Matt Beazer <teseract@enchantedbookstore.com> wrote:
[...]
> I have an opportunity to buy a '89 Dakota V6 4x4 long bed with 120k on
> it from a co-worker who needs something "bigger". I've done a lot of
> research and I know that the pre-91 Dakotas had some suspension
> differences, and a slightly different 4wd and suspension setup. I also
> know the '89 V6 was a little weak at 125hp and 195ft/lb, but the Magnum
> engines in '92 made 175hp and 225ft/lb, and also had multipoint
> injection and other improvements. There was no extended cab in '89, so
> it would be a little tight if I had to transport my 2 kids in it too in
> a squeeze. Is there anything else that would make want to re-consider
> the '89 vs finding something 92-up? How about just looking for a 318
> equipped Dakota? My commute is only 3 miles each way, so fuel economy
> isn't a huge problem as long as it's around 14mpg+ or so city.
You've gotten some good advice already, I'll throw in my $.02 as
well...
The '89 you are looking at may be a good option, but it depends on
the price. 120k is "high mileage" from an absolute standpoint, but
when you consider that the truck is 20 years old, its not that bad on
a year by year basis. It really depends on the price. You didn't
mention what you were thinking of paying for it; if its cheap and it
seems well maintained, then it may work for what you need. Check your
local classifieds, Craigslist, etc. to see if you can come up with
some sort of value for your area. I wouldn't be surprised if the
prices for a decent plain jane Dak from that era were in the $1-2K
range.
The "premaggers" are definitely down on power; the Magnum V6 is
rated the same as the premag V8, so you can probably guess what sort
of power the premag V6 is packing. :-) I have a '90 Dakota with the
premag V6, and it is OK, but that truck is a 2wd, short bed, 5 speed.
(i.e. light, minimal drivetrain losses, and I can wind it out) The
same motor in front of a 4x4 auto may leave you wishing for more.
However, its not like the premag V6 can't pull itself up a hill or
anything like that; for normal driving its just fine, but you will
quickly notice its limitations when towing or loading up the bed.
It also depends on your future plans. If you are going to use it
the way you are currently saying you will, then you will probably be
fine with any year/engine combo. If you need more power for towing,
hauling, or just to satisfy a lead foot, then you'll be happier
starting with the Magnum V8. A Magnum powertrain certainly can be
swapped in an older truck, but keep in mind that this would require
not only the new engine, but a trans and possibly the transfer case
and rear end as well, not to mention the wiring harness. At that
point, you're better off starting with a Magnum truck...
Regarding power adders for the premag V6 (headers, cam, etc.) I
tend to agree with the other posters that its not a great value. I
can see doing those same upgrades to a Magnum V8, but from a
cost/benefit standpoint, I don't think its going to be worthwhile to
make incremental changes like that on the premag V6. The amount you'd
spend to add the usual power upgrades to a premag V6 will certainly be
more than the cost to swap in a Magnum V8, and your final power output
with the hopped up V6 still will not approach the stock Magnum V8.
As far as the changes from premag to magnum go, I have heard of
people "magnumizing" a premag V8, so I assume the same could be done
to a V6. (But again, compare the cost/benefit to a V8 swap.) The
heads are definitely where most of the added power comes from, though
the valvetrain was changed as well (I believe the Magnum oils through
the pushrods to stud mounted rockers as opposed to through the head to
shaft mounted rockers on the premag). The Magnum intake and exhaust
manifolds are improved as well. The most noticable external change
was the shift from a TBI throttle body to an MPI fuel injection
system. (This doesn't necessarily affect max power, but could improve
efficiency and drivability.)
Based on what I have read in your message, if the '89 is a great
deal and you can live with it as-is, then I think it will work just
fine for you. However, if you need more towing/hauling capability, or
want to off-road or simply anticipate a lust for power, I think you'd
be better off looking for a V8 Magnum.
I hope that helps!
--
-Jon-
.- Jon Steiger -- jon@dakota-truck.net or jon@jonsteiger.com -.
| '96 Kolb Firefly, '96 Suzuki Intruder, Miscellaneous Mopars |
`-------------------------------- http://www.jonsteiger.com --'
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