LS swap in a 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T

The swap that has Mopar guys pissed.

About a year ago, we ran across a 1999 Dakota R/T with bushing and ball joint problems, and picked it up from the auction for $2000. It turned out, it also had cracked heads, which is a common problem for the 5.9 Magnum engine. Initially, we intended to use a 408 block, new heads and a Kenne Bell blower to give this truck 400 or so HP.

Out came the engine:

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps800facdc.jpg


http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...psbcbb121d.jpg

Using a foam mock-up block and wood plates, we developed adapter plates to fit the LY6 engine into the engine bay:

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps97a5d7a5.jpg

And the engine dropped in nicely

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...psd362fa60.jpg


http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...psf6fa9b41.jpg

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps69f6e8c7.jpg

The 6L90 transmission was located with a welded spacer:

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps42815188.jpg


A 5 inch aluminum driveshaft and rear disc brake conversion completed the project

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps009e5a9e.jpg

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4b29f6e4.jpg

And finally


http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps65e76e05.jpg

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9a7166f3.jpg

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1ee29192.jpg

Video of the LS motor going in:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9RAO8TpLBY

never seen a ls swap on these trucks nicely done

Another dodge ram ls swap here maybe he will chime in!

excellent build,

Way to go, that's really stepping outside the box! Great job.

Thanks. Now I am looking at all of the extra space on the passenger side, and thinking maybe turbo? 650-700 hp should be attainable.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by casias

Thanks. Now I am looking at all of the extra space on the passenger side, and thinking maybe turbo? 650-700 hp should be attainable.

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That would be sick I am certain you can ruin a lot of guys day as is with a turbo it should get embarrassing fast.

BLASPHEMY !!!!Who in their right might would do this??

Nice job BTW

Do you plan to run it down the 1/4 mile?:beerchug:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ls1ram

BLASPHEMY !!!!Who in their right might would do this??

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Man, you aren't kidding.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ls1ram

Nice job BTW

Do you plan to run it down the 1/4 mile?:beerchug:

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Depends. Drag racing wasn't my plan for this truck. But i will probably do test and tune night. It is going on the dyno in a couple of weeks.

[QUOTE=casias;505663]The swap that has Mopar guys pissed.

About a year ago, we ran across a 1999 Dakota R/T with bushing and ball joint problems, and picked it up from the auction for $2000. It turned out, it also had cracked heads, which is a common problem for the 5.9 Magnum engine. Initially, we intended to use a 408 block, new heads and a Kenne Bell blower to give this truck 400 or so HP.

Out came the engine:

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps800facdc.jpg


http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...psbcbb121d.jpg

Using a foam mock-up block and wood plates, we developed adapter plates to fit the LY6 engine into the engine bay:

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps97a5d7a5.jpg

And the engine dropped in nicely

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...psd362fa60.jpg


http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...psf6fa9b41.jpg

http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...ps69f6e8c7.jpg

Hey Scott it looks like you didn't even clearance the cross member and that's a stock pan!