Big Block into a Dakota

[Wild one]

For anybody looking to stuff a 440 into a Dakota,this guy is apparently going to be building mounts to make it a bolt in.
If you're not on FB ,you're on your own to track him down

Hipotek

Hipotek. 1,143 likes · 60 talking about this. Motor vehicle company

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Hipotek​

17h ·

I know there is a modern hemi craze going on these days but I always wanted to do a big block in my 1995 Dakota. You can make a good amount of HP with the big block without breaking the bank. I have also received a lot of interest in this swap. So, I decided to make a set for myself and make a fixture from those to make more of them for sale. Instead of making a separate frame bracket extension in which to make a motor mount attach to, I decided to go the other way and go from the motor mount ears on the block back to the OEM V6/V8 frame brackets. This will also reduce the weight of the mounts. I will post when these mounts are ready for sale.

 

[Wild one]

Or put a Hellcat in it,lol

The Hellcat Dakota​

3h ·
So close but so far away! Rolled out to Rockingham Dragway last night and got 5 passes in at test and tune.
Before leaving we reset it to square one with the Caltracs and rear shock settings and made tire pressure adjustments through the night. No matter what I did last night, I couldn't get it to 60ft better than 1.64 which is quite a bit off the 1.50 I used to be able to knock off. Not sure if the sidewall on the tire is giving up and it's time for new ones or just a lack of seat time. Still a good night, with a 10.33, 10.34, 10.23, 10.35, and finishing up with a 10.14 in the video below. You can see right at the launch where either the tire slips, or it bogs, I'm not really sure.
Another test and tune next week, we'll see if there's any changes Flyin' Ryan Performance can make and try it again!
Ps I'll never put an automatic in it I'd rather drive a Yugo than do that

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

Will they be strong enough?

 

[04fxdwgi]

Only thing I see that I wonder about is no vibration insulator. A cam'd 440 would shake the fillings out of your teeth

 

[MrBonez]

I'd be more worried about things like the suspension setup and so on with it.
One thing I know already, it will tend to run warm/hot at times in such a small engine compartment for that engine BUT one positive is if the heater is hooked up and working, you won't be cold in winter driving it around.

My old 87 S10 that had a 350 stuffed in it was nice-n-toasty in colder weather - Like a sweat box.
It's heater would "Run you out of the cab" to the point it would have you rolling down the window at times, even if it was cold (Below freezing) outside and didn't help it's exhaust system kept the floorboards warm too.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Mopar stuffed big blocks into the Dodge Dart that were so tight that 440 headers had to exit thru the wheel well, as did access to the spark plugs. My arms are skinny, but still couldn't get in there.

Don't recall any engine heat problems on the '68 Dart GTS 383 (that I converted to a 440) that I had. But I did install and oversize radiator and a flex fan in it to be sure.