>If I remember correctly, a V8 was available only in the Shelby Dak. I
>don't know if this qualifies as regular production. I'd be interested in
>your or anyone elses experiences with V8 swaps in early Daks. I'm
>thinking of the same for my 87.
>
>Rich 87 SE LB 4x4 3.9 Auto
>rdab@snet.net
When I did the engine on my '87 I was toying with the idea of a 360, but as
an earlier post mentioned the fan gets in the way. The options are 1)
electric pusher fans, but you will require another temp sensor and wiring to
turn on and off the fan. 2) Put the rad just behind the grille, on the other
side of the rad support, a side tank GM will do the trick, but remember the
more power, the more heat!, also running the hoses will be a PAIN.
You'll have to check out the oil pan, make sure it clears the front table
and tie rods. You'll need Dakota V-8 exaust manifolds or headders, and make
sure they clear the steering. The motor mounts are the least of your
problems, these are the same.
In short, I put the 3.9 back in seeing as this is my daily driver. If you
do choose this route, it can be done with excellent results, expect to have
the truck off the road for a few weeks,and expect to pay a lot more than you
bugetted for.
In my opinion a magnum V-8 with a MP SBEC and a few other toys in a '93 to
'95 wouldn't cost too much more than what the modifications to the Dakota
plus what you could sell it for.
Now where is the exit to this soap box?
Michael Jass
mjass@magi.com
'87 Dakota Fastback
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