Hey guys, i have a 98 Dakota 5.2 Reg Cab Short Box, and i'm looking to do some mods in the future.

As of now, i just have full duals with dynomax bullets, hi flow cats, headers, stage 2 shift kit and 4:10's.I plan on building the tranny, and possibly a 2800 or 3000 stall.

As far as the engine, i'm not a fan of droppin in a 360 or really stroking the 318 to a 390 (i think) haha, but i'd like to get some better power and performance out of it.

I'm looking at building the bottom end with the stock crank, some KRC H beam rods, possibly some 10:1 pistons, some R/T 2.02 heads, hughes performance intake, KRC 210x cam, 1.7 rockers and a 52mm TB.

Do you guys think thats a good combination or would you recommend something else? what kind of HP you think? Thanks guys!

 

That sounds like a good start to me, ever think about s/c'ing it? If your going to rebuild the motor with forged internals there is no reason why you can't safely run some good psi numbers and really see some good dyno numbers.

 

eventually that's what i planned on doing, however i'm unsure if i could run that high of compression with t a super charger and still have it be reliable. any ideas if it still can be?

 

10:1 is to hi for boost.
8:5 is about the limit.

 

yeah 10:1 is too high for boost. So if you are planning on doing it any time soon do it right this time so you're ready once you want to.

 

would i not notice a difference in power between 8.5's and 10's? also does anybody make a set of timing gears for a 318 magnum? i can't find any. also a supercharger is a dream....but not a dream right now hahaha so i'm trying to stay awaqy from the supercharger and just get some decent power outta a 318

 

do you plan on rebuilding the motor with higher compression or lower if you do boost?

My best idea would be buy a 360 block. Upgrade everything as you get money, and when you do remove the 318 and drop the 360 shouldn't even need anything special. Just need to have the weights on the fly wheel.

 

will the 360 bolt right in place of the 318? also i'd probably have to get a 46re tranny as well right? i think im probably going to stick to the 10 to 1 pistons and not supercharge it for now. i know i can get a solid 325hp outta my 318 and more so looking for a well built sleeper hahaha

 

Yes a 360 will bolt right in, its the same block as your 318. I don't think you need the 46re just the wiring harness from the 360 or a similar year 360. Don't quote me on that, varsis will be able to confirm it. If you're not going to s/c it go with the 10:1 pistons. They will give you more power than the 8.5:1.

 

Probably won't even need a harness both a v8's, just just need to change the connections if you get a different year. Im running a 42re so a 44 is way better.

But yea, a 5.9 is probably worth it.