Trucks running

[bfarroo]

Got the dakota running tonight. I was surprised it fired right up after converting the wiring to SMEC. I need to clean up the wiring and vacuum lines but all in all it wasn't to bad of a job.



more pics at ExtremePSI - Some of us even own Turbo Dodges! :: Dakota

with a few parts for the future plans for the dakota

Benji

[90 c/s]

That looks sweet man. Just curious, what does the average 4cyl dakota weigh?

[BradleyMiller]

If memory serves me right, my 1991 Dakota, no AC, no radio, with the 2.5L came in at 3060 lbs.

[bfarroo]

I would immagine it's all of that if not more. I'll have to weigh it some time and see.

Benji

[derek502]

what were some of the big issues you ran into? I see the swingvalve and downpipe are different. Which tranny are you using? What is the adapter plate in picture #1 used for?

[bfarroo]

I really didn't run into to much trouble. Just a few time consuming issues and some things that are going to have to be reworked like the fuel lines, turbo plumbing, wiring and vacuum lines. I ended up fabing up a swing valve and downpipe since the stock one would send the exhaust right into the upper control arm. The adapter is going to be used for a 904 conversion some time in the future. still need to find a trans and decide on a lockup or nonlockup. I'm planning on redoing the truck, possibly over the winter. Probably do a mild build on the motor, maybe in the 250hp area. Enough to use it as a tow vehicle and not have to work to hard. I'm sure that will be fairly easy with a larger turbo, custom exhaust and intake manifolds, and larger injectors. The trans in there now is the stock AX15 which should be fairly strong since it was used behind the v6 trucks also. It will get my by for now. it only too me two weeks of nights a weekends to convert the truck over.

Benji

[Martin]

What did you do to the exhaust manifold? Do you have any pictures of it?

[big_P]

I thought the turbo 4's didn't have the correct bellhousing for this kind of swap?

[bfarroo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_P I thought the turbo 4's didn't have the correct bellhousing for this kind of swap?

the ax15 was the stock trans in 94 and 95 in the dakotas with a 4 and 6 cylinder, just different bellhousings, as for the 904 see pic 1 in in the above link.

The exhaust manifold is the stock piece, the turbo is very tight against the firewall and will require a 90 off the inlet to get a filter on it. That's why I had to weld up the makeshift downpipe off the turbo to get it to clear. Other than that it wasn't to difficult. Once I get home from Nebraska I'll be able to finish a few other odds and ends up on it and put some miles on it.

[Martin]

Didn't think the turbo would even clear the firewall with the stock turbo manifold. I have been contemplating a turbo swap into my dakota for awile now and was thinking of mounting the turbo upside down on a modified FWD TBI manifold. That way the intake and exaust would be pointing in the correct directions. Your way works also and is easier.

[bfarroo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Didn't think the turbo would even clear the firewall with the stock turbo manifold. I have been contemplating a turbo swap into my dakota for awile now and was thinking of mounting the turbo upside down on a modified FWD TBI manifold. That way the intake and exaust would be pointing in the correct directions. Your way works also and is easier.

The truck currently has a mitsu turbo so it's pretty small, I'm not sure how much the larger garrett would move it but it's tight. I ordered some 90 degree elbows to get the filter on there. I'm going to build a log manifold for the new motor this winter. That was I can put the turbo where ever I want it.

Benji

[moparfwdsleeper]

WOW that is impressive looking. Awesome choice on project. Cant wait to read its finished and see the final product!

[bfarroo]

I'm thinking it's going to be an on going project for a while. I've needed a truck for a while and have been looking for a 2.5 dakota for the last few years with little results in the 300 mile range i've been looking. Finally found this one with a blown motor and figured it was a good starting point. Took it out for another ride today. The idle is still surging on it so I'm going to clean the TB and if that doesn't fix it, set the idle. The speedometer isn't working so I'm going to have to look into that. And there's that slight miss every once in a while that needs to be fixed. Then just the little odds and ends to make it reliable for now like fuel filter, trans and rear end oil, grease joints and what not.

Benji