dakota 5.9 starter swap to 72 duster

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440randy

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Dont like the size and noise of the stock starters for old school 360s .So going to buy new dakota 5.9L starter from rock auto.What is the best dakota year starter to use.And your experiences with this swap to 1972 duster with old school 360.I am also going to use dakota 5.9L exsaust manifolds as any high flow 340 or 360 original manifolds used cost way to much for the same results when not staying all stock.
 
The one in my (wife's) Duster is out of a 97 Dakota.

Part Number
56027702AC


Mini-Starter Solenoid Broken Terminal 02.jpg
 
I used a '96.
But, a heads up: Some blocks need a bit of clearancing to fit the later starter- there's a lug on the block (used for manufacturing purposes, doesn't mean a thing functionally) right behind where the starter mounts that you may need to hit with a grinder to get the mini starters to seat properly. Test fit it and it'll be obvious.

Personally, I kinda like the "Chrysler Whine" of the old starters- part of the Mopar character... but there's just no denying the added torque of the Densos.

As far as the Magnum manifolds go, just be aware that there could be issues if you've got power steering.
 
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Dakota wasn't the only option, mine came from a Van in a junk yard. Works great. Look for the harness to the starter too.

Are you sure the Dakota manifolds will work? I know folks have tried the short headers from a Dakota and they didn't work.
 
Dakota wasn't the only option, mine came from a Van in a junk yard. Works great. Look for the harness to the starter too.

Are you sure the Dakota manifolds will work? I know folks have tried the short headers from a Dakota and they didn't work.

This is good info, because if you grab the entire harness (cable's that go from the Starter to the Battery & to the starter relay) it'll have a nice molded connection on the starter side that will address the clearance issue that people have trying to mount conventional lug type connections on the top of the starter.
 
Dont like the size and noise of the stock starters for old school 360s .So going to buy new dakota 5.9L starter from rock auto.What is the best dakota year starter to use.And your experiences with this swap to 1972 duster with old school 360.I am also going to use dakota 5.9L exsaust manifolds as any high flow 340 or 360 original manifolds used cost way to much for the same results when not staying all stock.
This is what I got. Makes my 318 want to jump out of the engine compartment.
Steve
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KGID3MI/?tag=fabo03-20
 
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