3.9 Liter V6 Swap

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JGC403

JGC403

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I remember reading about someone trying to do a V6 swap. Of course I can't find it now. If anyone can post a link I would appreciate it.
 
I posted one i was thinking bout it got alot of helpful info in it . I cant find it now ... that was years ago
 
I had a new v6 Dakota back in '96 . I wouldn't bother with the headache of doing such a swap. Was never impressed with the power,reliability,or mpg of the 3.9. Just my 2c
 
I'm afraid I can't help you in the area of posting links but I can say DO IT!!! I was totally impressed with the power of the 3.9L in my dad's Dakota and my brother's too. It all depends upon gearing, my brother's 4x4 was way livelier than my dad's 2wd, which is why overdrive is a must.
 
Dart_Doctor said:
I posted one i was thinking bout it got alot of helpful info in it . I cant find it now ... that was years ago
Click to expand...

The only problem I would foresee is the oil pan. Everything else is basically a 318. Did you come up with a solution for the problem?
 
No i never got to it . It was just an ideal i had . The whole ideal never got off the ground . Sorry i cant help you more . But if you do do this ..... 92 TO 95 3.9 I have found got the better of the stuff . I got 25 mpg outta my old trucks . and good power (just enough to be fun )
 

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I don't know if he is a member here. I see it every year at Mopars at the strip. Early A with the 3.9 V6. He drives it from California to Vegas. Looks like a very neet job..
I too have thoughts about such a swap. I've been looking for the Mopar Performance 4 bbl intake that was discontinued mid 90's at swap meets. That might strike a spark...
 
Read up first. I read that the Magnum V-6 was a temporary solution because a V-8 didn't fit in the first Dakotas. It was basically the Magnum V-8 with 2 cylinders chopped off. The bank angle was not ideal for a V-6 so it had vibration issues. It only lasted ~3 yrs. They squeezed a V-8 into the Dakota and the excess V-6's were used up in Ram Vans and such. I recall this is on the AllPar site.

The 3.8L V-6 in my 2002 minivan looks like it might be a descendant of the LA engines, having pushrods and such, but an optimal bank angle. However, I never heard of a RWD version, so probably no bolt-up tranny. What might be neat is a 2.5L 4 cyl turbo. Someone said there was a RWD version. People run 12's in a minivan, so think what it would do in a Dart.
 
The 3.9Liter was around for a couple years. First couple years it was based on a LA 318. The 3.9 LA all had roller cams also. Then it stuck around for a couple of years as a 3.9 Liter Magnum.

I got 25mpg on the highway in a '89 Dakota (LA 3.9) with a Standard cab, short bed, 5 speed manual.
 
3.9l is essentially a 318. they built the v6 with LA parts and modified crank and block from the LA> So this means the tranny portion of the swap will be easy.

exhaust, oil pan, motor mounts would be the obstacles.

Should be a very easy swap for someone with any sort of skill.
 
Don't bother, they have the fuel economy of a v8 with the power of a 4cyl. After the math was done, your better off with a 2.4 SRT swap. Or a mag 360.
 
1988-2003 at least quite a bit more than "a few" years.

My 1993 could barely get out of it's own way.
My mom's 92 was a bit peppier.
She now has an 03 QC. About the same as the 92. OK but certainly no illusion of performance at all.

All got 18 MPG max.
 
I believe the person that did the swap had it in a white wagon that got smashed up, don't remember the fellas name though

personally I wouldn't do the swap I have 3.9's and they have the worst fuel economy to power I've seen yet for dodge
 
Here's my 2cents.

A fuel injected v-6 May not appeal to anyone or just a few. In my case I'm looking for a fuel injected turn key engine for the 66 cuda that currently has a slant. Now when pricing a /6 build with ford rods, turning the crank offset and turbo 2.2 pistons and major head work just for 275hp... now what a v-8 swap? But want to different and can t afford a new hemi? An older v-6 from a Dakota is look... but how about a v-6 and trans from a new wrecked #gather? Fuel injected, 5 speed auto or stick. God knows we don't need to see another 360 with a performer intake, black mopar valve covers and a matching Tony air cleaner. If that is your ride cool, but not everyone wants to be the same. Hot ridding has allways been about pushing the envelope and being different. Ok, off my soap box. :)
 
I like the idea. It would make a great cruiser! 25mpg and enough pep to turn the tires with ease!
 
66plyValiant said:
I believe the person that did the swap had it in a white wagon that got smashed up, don't remember the fellas name though

personally I wouldn't do the swap I have 3.9's and they have the worst fuel economy to power I've seen yet for dodge
Click to expand...
year ?
 
I always thought it would make a good cruiser. I bought a 92 Ram at gov auction after the tornado of 4-8-98 that destroyed all my vehicles. It had V-6 auto with short bed. I used it in my excavating business until I ran across a 2001 2500 with Cummins 5 speed. I let my buddy have the 92 and he has driven it every day since. Odometer has been broken since right after he got it from me so no telling how many miles it has on it now. I would guess well over 200,000 mi. I drove it today and still runs great with good power. Milage around 17-18 mpg. I say go for the swap!
 
The wagon you guys are talking about was a 66 dart wagon that was stolen and wrecked from a member on here. 64dartgt or something like that.
 
I Have a 92 DAkota with the MAgnum 3.9 with over 250K and the valve covers have never been off . The best I EVER got was 18 mpg in a high state of tune.
 
Well it must be sea levle or some thing lol Cuz ever one ive talked to In okl thats a had one pulled 25 outta them .
 
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