1999 dakota R/T with LY6/L90 - LSDAK1
01-23-2013, 04:15 PM
#1
1999 dakota R/T with LY6/L90 - LSDAK1 Here is the official build thread of LSDAK1.
About a year ago, we picked up a 1999 Dakota R/T with bad ball joints and bushings, and.....as it turned out, a cracked head.
Having done more than enough magnum motors over the years, we had an interest in putting an LS engine in this truck.
So a little about us. My wife and I have a small shop where we work on cars as a hobby, and some for business. We decided to video some of the project, and develop a kit, if possible, for others. At the moment, we have adapter plates available, for the motor only. We also did a video on the fuel system, and have the ability to provide a kit just like the one in LSDAK. We are not really looking to make money, but we found this motor to be everything we expected. 370 hp, 400TQ, 93 octane, 17-18 mpg. Fuel mileage might improve with 3.55 gears, and noise might be reduced at cruise.
After almost 3000 miles, and a few months driving, I am confident that this is worth doing. The HP abilities of the LS engine far outweigh anything the Magnum engine could offer up.
Most common questions: wiring and emissions.
1) Wiring: Tapping into the original distribution block under the hood provides all of the relays necessary, correctly labeled. The original Dodge computer is retained, with modification to the original harness, to provide signal for coolant, oil pressure, fuel gauge, ammeter, and speedometer. Tachometer does not work, but probably would with a dakota digital or MSD or autometer tach adapter. Don't know. Airbag module is under the dash, and operates independently of the rest of the system. Power locks, lights, all work off of chassis wiring that is independent. Don't know if ABS works because the truck stops so hard with the rear disc conversion, I can't make the rear wheels break loose or chatter.
2) Emissions. As you guys can read on this forum, LS swap cars are emissions legal provided the engine is newer than the original chassis and retains all of the emissions features for that year.
On to the project:
Day 1
Mock up motor and plywood plates
And mock up with steel plates
Mock up motor in place with steel plates
Transmission spacer
5 inch aluminum driveshaft and rear disc conversion
Finished project
LS engine dropping in and other youtube videos:
Thanks for looking.
About a year ago, we picked up a 1999 Dakota R/T with bad ball joints and bushings, and.....as it turned out, a cracked head.
Having done more than enough magnum motors over the years, we had an interest in putting an LS engine in this truck.
So a little about us. My wife and I have a small shop where we work on cars as a hobby, and some for business. We decided to video some of the project, and develop a kit, if possible, for others. At the moment, we have adapter plates available, for the motor only. We also did a video on the fuel system, and have the ability to provide a kit just like the one in LSDAK. We are not really looking to make money, but we found this motor to be everything we expected. 370 hp, 400TQ, 93 octane, 17-18 mpg. Fuel mileage might improve with 3.55 gears, and noise might be reduced at cruise.
After almost 3000 miles, and a few months driving, I am confident that this is worth doing. The HP abilities of the LS engine far outweigh anything the Magnum engine could offer up.
Most common questions: wiring and emissions.
1) Wiring: Tapping into the original distribution block under the hood provides all of the relays necessary, correctly labeled. The original Dodge computer is retained, with modification to the original harness, to provide signal for coolant, oil pressure, fuel gauge, ammeter, and speedometer. Tachometer does not work, but probably would with a dakota digital or MSD or autometer tach adapter. Don't know. Airbag module is under the dash, and operates independently of the rest of the system. Power locks, lights, all work off of chassis wiring that is independent. Don't know if ABS works because the truck stops so hard with the rear disc conversion, I can't make the rear wheels break loose or chatter.
2) Emissions. As you guys can read on this forum, LS swap cars are emissions legal provided the engine is newer than the original chassis and retains all of the emissions features for that year.
On to the project:
Day 1
Mock up motor and plywood plates
And mock up with steel plates
Mock up motor in place with steel plates
Transmission spacer
5 inch aluminum driveshaft and rear disc conversion
Finished project
LS engine dropping in and other youtube videos:
Thanks for looking.
Last edited by casias; 01-18-2014 at 08:46 AM. Reason: wrong picture
11-14-2013, 05:17 AM
#6
It gets about 18 mpg in mixed driving. I have an identical RT with a mildly built motor that gets 12 mpg. Big difference.
LY6 is 6.0 L with L92 heads. These engines are good value. The mock up block was very nice to have. Cost $400 but well worth it.
LY6 is 6.0 L with L92 heads. These engines are good value. The mock up block was very nice to have. Cost $400 but well worth it.
11-14-2013, 08:06 AM
#7
How is the rest of the truck holding up to the power? I still say if I had the time to dive into a project of this magnitude an LSx Dakota 4x4 with a turbo would be a riot.
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11-14-2013, 05:21 PM
#9
It is doing great. This truck had the 9.25 trac loc rearend, which is more than capable. The chassis could use some stiffening, but I haven't messed with it. I actually have another one of these that I want to build a stronger chassis, LS, 6 speed manual tremec and possibly independent rear suspension.
11-14-2013, 09:53 PM
#12
I can see dodge guys getting pretty upset over something like this. They probably see it like putting a vtec sticker on a mustang...
11-15-2013, 09:09 PM
#15
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11-17-2013, 10:41 AM
#18
Staging Lane
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