Re: building my 318

From: Doug Myers (dougmyers@starpower.net)
Date: Fri Oct 05 2001 - 08:49:25 EDT


Geoff,

    The "kit" you refer to is for installing the LA style 318. Hopefully,
you are installing a Magnum 318 ('92-newer). That should bolt right in.
You'll need a wiring harness and computer from a '95 318 Dakota. KRC
Performance sells a Fel-Pro computer system that you can use with a laptop,
but its around $2700! All of your accessories, transmission, etc will bolt
right up. You may need a new fan clutch or fan assembly.
    As for mods, a small cam like the MP Magnum R/T would work. You'll lose
some bottom end, but gain midrange. What cam you get really depends on you
rear gears and tire diameter. You may be better off with the stock cam and
1.7:1 rockers for your application. At minimum you'll need a cat-back
exhaust. If you get the cam, get headers and the MP computer, too.

    Hope this helps...

Doug Myers
-------------
'99 Dakota RC/SB 5.9L/5-speed/3.92SG
K&N Gen II FIPK, Comp Cams '604 cam, Progear timing chain, MP 2-bbl MPI
intake, MP R/T heads, MP polished aluminum valve covers, ASP crank pulley,
Hughes' roller rockers, MP Headers, 3" Dynomax hi-flow cat, 3" Flowmaster,
Flowkooler water pump, Accel Supercoil, Magnecor KV-85 8.5mm Race Wires,
Melling HV oil pump, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Mike Leach PCM

""Geoff"" <geoff_fahl_1@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9pjbve$r4b$1@bent.twistedbits.net...
> Hey,
>
> I'm building a 318 to replace my 3.9L in a 95 Dak. with the A/T. I'm
> looking for a mild rebuild because I have a long drive to work. What
would
> you guys suggest to increase performance. Right now, I've got an opened
up
> exhaust from the six but what else should I do? I've been thinking cam,
> rockers and a higher stall converter. What have you guys done to your
> engines and what worked the best. I'd also like to hear(read) what was
> required to switch the 3.9 and 5.2 in these trucks. What kind of computer
> should I get for it? I'd like to get one that I can hook up to my laptop
> but it may be too expensive. Can I use the 3.9l flex plate, starter, ac
> compressor, ps pump, etc? Will the engine mounts work or will I have to
get
> different ones. I've found one company that sells a swap kit for $500 but
I
> don't really know if I need all that.
>
> http://www.engine-swaps.com/ is the site of that swap kit
>
> Any info of past experiences you guys can offer are really appreciated.
> Geoff
>
>



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