Hey guys I have a 2001 2wd v6 Dakota and was wondering if turboing the v6 or dropping in a v8 would be the best, cheaper option, and faster way to make some power for a college kid

 

V8 swap would be cheaper, make more power, and be more reliable.

 

How well does the stock transmission and rear end hold up? The trucks going to be tested from time to time xD

 

The stock auto transmissions are problematic no matter what engine is in front of them, the 5 speed would hold up fine, the Chrysler 8.25 rear is a good axle that should hold up fine behind the V8.

 

Thanks for the info so far. But the stock transmission and torque converter will bolt up no problem right? Ive read that the 360 is externally balanced on the flywheel so that the v6 trans will work no problem

 

You have to use the flexplate and torque converter for the 360 but the transmission will bolt up.

 

Okay I gotcha. And should there be a certain year engine/wiring harness and com I shoild look for or just go for the same yesr as my truck

 

On a 2001? Possibly building up the v6. Swapping in a v8 is a lot harder on a 2001 than a 97-99. The 3.9L Magnum was a carryover until 2003, however, 2000 they swapped the 5.2 with the 4.7L. You'd have to do a major conversion to use it, unless you went with a 5.9L 360. The 5.9L should be a direct drop, but keep in mind the external balance and you'll at minimum need a shift kit and some love to keep the transmission alive. Your best bet is trying to find a 2001 RT, pull the engine, trans, and Pcm. The 42RE behind the 3.9 will hold up if you're careful, but that's no fun is it? The 5.9 came with a 46RE like the Ram 1500. You'll need the same year model pcm either way.

 

If you go with the 5.2 or 5.9 you can use your v6 wiring harness and add the wires for the two injectors. For the PCM I believe it can be reflashed for a v8.