Engine swap on 1989 Dodge Dakota 3.9L

Asked by Joshua Feb 19, 2019 at 12:12 PM about the 1989 Dodge Dakota 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My transmission was recently rebuilt. Is there a V8 that can
utilize the existing transmission? Looking to do away with
the V6 3.9l

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Gary answered 5 years ago

Any time you are installing a different size engine, there will be all kinds of problems. Starting with the motor mounts, exhaust system, Engine Control module, wiring harness, emissions, transmission, etc, etc, etc. This will be an expensive project.

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Blue answered 5 years ago

If you have the A535 (AX500) transmission, that will not last long with a V8. If you upgrade to the Magnum 318 V8 they bolt right up (same motor mounts as your 239 V6 - Basically same engine with 2 extra cylinders). You would need to upgrade to the NV2500 transmission which is good for 300 bhp

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