I have a 2000 Dakota sport, 2 wheel drive with a 3.9 magnum and a 5 speed tranny. The truck is a quad cab btw. There isn't anything wrong with the motor or tranny, it's been really reliable, but after all this time I've decided I want to put more power down. I get that I could buy a bigger truck, but I really like this one in particular, I just don't know what I need to do exactly. What swap is better? 5.2 or 5.9? What do I need to do it?

 

The 5.9 never came with a manual trans that I know of, but Gerko has the stuff to use a T56. I think a TR6060 may also work? But the 5.2 with 5 speed would be the easiest to swap in. You would just need to add the extra injectors to the PCM harness and get a 5.2 PCM.

Although....that's where you will run into a problem. I don't think the 5.2 was offered in 2000 because that was the first year of the 4.7

You may have to use a 5.9 auto computer for 2000 and get it flashed/tuned for manual trans.

 

I think I understand, but I've been thinking about it and I'm kinda leaning towards the 5.9
And from what you said it should actually be possible, right?

 

Only difference between the 5.2 and 5.9 is displacement. It will bolt to the NV3500 trans, but, that trans never came behind the 5.9..... NV4500 would be an option, but, it is physically bigger, and I don't know if it will fit. If you don't beat on it, the NV3500 will likely work for ya.

 

Get the 5.9, no reason not to. The NV3500 will handle it fine in a lightweight 2wd Dakota. Use a Flywheel and clutch kit for a 2500 5.9 and contact Flyin Ryan performance about tuning your ECM for a 5.9.

 

This. Your best option will be getting a 2000 5.9 PCM with your VIN flashed into it, Message Ryan ( http://www.frptuning.com/Default.asp , https://www.facebook.com/groups/flyi...scussiongroup/ ), and having him write a 5.9 manual tune for your auto PCM.

We did that with my 3.9 PCM to accept the powerglide, flashed my auto PCM to manual. I have a 5.9 PCM as well for the engine swap that we'll flash out as well.