casias

iTrader: (1)

A couple of pics as we finish this project:

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

Electronics? Do the gauges and factory dash work?

casias

iTrader: (1)

Yes. All of the gauges work except the tachometer. Running the truck as a daily driver, and having the automatic trans, I really don't need it. I think an Autometer tach converter would pull the signal from the coil packs as in their write-up http://www.autometer.com/techinfo_ne...=1&pg=1&aid=10.

This signal could be inserted into the Dodge ECU where the tachometer signal comes from the original coil? I have not looked into it yet, but I believe it is possible.

DominionsCowboy

iTrader: (3)

Did you have to make custom mounts or is there a kit made for that? Im working on putting a 5.3L in a Durango and havent found anything yet on mounts.

casias

iTrader: (1)

I created CNC files from my original adapter plates, that I intend to have machined and offer for sale. We went to great lengths, and had many attempts at adapter plates to make sure the alignment of the driveline stayed true. My goal is to have them available within a few weeks? Currently I have the adapter plates, which will adapt stock dakota/durango and Ram engine mounts in their original perches with only minor modification with an angle grinder. I have the big 6l90 transmission, which required some cutting of the tunnel. The 4L-style and T56 transmissions will fit through the tunnel without trouble. I haven't mocked either up yet, so I don't have transmission mounts available, but soon.

Which transmission are you planning?





If you look close at the drivers side motor mount, you can see we had to make a new notch, outward from the original. After this fitting, we deepened both sides to lower the motor about 3/4 inch. This allowed the truck manifold to clear, and allowed a little bit better driveshaft angle.

Pro52R

iTrader: (15)

How did you wire it up? I want to do this with my 98. Some guys who did it said the wiring will be a pita...

casias

iTrader: (1)

Its not that bad. 19 connections are made using the original distribution block with all of the correctly labled relays and fuses. This is attached by a removable weather connection to the LS wiring harness. For drive by wire throttle, a wire bundle is passed through the firewall near the brake booster, to the pedal assembly. Some of the original Dodge wiring is kept, as well as the Dodge ECU, so chassis, gauges power locks, etc work correctly.

Some people are running the LS engine as a standalone 3 or 4 wire system, but I think for a few bucks more, this makes the truck function nicely.

Ranger50

I wonder how close this swap is for the previous generations....

casias

iTrader: (1)

I think that any dakota with the magnum v6 or v8 engine will have motor mounts that will adapt to the LS block using the adapter plates. As far as I know, all of the magnum engines were the same. I think the LA block has a different pattern, but I am not sure.

Ranger50

Sweet, if the idea holds water.

It would be nice to dump the 3.9 in mine for a 5.3. Maybe put in a Colorado MA5 instead of a 4L60E.

It would be nice to get it all done for under $2013 too, for the GRM Challenge deal.

DominionsCowboy

iTrader: (3)

Going with a standard 4L60 but will build it up a little. Gonna do a high 60's low 70MM turbo on the 5.3 once its in and runing.

DominionsCowboy

iTrader: (3)

So let me know if and when you get those plates made up. I would deff like a set.

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

This is a nice conversion! Cant wait to see it done Would you know the weight on the truck?

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

I'd like to see the same only with a 4L80E and 4WD .

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

Registration weight on my stock '98 R/T single cab is 3750#.

tnewton

Mine is 3640lb w/o driver. I see you went with the stock manifolds too, any idea about headers? I'm willing to get something close and make it work

casias

iTrader: (1)

I am going to order a set of shortys and try them for fit. I have access to a highly skilled welder who can probably make anything work. I usually cut and tack things in place, then let him finish it. Maybe in a month or so?

casias

iTrader: (1)

I just spent a day last week at LKQ looking at 4wd dakotas, durangos and Rams to see if the adapter plates would work on these. I think that using the stock motor mounts and perches should allow it to work in almost every application.

It will also work in grand cherokees that had the magnum engine as well.

I still need someone to plasma or water-jet the adapters for me. I can't guarantee volume at the moment, so they aren't interested.

casias

iTrader: (1)

It's done, I just haven't posted videos of it driving. It is easy to take pictures, but very hard to make performance videos.

1CAMWNDR

iTrader: (21)

Damn, a 4WD Dakota or Durango with an aluminum 5.3(6.0 LS2?), 4L80, and a turbo would be a monster. Would have to change the front and rear diffs though I bet