. So I have a little know how also mix that with a couple friends who are master techs and I'm pretty sure I'm capable of completing this task. I just wanted to get the specifics to go into this project with all foresights possible. I DO however agree with it is an insult,trust me I'm a huge dodge fan I was raised this way. I currently have a DODGE Srt-4.but their is a time when economics outway favortism which is present in my case. I would Describe myself as Poor College student who works 2 days a week. Their is only one option: putting a diesel into the Dakota. Why? This 2nd gen Dodge Truck has the most timeless design ive ever seen in a truck, honestly this truck will never look old. So i think improving the truck to if you will "evolve" with its time is a justifiable way of keeping this car "Fresh" . By the way i have found out that i will be changing the transmission out into either a 700r4 if i want to go the Automatic route or a nv 3500/4500 for a manual. It will actually be cheaper to get a new transmission and transfer case than to use an adapter,not to mention potentially more reliable. I will Do an extensive Right up on everything :school permitting:

Plans
Truck:1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4
Engine:GM 6.2 Diesel Twin Turbo
Drive train:700r4 or NV3500/4500 w/misc transfer case
Wheels:Stock w/33X12.5 r15


Get Ready For a beast. My goal is to look Stock as possible in some areas and not in others. Ill post Details of the legalities i will go through In Cali-Fornia to get this on the road. I might also test the emissions of this a speculate and test ways to decrease emissions and increase performance. Maybe I can get my hands on a Blutech Catalyst off the new tier diesels. Well See

 

I dont really know why you want to do this to an already great truck anyway. My 98 has heads, intake, cam, am computer, headers and exhaust, and as far as pulling i can pull anything the tires will hold. On the interstate i have hauled very heavy loads for long distances and minus having to kick it out of OD it does great. As far as fuel economy... by the time you get all that done i will almost garuntee you will have wiring issues. Wiring issues usually lead to a lot of problems but most of all IF it runs you will get horrible fuel economy and not even close to the type of power you were looking for. I admire your ambition... but do a little to your 318 and it will run forever. Just friendly advice. Hope everything works out for ya.

 

last i heard, you cannot get that truck liscensed in cali with a non-dodge engine swap.
a ctd would be legal, gm not so much

 

thats a heavy motor for stock suspension...........

 

IIRC its only 113 lbs more than the 318. It does require 2 batteries though

 

take this advice from a diesel owner get a 4bt cummins there not all that hevier then a v8 and youl get great milage and exeptional power gm and ford diesel suck as far as running it on straight veggie your going to have to start it on diesel and shut it off on diesel theres a bit of work doing that kind of conversion on your fuel supply system i would just swap to the 4bt and run normal diesel for a while see what kinda of milage you get should be at least 25mpg or more

 

id say go for it....but what i would do as far as wiring it up.....just tear out the cluster and build one from autometer.....then engine sounds good, but yuo better put some sick *** mods on that to build up clost to 1k tq. if you dont then u waste tme/money.....getting it street legal????idk just check with ur state codes....and neghiboring states too.......sounds like a cool thing that has NEVER been doen to a dak....good luck

 

Sorry man i would have to vote you down on this mod. i would highly consider not doing this mod. But in the whole scheme of things it not my truck or my money good luck.

I know that johnnymagnum posted the forum link but i would deffinately consider this if i kinda new a litlle bit about where you can find these engines and some sites to where some kits might be. thanks i will also look on that forum.

 

if you're a poor college kid, then why are you even doing this swap? im in college and i'm not rolling in $$ either, thats why im sticking with my 3.9 v6. i wanted to put in the cummins in mine but i walked away from that idea. then i was thinking of doing what varsis did, and threw in the 5.9 v8, will bolt up to my 42 re, its already worked, so i wouldnt doubt it that it can handle the extra torque.

 

ya, my 4bt build is at almost 5k already, swaps arent cheap.....