QuestionI have a 1988 Dodge Dakota and want to take the v-6 out and replace with a v-8. Will the bell housing from the v-6 fit a 318 or even a 360. How much work am I getting myself into.
AnswerI am not sure about the bellhousings; but you can find out two rather easy ways......
1-check with chrysler parts department and see if the two have the same part number; sometimes though, mfg may change a part slightly, but it will still interchange. (the key here is to find a "good" partsman) Finding one that is also a "hotrodder" is like finding gold in your case.
2- go to the local "salvage" yard.....most of them are linked by computer now and have software programs that will tell you what will fit what, and where it is at. This can go a long way in preventing you from making costly buying mistakes
NOW..............if I were going to make this swap, I would have to look at it several ways. if I just wanted more pulling power and fuel economy, I would go with the 318. BUT..............if performance is what you want then go with a "crate motor" and an auto transmission. A good MOPAR crate motor can be had for around 4500.00 complete, depending on where you shop. comes with a warranty, and is brand new everything......if the dealership scares you in this, then go to the Jeg's or Summit Racing catologs......
and finally yes it is a lot of work.............but plan yor work and work your plan.....I remember once years ago when I was rebuilding a '64 chevy for my wife that I had a nice 2-door Impala that needed a drive train....so I started searching for a running driving "donor" In the mean time I started collecting everything that I knew I would need (including the small stuff) NOTHING IS MORE AGGRAVATING THAN GOING TO THE PARTS STORE FOR A $2.00 ITEM THAT YOU HAVE JUST GOT TO HAVE......so go ahead and buy everything you need up front...belts, hoses, wires, etc.
When I finally located the donor vehicle, I parked them side by side, rented a hoist, and went to work....start to finish (driving out the driveway) was 10 hours. The only thing not complete was the exhaust because I added headers and they exited behind the front wheel so a trip to the local muffler shop was in line for the next day. Incidently, riding to the mufler shop with open headers, forced me to take the "long route" LOVE those open header motors !!!!!!
Anyway, it is a considerable amount of work, but the results will be well worth it. keep me posted at millec1@bellsouth.net
