>I can't imagine that I am the only one who has read this. Now to the real
>stuff...Was there a V-8 option in the 89 model year? I am thinking about a
>swap but need to stay legal in california, I think I read somewhere that as
>long as the motor was offered in that year you were good to go. Is this
>correct?
I think you're correct - IF you want to use the exact same engine configuration.
But of course, if you're going to drop in a V8, with the attendant changes,
it would only make sense to go with a Magnum...
That being the case, Kalifornia does, I believe, have provisions for special
"experimental" cars, that allow you to drop in a new drivetrain. I think
you have to use the latest version of the engine class under consideration --
meaning a '97 -- and you must use all the emissions control equipment the
factory uses for that model year [I think you could add a MP SBEC, as long as
it has '97 certification].
Bottom line - it's going to be expensive. I think you could use a custom
exhaust, as long as you use headers with two O2 sensors, and a certified
catalytic. And I'm sure the wiring harness changes will be EXTENSIVE.
You will also face some of the problems Carroll Shelby did with the S.D. -
front-to-rear engine bay clearance. The Magnum Dakotas have an extra 3 inches
thanks to the pointed noses. I would leave the fan off your Magnum long
block, and use pusher electric fans ahead of the radiator (damn little
room there though). I don't think you'll have to move the motor mounts --
the V6 was derived from the 318, and I think uses the same mounts -- but
you'll want to get on good terms with a dealer, and crawl under a few
different configurations and compare the spacing between engine mounts and
the various crossmembers in the frame ['96 V8 models probably your best bet,
but make sure a '97 block uses the same mounts] with your truck.
Good luck, and 1) Take lots of photos; 2) Write us and tell us about it!
Jim
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes." -- Proust
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