kvmac wrote:
>Subject: Re: DML: 92 Dakota 5.2L 2wd a/c 46rh 176k miles
I am in the same boat as you. I have a 92 318 2wd auto, 188k
miles. So far this
is what I have been able to find.
360 swap with a junkyard engine. I have been able to find 360s
with less than
75k miles and at least a 90 day warranty for less than $750
shipped. Similar
prices on 318s as well. With a 360 swap though you need a 360
Ram PCM, which is
around $300 new. Bigger injectors would also be a good idea, run
you another
$2-300. Everything else should drop right in.
Here in Dallas I can get a rebuilt 318 installed for $2150
w/core exchange. I
have found 1 or 2 other places that may be cheaper, I just have
not had the
chance to call for prices. 2 year warranty is standard on the
engine.
A little more price, but I have also been looking at a potential
390 stroker
buildup on the existing block. A little more expensive but gobs
more power. My
engine still runs strong, but is old and consumes oil. I think
my rings are bad
or valve seals are. Haven't had the chance to do a compression
test yet. My
biggest problem is that this is my daily driver, so I need to
minimize
downtime. I can probably do an engine swap over a weekend or
long weekend, but
getting the block machined and bored will take more time. I can
get a reman
shortblock for about $300 or so. Alternately, if I run across a
good deal on a
junkyard 318, I can put it on a stand in the garage, tear it
down and have the
block machined, then rebuild and have it ready to go when
needed. A stroker kit
will run $2000-2300, depending on where you buy it from. You
might also be able
to get some things for cheap if you look around. There is a
thread over on DTO
from a guy who built a 408 on a budget. Might help out some.
Overall, if money is the biggest concern, a junkyard 318 with
less than 75k
miles for $750 or so is the best bet. Straight swap, do it in a
weekend. I am
looking for more power in mine as things wear out, so that is
the direction I
am going. Money is still a concern, but I will pay a little
extra if the gains
are worth it.
Currently I have purchased and/or installed the following mods -
M1, ported TB,
MSD 6AL, MSD wired, Blaster SS coil, K&N filter, LSD, 4.10
gears, 1.7 rockers,
Mopar PCM.
Hehehe, you're having all the same thoughts I am! 163k on mine, and just
put a new tranny and rear in. Got too much money in her to get rid of her!
Have you checked the Mopar PCM for compatability? If I remember right, the
one for my year (94) was the same as Mopar recommended for the 360. (I'll
have to look that one up again). I'm kind of leaning towards the 360 swap
for mine. Since mine is my driver, I'm not looking for anything fancy. The
MPI M1 and a little hotter cam oughtta do it for me. :)
Brett Forehand
'94 Dakota Sport CC 5.2 Auto
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Nov 01 2004 - 10:47:43 EST