sb magnum swap to dart??

[goodoleboy]

hi all , checked out my motors finally for my 69 dart and there in sad shape, so my friend(he buys totalled vehicles) suggested i buy a wrecked dakota so i need some input here,,, which motor is more powerfull from 92 up or 91 down? what year did they start putting the 360 s (5.9) in dakotas? what year did they start using fuelinjection? is there any swap issues to be aware of? I am also thinking of putting the 4 speed auto that comes with it in this dart, any swap issues here? I think i also well go with the fuelinjection and cpu, as another bud of mine just did a 350 tb and cpu swap to his 70 chev (i know im swearing ,sorry) with no probs.and a great increase in power, where would a guy get wiring schematics for the cpu for a 318 or 360(to get rid of unnessary wires) ? i am feeling that this would be a very viable project and worth the time instead of spending the cash on my tried old 318s, any input on this would be appreciated , oh and i am not worried about exhaust issuees as i plan on putting on headers with the sensors in the collectors , thanx guys

[MJD]

First time I've seen a post from another local. The swap you are planning should work great no matter which year of motor you use. Keep us posted if you go ahead, I've thought about the same swap but have no time at present.

As for your wiring question, there is a one-man company in Saskatoon that specializes in EFI swaps. Can't think of his name, but ask around at the track (SIR) and someone will know it.

FYI
Mark

[goodoleboy]

yes i have heard of him also and i am planning to go ahed just need some questions answered to figure waht year to buy

[69Dodgedart360]

a buddy of mine has a 68 valiant 4 door with a blue pass. rear door and a 318 out of a 96 dakota. with headers and a 750 speed demon and 3.55's with the overdrive, the car will run 13.0's @ 105-107 mph all the time. and it's his daily driver, excellent on gas and such.
the magnums are awesome engines. i wanna do it to a cuda for a speed racin' car.

[Chuck'64]

The engine swap should go without any problems the 4 speed trans will be more difficult since it requires major modifications to the transmission hump.
I would also go with the earlyest year with the trans so it isn't computer controlled.
Chuck

[CrazyMoparGirl]

5.9L (360) didnt show up in Dakota's till 98. They first appeared in the R/T's. A 360 out of a ram will work also. I believe the 5.2 were Magnums from 92 up and 360's were magnums from 93 and up. As a reference, the Magnum heads have been know to make up to 50hp more than the stock pre-magnum heads on a pre-magnum shortblock. The 99 5.2 (I got one in my Dak) makes 230 hp. as compared to a gross 230 back in the day. They are rated at the same hp just the newer style takes in account all the acessories. So yes they do make more power. I always like the idea of this swap. Since if it is done with all the current acces, you will be able to get a Vortech for a Dak and should be able to bolt it up MOL. As long as the PCM is swapped and the car is converted to EFI. A lot of work. I believe I am close on the years, but the best thing would be go to a dealer and buy the Mopar Performance Magnum Engines book. I have it and just need to dig it out.

[rumblefish360]

CrazyMoparGirl; Well posted. In addition for goodoleboy, the fuel pump needs to be upgraded due to the fuel injection. They run at different pressures. Mounting the computer & running the wires shouldn't be to hard. Just make sure you know and label each and every wire before you remove it for installation.
The trans tunnel needs a big hammer. If the tranny is computer controlled, the comp. is a must. Or a swap to an early trans.
Tranny mount may be an issue.

[goodoleboy]

okay so when were talking big hammer to the trans tunnel just how big a hammer u talking? is the 4 speed auto that much bigger? u guys talking the front or rear of tunnel? inches difference anyone? is the computer controlled trans real bad, or is the non computer one just so much better? thanx

[CrazyMoparGirl]

If memeory serves, cutting and welding is required on the tranny tunnel. Overdrive will be nice for crusing so I would do it as a package deal. JMHO

[Bill55AZ]

96 and back, the computer has very little control over the trans, just sends an enable signal for overdrive to come in and that can be bypassed with a switch. If your car had a small block to start with, the new engine should drop right in. if you put in a 360, the driver side motor mount, the cushion part, is different. Keep all the accessories from the new engine as is, with serpentine belt drive. You will definitely need a high pressure fuel pump mounted back by the gas tank. does your car have air conditioning? if so, you will need a pro to make up adapter hoses and such. if you change your mind and decide to stick with pre-magnum engine, go with 89 to 91 for the latest updates in design. they made a lot of changes near the end of that engine's run, and carried most of the ideas over to the new engine.

[goodoleboy]

yes the dart has a small block v8 in it now, and no it does not have air. I am also toying with the idea of cooling with electric fans since this should have no bearing on the cpu, but create extra ponies. when u said 230 hp with accesories , what would the motor be putting out with headers, and minimal acccccessories , and what exactly did u mean by accecories? also how much difference in power is there between the 88 to 91 compared to the 92 and up 5.2? thanx again

[CrazyMoparGirl]

I believe they rate the power wiith all the accessories on it, the complete sepetine belt. Where as the older style was rated with just the water pump running. Not sure on the 91 but maybe about 220hp?

[Bill55AZ]

Headers may not be needed, just dual pipes and free flowing mufflers. The exhuast manifolds on the magnum engine are very good as stock manifolds go. Of course, if you go with a bigger cam, and intake system, then headers would be a good idea.

[goodoleboy]

well not be going with bigger intake , but possibly bigger cam , want to keep it injected.

[rumblefish360]

MoPar has the Magnum R/T kit to make 300 hp from the engine.
Cutting and welding is the best way to install the O/D trans. The rear of the tranny is fat.
When I said big hammer, it was in ref. to a BIG hammer. I guess when you have the two side by side you'll see what I mean.

[Marc]

I'm doing basically the same swap, but not into an "A" body....

I picked up a low mile 1991 hydraulic roller 360 engine. I'm tearing it down, tossing in a 20-612-8 Comp cams 450/480 cam, which has provisions for a mechanical fuel pump and oil holes. I'm using 1 3/4" primary headers, two 2 1/2" into one 3" single exhaust with two three chamber 3" Flowmasters, mounted in tandem. A Mopar Performance M1 intake, an Edelbrock 600cfm carb, high volume oil pump, windage tray, double roller chain, etc... should be a good strong street engine.

The "A" body I don't know about, but when my "C" class motorhome is up and running, I'll post how it goes! My monster tach has a recall function so I can tell you what it spins to too!
LOL!

[goodoleboy]

yes u are crazy lol

[71dart666]

You might wanna consider a 4.7 out of a brand new Dakota if you can get one and are up to the task. Itll be a bit more work but 4.7s are really good motors, certianly comperable to a 5.9 Magnum. My dads got a Datoka with one. That thing really moves... 235 hp, but im sure its underrated.